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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. View the full automotive photography portfolio 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! View the full automotive photography portfolio

In this section, I’m sharing the majority of my current equipment list. Why “majority” and not all? Well, there are tons of small pieces I use that I honestly don’t even remember the names of, or when and where I got them! :) This list includes the core gear I rely on for my work—camera bodies, lenses, tripods, lights, softboxes, stands, and more. Most of the equipment listed here was purchased through Amazon, B&H Photo, or Adorama. I’ve included direct Amazon affiliate links to the exact items I use. Just click on the yellow gear names  to check them out. Here’s My Equipment List: Camera bodies 1. Canon 5D Mark II 2. Canon 5D Mark IV Camera lenses 1. Canon EF 16-35mm f/2.8L II Planning to upgrade to the III version, which I highly recommend! 2. Canon EF 24-70mm F2.8 L II 3. Canon EF 100-400mm F4.5-5.6 L II 4. Sigma 105mm F2.8 Macro Lens Filters 1. Lee 6-Stop ND and 10-Stop ND Filters 2. Hoya HD3 CIR-PL Filter 3. LEE Filters 100 x 150mm Soft Graduated Neutral Density 0.6  Filter 4. Lowepro Filter Pouch 100 These filters are fantastic for landscape photography! The ND filters are perfect for long exposures, while the CPL filter enhances skies and reduces glare from water. For car and product photography, CPL filters are also amazing for minimizing unwanted reflections and glare—highly recommended! Drone DJI Mavic 2 Pro-Fly More Combo I’ve been using this drone since 2019 for both commercial shoots and recreational flying. It’s an excellent investment. However, if your budget allows, I’d recommend upgrading to the newer Mavic 4 Pro It’s an absolute beast, and perfect for professionals who are ready to invest in their skills, get a commercial drone pilot license, and follow flight regulations. Gimbal (Stabilizer) for smoother videography DJI Ronin RS2 Combo I purchased this gimbal in 2021, and it’s been a game-changer—especially compared to my old manual stabilizer. It’s lighter, more convenient, and packed with features. If you’re just starting out, consider going for the newer Ronin RS3  or even the latest RS4 Pro version , for the best performance and features. Coming Soon! I’m still working on editing the rest of the list, which will include additional lighting gear, softboxes, and accessories. Stay tuned—it’ll be ready soon!

Introduction In a world where attention spans are shrinking and competition is growing, standing out visually isn’t optional — it’s essential. Whether you're marketing real estate, luxury goods, tech products, services, or even small local businesses, strong visual content is the first thing your audience sees. That’s why professional photography and videography have become core elements in any serious marketing strategy. 1. First Impressions Are Visual Before reading a single line of text, most customers judge a business by its images. Low-quality visuals can damage credibility, while high-quality visuals instantly elevate your brand. Interior picture of HD Fowler's North Plain Location Why it matters: Eye-catching visuals grab attention on social media, websites, and ads. Professionally captured photos and videos show you're serious about quality. Strong visual identity improves brand recall and trust. 2. Photos & Videos Drive Engagement Across Platforms Roofing in process. Aerial (drone) perspective Algorithms on platforms like Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, YouTube, and even Google prioritize visual content. Marketers know this — but many still underestimate the importance of custom visual content  over generic stock. Great visuals help: Boost time spent on your website Increase click-through rates in ads Drive more social shares and saves Improve conversion rates in ecommerce and service-based businesses 3. Visual Content Tells Your Brand Story Every business has a story, but words alone aren’t enough. Marketing videos, lifestyle shots, behind-the-scenes B-roll, product highlights, or aerial footage — they all help tell a richer, more memorable story. Examples: Aerial shots can show scale and professionalism for construction , real estate , or architecture firms. Product videos show details and usage in action, which builds trust. Business portraits help humanize your brand and build personal connection. 4. Content Longevity: One Shoot, Multiple Uses Business headshot for our client working in a financial field One photo or video session can provide a month’s worth (or more) of visual content. That’s why smart marketing professionals treat visual production as an investment, not a one-time cost. Visual content can be used for: Website banners and landing pages Email marketing Social media posts and reels Paid ads (meta, Google, LinkedIn) Print material like brochures or business cards 5. Every Industry Needs It — and I’ve Worked With Many Whether you're in aviation , automotive , healthcare, construction, banking, real estate, or the restaurant industry — I’ve helped businesses in all of these sectors upgrade their marketing with visuals that actually convert. No matter what your business offers, visuals shape how you're perceived. Corporate headshots of a stuff of a local healthcare (therapy) business in Beaverton, OR Conclusion If you're a marketing professional looking to drive better results, don’t overlook the power of professional photography and video. The right visuals don’t just support your strategy — they amplify  it. Let’s work together to create visual content that aligns with your goals and gets real results. 📩  Contact us to discuss your next project.

