The Creative Edge: RC Livesay Shares Beauty of Northeast Oklahoma Through Photography

For more than 30 years, photographer RC Livesay has been sharing the beauty, traditions and everyday moments that make Northeast Oklahoma feel like home, from fishing tournaments and celebrations to sunsets on the lake and visiting pelicans.  

“I migrated here from California, and Grand Lake just captured me,” Livesay said. “I’ve spent thousands of hours on it.”  

Those hours have resulted in more than four million photographs of Grand Lake.  

His work often includes wildlife like bald eagles, wood ducks and pelicans to community events. He has also documented the region's growth, including photographing the Grove Expo Center as it was being built and projects highlighting updates at Shangri-La Resort.

Before photography became his full-time passion, Livesay worked as a therapist, often helping families through difficult situations.  

“If you would’ve asked me 35 years ago if I was artistic, I wouldn’t have said I was. But the longer I did it, I found that I had a good eye.”

His love of water began in his childhood, growing up in the Midwest. Some of his favorite family memories include trips to lakes, time on the water and watching sunsets. When he and his wife, Yana, who were then living in California, started looking for a second home, Grand Lake immediately stood out. Learning they could have a dock in their backyard made the decision even easier. By 1998, the couple had moved to the lake full-time.

One of Livesay’s favorite subjects is Sailboat Bridge. He photographs it from the ground, from the water and from the air using drone photography, which he has been doing for 12 to 15 years.  

“It never looks the same way twice,” he said. “The lighting, the arches, it’s always changing.”

Livesay has spent 12 to 15 years working with drone photography, giving viewers a bird's-eye view of the water and the surrounding area.

He also enjoys photographing community events, especially the Lendonwood Fairy Festival, where children dress up and explore fairy houses and wooded paths.

“Children with fairy wings and face paint, what’s not to love?” he said.  

The festival has grown from around 100 attendees during its first year to thousands today. Organizers often use Livesay’s photographs to promote the event and encourage donations.

His photography is also displayed inside Integris Hospital, where 55 acrylic photographs were installed throughout the facility.  

“They inspired the staff and they wanted their patients to feel the same. I’m really proud of that.”

Livesay has also written two books that pair storytelling with photography. “The Secret Life of the Grand Lake Pelican” highlights the habits and seasonal patterns of the birds many visitors associate with the lake.  

“The great white pelican represents the lake,” he said. “I like to use photos to tell a story.”

His second book, “Jerry Anne’s Place,” tells the story of a woman who built her two-story home with her own two hands, largely using materials found on her property. She lived by herself on this property for more than 40 years while also running 250 head of cattle.

Whether photographing wildlife, festivals or lake scenery, Livesay continues to show off the people, places and traditions he has come to love.