Photography Tour/Workshop Guided by Hrach Hovhannisyan

Introduction In today's digital-first world, visuals play a crucial role in shaping how customers perceive your business. Whether you're selling real estate, high-end vehicles, aircraft, or products online , the images you present can make or break a sale. While smartphones and stock photos might seem like quick solutions, professional photography offers a competitive edge that can drive engagement, increase trust, and boost sales. From commercial property listings to car dealerships and aviation sales , professional images highlight details, craftsmanship, and quality in a way that resonates with potential buyers. Here’s why investing in professional photography is a game-changer for businesses in any industry. 1. Professional Photos Build Trust and Credibility When a customer lands on your website or social media, they make a judgment in seconds . If they see blurry, low-quality, or inconsistent images , they might assume the business lacks professionalism. High-quality, well-composed images immediately build trust  and encourage potential buyers to take action. 📌 How professional photography helps: Creates a polished, cohesive brand image. Makes your business look more professional and credible. Helps customers feel confident about making a purchase. A professional headshot, a sharp product image, or a well-lit car or aircraft photo can make all the difference in gaining customer confidence. 2. Stand Out in a Competitive Market In industries like real estate, automotive sales, and aviation brokerage , standing out is key. The market is saturated with businesses competing for the same buyers. Custom professional photography sets your business apart from those relying on stock images or amateur photos. 💡 Why it matters: Unique, high-quality images differentiate you from competitors. Professionally captured visuals showcase your brand’s identity and strengths. Buyers are drawn to clean, detailed, and realistic  images that give them confidence in what they’re purchasing. Think about it—if two dealerships list the same car model, but one has stunning, well-lit photos showing every detail, while the other has dark, unclear images, which listing do you think will get more attention? The same applies to aircraft sales, luxury vehicles, and real estate listings —better images attract serious buyers faster. 3. Boosts Engagement on Websites and Social Media This screenshot showcases high-engagement social media posts featuring professional landscape photography. It highlights the impact of visually striking images in attracting likes, comments, and audience interaction. Professional photography isn’t just about aesthetics—it directly affects how people interact with your brand. Studies show that high-quality visuals increase website engagement, social media interactions, and customer trust. 📊 The impact of professional photos online: Websites with high-quality images see higher engagement and longer visitor retention . Social media posts featuring professional photography receive more likes, shares, and comments . Listings for cars, real estate, and aircraft  with professional images generate more inquiries and sell faster. What about video?  While professional photography is a must, videography is also becoming a key tool in engaging customers. Video walkarounds for vehicles, aerial footage for real estate, and cinematic clips for aircraft sales can take your marketing to the next level.  (Stay tuned for a dedicated post about the power of video marketing!) 4. Increases Sales and Conversions One of the biggest reasons to invest in professional photography? It directly impacts sales.  Whether you're selling a house, a luxury car, a private jet, or an e-commerce product , buyers rely on visuals to make purchasing decisions. ✔ How photography drives sales: E-commerce & product listings  – Clear, well-lit product images increase trust and reduce returns. Real estate photography  – Professionally captured homes sell faster and often at higher prices. Car photography  – High-quality images highlight vehicle details, making listings more attractive. Aircraft photography  – Serious buyers expect sharp, detailed images when browsing for planes, and great photos can be the deciding factor in a high-value purchase. 💡 Example:  A study found that homes with professional photos sell 32% faster  than those without. Similarly, car dealerships that use high-resolution, dynamic images see up to 50% more engagement on their listings. If you want customers to stop scrolling and start buying , investing in high-quality images is a must. 5. Strengthens Brand Identity Your brand’s visual identity  should reflect the quality and professionalism of your business. Stock photos can only go so far —custom photography ensures that your visuals align perfectly with your brand’s values, aesthetic, and audience. 📷 Where professional images make an impact: Your website:  High-quality visuals make your business look polished and professional. Marketing materials:  Flyers, brochures, and advertisements are much more compelling with professional images. Social media branding:  A consistent visual identity makes your brand instantly recognizable. Luxury & high-value sales:  When selling high-ticket items like cars, aircraft, or real estate , top-tier photography makes a difference in attracting serious buyers. Bonus Tip:  If your business is involved in high-end markets like luxury vehicle sales or aviation , aerial photography and videography  can further elevate your brand and showcase your offerings in a unique, engaging way. 6. It’s an Investment with Long-Term Benefits Many businesses hesitate to invest in professional photography due to cost, but in reality, it’s one of the best long-term marketing investments. 📈 Why it’s worth it: High-quality images can be used across multiple platforms  (website, ads, social media, print). Professional visuals remain relevant for years , giving you long-term ROI. Better branding and engagement lead to higher conversions and customer retention . Poor-quality visuals might be costing you potential customers—while professional photography ensures your brand looks its best at all times. Conclusion: Elevate Your Business with Professional Photography No matter your industry—whether you're in real estate, e-commerce, automotive, or aviation —professional photography is one of the most powerful tools  for building trust, engaging customers, and increasing sales. 📢 Ready to transform your business visuals?  Whether you need real estate photos, product shots, car photography, or high-end aircraft imagery , We’re here to help. Let’s create stunning visuals that set your business apart— Contact us  today to book your session!