Master photography with private lessons by HH Photography LLC in Portland, Oregon. Personalized instruction for beginners and enthusiasts to elevate your skills. Individual, Practical Photography Lessons in Portland, Oregon Are you looking to turn your passion for photography into a profession or simply take your skills to the next level? Whether you're an amateur photographer aiming to capture better images or someone aspiring to become a professional, you're in the right place to achieve your goals. Let’s get straight to the details with a helpful FAQ to answer your initial questions: Camera FAQ ⭐ See What Clients Say: Read reviews from our happy clients on our Google Business Profile 1. Are the lessons individual or group-based? All lessons are individual, tailored to your needs. You can bring one friend who is equally serious about learning, but no group lessons are offered. Why individual? Through experience, I’ve found that one-on-one sessions allow students to stay focused, ask more questions, and feel confident in a personalized environment. Group settings can sometimes lead to uneven learning experiences, but individual lessons ensure all attention is on you. 2. Are the lessons theoretical or practical? The lessons include both theory and practice. The first lesson typically focuses on theory to assess your experience, goals, and interests while covering fundamental concepts. Subsequent lessons blend theory with hands-on practice, tailored to the photography style you want to master. 3. Who teaches the lessons? The lessons are taught by Hrach Hovhannisyan, a professional photographer with over 15 years of experience in various photography fields. With a career spanning real estate, eCommerce, headshots, and landscapes, Hrach has worked with hundreds of clients across diverse industries. His journey in photography began with a deep passion for landscapes and nature, which continues to inspire his work to this day. More details can be found in the Bio section. What Clients Say 4. What types of photography lessons are available? Currently, the following types of photography lessons are offered: Portraits & Headshots (outdoor and studio) Landscape Photography & Workshops Automotive, Transportation and Car Photography Workshops NEW! The Business of Photography (Marketing, Pricing, and Client Relations) Wildlife/Birds Photography Real Estate & Architecture Photography Product Photography Drone/Aerial Photography Aircraft / Aviation Photography Workshops possible Industrial / Commercial Photography Workshops possible Additionally, there’s an option for Basic Photo Editing (using Adobe Photoshop). For editing sessions, students will need to bring their own laptop with the required software installed. These sessions are designed to teach essential techniques that will enhance your photos and streamline your workflow. 5. What equipment should I bring? At minimum, you’ll need a camera body and lens—or a drone for aerial photography. A computer or laptop is also essential for photo editing. Specific equipment recommendations will depend on your chosen photography type. For example: Real estate photography requires a wide-angle lens like a 16–35mm. Wildlife photography benefits from a telephoto lens like a 70–200mm or 100–400mm. If you're unsure, I’ll guide you on what to prioritize as you progress. 6. Where do the lessons take place? Lessons are held in flexible locations to suit your goals and the type of photography you're learning. Depending on the session, locations may include: Outdoor settings like parks for hands-on practice, ideal for landscape or wildlife photography (weather permitting). Indoor spaces such as coffee shops for theoretical discussions or when the weather isn’t ideal. Since Portland is known for its rainy days, we’ll always plan for weather conditions and choose the best location accordingly to ensure a productive and enjoyable experience. Practical lesson day - learning portrait photography with natural light, in non-ideal light and location (intentionally chosen) Directing your model, especially if they are not a Pro, is crucial for portrait photography! Teaching and assisting a beginner photographer how to get nicer results for outdoor portraits using only natural light and a reflector! 7. Are Workshops included? Workshops are a separate activity designed primarily for landscape photography enthusiasts. These involve trips outside Portland, lasting half a day or a full day, and can accommodate up to 4 participants. Regular students enjoy discounted rates for workshops, which can be a fantastic complement to your lessons. If you have more questions or need additional information, feel free to contact us . After completing your first lesson, you will likely feel inspired to dive even deeper into the exciting world of photography. Let’s make it happen together! No time to learn and prefer to hire a photographer instead? No problems, we got you covered! Check out our Photography Services and contact us with your exact needs, the rest is on us! Contact Us Mail