Looking to improve your headshot photography? Whether you're new to the game or refining your skills, these tips—based on my experience—will guide you toward creating professional-quality headshots. Tip #1: Get to Know Your Client and Their Needs This is one of the most important steps, yet many photographers overlook it. Understanding your client’s specific requirements ensures your results align with their expectations. For example, some clients need headshots for their company with specific guidelines (logo placement, resolution, background color, etc.). Others might need photos for LinkedIn, resumes, or personal websites. Asking these questions upfront saves time and avoids rework. Tip #2: Ask About the Location and Offer Options Clients often look to you for guidance on location choices. Start by understanding their needs (see Tip #1), then offer them multiple options. For example, suggest: In-Studio vs. Outdoors Controlled Lighting vs. Natural Light Whenever possible, show examples of each option to help them visualize. People respond better to visual references than verbal explanations. Tip #3: Master Lighting for Headshots Lighting is the foundation of photography—it’s how we capture the subject. For headshots, particularly business or corporate ones, lighting plays an even bigger role. In my early days, I relied solely on natural light. While it works in some situations, I quickly learned that controlled lighting is far more reliable and versatile. Here's why: Natural Light is Unpredictable.  You can't control the sun's direction, intensity, or the weather. A client’s schedule may not align with ideal lighting conditions, leaving you to deal with cloudy skies, harsh sunlight, or rain. Controlled Light Offers Consistency.  It allows you to create the desired effect regardless of the environment. I recall one of my first business headshot sessions. Shooting outdoors under harsh sunlight, I moved the client into tree shade, only to find later that the uneven shadows created a distracting pattern. That experience taught me the value of controlled lighting. If you’re starting out: Invest in a reflector—it’s a cost-effective way to manipulate natural light. Bring an assistant to hold it, or use a stand. Just be cautious with reflectors on windy days—they’re light and can tip over easily. Tip #4: Essential Equipment for Headshot Photography Your gear depends on your budget and needs, but knowing how to use what you have is even more important. Here's what I use: Cameras and Lenses Canon 5D Mark IV  (main) Canon EF 24-70mm F2.8 L II (ideal for studio sessions) Canon EF 100-400mm F4.5-5.6 L II (great for outdoor headshots) Lighting Equipment I primarily use Godox  lights because they offer great quality at a reasonable price: Godox Ad 200 Pro   – My favorite portable light, perfect for outdoor sessions. Godox Gemini GS 400 II   – Reliable as a side/backlight in the studio. Godox AD 600 Pro  – A powerful light for studio and outdoor use (though its battery issues are well-documented; consider the Godox AD 400 Pro as an alternative). For studio work, I use an adapter for the AD 600 Pro to avoid battery issues and connect directly to a power outlet. Modifiers and Softboxes Softboxes are essential for creating flattering, diffused light. My go-to modifiers: Godox 14"X63'' Strip Softbox Godox P 90L Parabolic Softbox Godox 47" Octabox or Godox QR-P90 47.2'' Neewer 31.5" Umbrella For studio headshots, I also use a triflector  to add soft fill light under the chin and chest while creating catchlights in the eyes. Learn More! For more detailed advice on headshot photography, including step-by-step lighting setups and techniques, check out our classes ! You’ll gain the skills and confidence to create headshots that truly stand out.

Car photography is an exciting field that blends creativity with technical expertise. Whether you're shooting for a client, a car dealership, or just capturing beautiful images for an enthusiast, there are key steps to follow to ensure your photos stand out. In this post, I’ll share some practical tips that will help you plan and execute a successful car photography session. 1. Understand Your Client’s Needs The first step in any car photography session is to understand what your client wants. Ask specific questions like: What car needs to be photographed?  Knowing the make, model, year, and color of the car is crucial. For example, dark-colored cars can be more challenging to shoot during sunrise or in dimly lit areas, whereas lighter-colored cars are more forgiving. What’s the purpose of the photos?  Is this a personal project, a keepsake for a proud owner, or are the photos meant to sell the car on platforms like Bring a Trailer? Knowing the purpose will help shape your approach. 2. Choose the Right Location The location can make or break a car photography session. Match the setting to the car’s style and the purpose of the shoot: Vintage Cars:  A countryside backdrop or a quiet, rustic area often enhances the nostalgic feel of classic cars. Sports Cars:  Urban environments with sleek architecture or modern cityscapes create the perfect vibe for fast and stylish vehicles. General Sale Photos:  A neutral, distraction-free environment works best. Wide open areas like empty parking lots, church grounds, or industrial spaces can be great options. Look for places with minimal traffic and clean, natural or neutral backgrounds to keep the focus on the car. 3. Pay Attention to Lighting Lighting plays a crucial role in car photography, and the approach depends on the type of photoshoot: Sunrise and Sunset:  These times are perfect for high-end or artistic car photoshoots. However, be cautious of the warm tones, as they can alter the perceived color of the car. For example, a silver car may appear golden in warm light. To maintain accurate colors, aim to shoot shortly after sunrise or just before sunset when the light is softer and more neutral. Cloudy Days:  Overcast skies act like a giant softbox, diffusing light evenly and reducing harsh shadows and reflections. This makes cloudy days ideal for regular car sale photoshoots, as they produce clean, professional results. Sunny Days:  While cloudy days have their advantages, sunny days can also work well, especially for vivid-colored sports cars. Bright sunlight can highlight bold, aggressive colors and make them pop, creating a more striking image. The choice ultimately depends on the photographer's style and the desired visual impact. Shooting Interiors:  Avoid partial shade for interior shots—it creates uneven lighting and distracting sunspots. Instead, park the car in full shade, such as under a tree or a large structure. This provides even lighting across the cabin, making it easier to capture details without harsh contrasts. To see how lighting affects different types of car photography, check out my car photography portfolio here . You'll notice how light influences the mood and appeal of each image! This was a for sale photoshoot, but we decided to find some cool location and ended up at Mount St. Helens in Washington. 4. Gear and Equipment Recommendations The right gear can elevate your car photography. Here’s what I personally use: Canon 100-400mm II Zoom Lens:  This lens is perfect for capturing exterior shots with a beautiful depth of field. I often use a tripod and shoot close to ground level for an eye-catching perspective. Canon 24-70mm II Lens:  This versatile lens is my go-to for medium-range shots and detailed close-ups of features like headlights, wheels, and badges. Canon 16-35mm II Lens:  For interior shots, this wide-angle lens helps capture the car's cabin without distortion. No matter the lens, always carry a sturdy tripod, especially for zoom shots or low-light conditions. The car owner was kindly assisting by holding the strobe light for nicer results! 5. Plan for High-End Photoshoots If you’re photographing a brand-new model or shooting for a car company, the process can be more complex. High-end photoshoots might involve: Advanced Planning:  Scouting the perfect location, selecting the ideal time of day, and preparing backup locations for weather changes. Controlled Lighting:  Using portable lights or reflectors to highlight the car’s exterior and interior features. Teamwork:  Larger projects may require assistants, stylists, or even additional equipment like car-mounted rigs for action shots. 6. Practical Tips for the Shoot Here are some additional tips to keep in mind during the session: Keep the Car Clean:  A spotless car is essential. Ask your client to ensure the car is washed, waxed, and detailed before the shoot. Shoot from Multiple Angles:  Capture a variety of perspectives—front, rear, side, and 3/4 angles. Don’t forget interior shots and close-ups of unique details. Use Reflections Wisely:  Reflections can either enhance or detract from your shot. Position the car carefully to avoid distracting reflections of you or the surroundings. Experiment with Depth:  Play with aperture settings to create shallow depth of field for a sharp car against a soft, blurred background. Consider a Circular Polarizing (CPL) Filter:  A CPL filter can be a game-changer in car photography. For instance, it allows you to control reflections, such as making the windshield appear darker and sleeker. (I use the Hoya CPL  for my shoots.) However, be cautious when adjusting reflections on the car’s sides. Overusing the CPL can flatten the car’s reflections too much, potentially losing some of the elegant curves and design details, especially on sports or luxury cars. Use the CPL thoughtfully to enhance the car's features without diminishing its design. Without CPL filter (pay attention to the windshield) With CPL filter (no reflections on windshield!) 7. Post-Processing Editing is where your photos truly come to life. Adjust the exposure, contrast, and white balance to make the car pop. Be mindful not to over-edit; keep the colors and tones natural to preserve the car’s true appearance. By following these tips and tailoring your approach to the specific car and purpose of the shoot, you’ll be able to capture stunning automotive photos that leave a lasting impression. Whether you’re shooting a vintage beauty in the countryside or a sleek sports car in the city, preparation and attention to detail will set your work apart. Happy shooting!