In this section Hrach Hovhannisyan showcase his personal projects, and tells why those projects are important for any professional photographer. Personal Projects Welcome to my Personal Projects section. Like most professional photographers, I pursue personal projects alongside paid work, contracts, and collaborations. These projects span my entire career and are driven by three main reasons: passion, practice, and challenge. Passion: Photography is more than a job for me—it's my lifestyle. It's how I see and experience the world. I love creating, whether capturing natural landscapes or crafting unique compositions with products and props. Personal projects fuel this passion and keep my creativity alive. Practice: No matter how experienced you are, there's always room to learn and grow. For me, practice is essential. It helps refine my skills, correct mistakes, and learn new techniques. Over time, this continuous improvement not only enhances the quality of my work but also increases efficiency, enabling me to deliver better results faster for clients. Challenge: Personal projects push me out of my comfort zone. I often take on ideas or techniques I've never tried before, which can feel daunting but incredibly rewarding. Unlike paid jobs, personal projects come with less pressure and allow for experimentation. If something doesn't work, I can start over and refine it without the constraints of deadlines or client expectations. These challenges prepare me for high-stakes projects, ensuring I deliver exceptional results under any circumstances. I hope you enjoy exploring this section and discovering the work that inspires and challenges me. Your comments and feedback are always welcome! Best regards, Hrach Hovhannisyan The Knife I've had this knife since 2016, when I bought it in Kyrgyzstan. It has been a loyal companion on all my hiking trips ever since. A while back, I decided to feature it in a personal project, which I eventually completed. BHS Headset This was one of my favorite headsets that I used daily. I wanted to try a floating hero shot and experimented by adding smoke using my new smoke machine—a technique that turned out really well, in my opinion. All the accessories I’ve collected so far were worth it for creating images like this. The other 'Happy image' wasn’t planned. I had a smiley prop in my studio from a previous shoot and decided to play around with it. The result was unexpectedly fun and playful! BHS Lasko Fan I’ve been using this fan at home for a long time. While working on a paid product shoot for a local client, I decided to take a few shots of this fan once the work was done and the lighting setup was still in place. Its shape seemed perfect for reflecting the lights beautifully, even without props—and I wasn’t wrong! Here are a few shots below. Feel free to share your thoughts in the comments! BHS Did you notice my little helperin the last picture? :)))

Professional dating profile photography in Portland, Oregon Coast, and beyond. Natural portraits that help you stand out on Tinder, Bumble, and Hinge. Dating & Social Media Profile Photography Look Your Best Online. Get More Matches and Stronger First Impressions. In online dating, first impressions happen in seconds. Your photos are the first thing people notice, and if they’re blurry, poorly lit, or unflattering, you could be missing out on great matches. We create natural, authentic, and high-quality dating profile photos that show you at your best and make people want to swipe right. Why Your Photos Matter Most people on dating apps use old selfies, cropped group shots, or awkward photos a friend took. Unfortunately, these images can send the wrong message. Professional photos can help you: Get noticed faster in crowded dating apps Show confidence and personality Make a great first impression before you even chat Check our Google Reviews! Click What We Avoid Bad dating profile photos usually have these problems: Blurry or grainy quality Harsh or unflattering lighting Distracting backgrounds Overly staged or fake-looking poses Old photos that don’t look like you anymore Extremely close selfies that distort facial features and make head shapes look unnatural Shots taken so far away you can barely see the person’s face or expression Photos shot from high above or tilted down, making proportions look awkward Awkward upward angles that make the person look tense or unapproachable Cropped group shots where half of someone else is still in the frame Poor posture or stiff body language that feels uncomfortable How It Works Quick Chat — We talk about your style, personality, and the vibe you want. Photo Session — Relaxed, comfortable shooting with natural guidance so you look your best. Delivery — You’ll get a set of professionally edited images ready for Tinder, Bumble, Hinge, Facebook Dating, and more. See Our Portrait Work Browse the Portraits Portfolio to get a sense of our style and the quality of portrait photography we do. Packages Even though we have some starting package options, every dating profile session is planned individually. Each person’s needs, style, and goals are different, so your session will be designed specifically for you. Email us with your ideas and vision, and we'll be happy to share more details and recommendations for creating the right session. Ready to Upgrade Your Profile? Contact us today to book your dating profile session and start attracting the matches you deserve.