In this section you can find recent projects, successfully accomplished by HH Photo Studio, in different fields of businesses.. Recent Projects Surfside Oceanfront Hotel 1/14 Base Behavioral Health Whole team.webres IMG_0777HDR IMG_0797HDR Whole team.webres 1/12 1985 Sherpa C-23 (SD3-60) 1985 Sherpa C-23 exterior 1985 Sherpa C-23 exterior 1985 Sherpa C-23 exterior 1985 Sherpa C-23 exterior 1/14 Nike World Headquarters 1/8 Hub Central Properties Spa/Sauna in Vancouver,WA IMG_7257 DJI_0942 IMG_7117 IMG_7257 1/17 1/15 Hawthorn Construction - Roofing Commercial HD Fowler 1/24 1/17 Sodexo Stop Hunger Environmental Portrait shooting in Toledo, Oregon IMG_5396 IMG_5390 IMG_5413 IMG_5396 1/8 Oregon Trail Moving 1/17 Vintage VW Bus Photo/Video/Drone Shooting 1/14 Business photography for Alset Auto in Portland, OR 1/23 Business photography for L&M Hair Studio in Portland, OR 1/8 Condo shooting in Pearl District, Portland Product Photography (eCommerce) 1/11 Industrial shooting in Lake Oswego, Oregon 1/11 Motel In Joseph, Oregon (The Wallowa county) 1/24 Business photography for Integrity chiropractic clinic in Beaverton, Oregon 1/21 Adjustable strap: livestyle photo/video session 1/5

HH Photography LLC, a commercial photographer in Portland, Oregon, specializes in headshots, real estate, product, drone and transportation photography, serving businesses and professionals locally and beyond. Photography Classes Learn Photography in Practice Landscape Real Estate Automotive Aviation People Architecture Product Drone Headshots Photography Workshops Business Industrial Food Animals Video Personal Projects Behind the Scenes Recent Projects Surfside Oceanfront Hotel 1/14

Elevate your brand with professional business photography by HH Photography LLC in Portland, Oregon. Ideal for corporate headshots, team photos, office spaces, and marketing materials. Business Surfside Oceanfront Hotel Business Photography That Speaks for Your Brand Professional business photography plays a key role in showcasing your brand, products, and team with a polished and impactful visual presence. Whether you're looking for corporate headshots, office environments, or product shots that stand out, HH Photography creates high-quality images tailored to reflect your company’s values and goals. With years of experience working with a variety of industries, HH Photography captures images that help businesses in Oregon and Washington communicate their message effectively and professionally. Surfside Oceanfront Hotel Load more Nike World Headquarters Intel Ronler Acres Campus Amazon Product Highlight video Hawthorne General Construction Base Behavioral Health Load more Spa/Sauna in Vancouver, WA Load more HD Fowler Load more Oregon Trail Moving Load more Hawthorne General Construction Load more Alset Auto Load more Integrity Chiropractic Clinic Load more Mountain View Motel & RV Park, Joseph, Oregon Load more Acquire Healthcare Black Side Industries Load More