Ani Harutyunyan is a talented commercial product photographer based in sunny California. Ani has always been drawn to creative pursuits like drawing and painting. Her passion quickly flourished as she discovered the power of combining her artistic skills with photography and the power of editing through Photoshop.
Today, Ani has made a name for herself as one of the most sought-after product photographers and retouchers in her community. Her behind-the-scenes content and dramatic before-and-after editing reels have earned her a devoted following of fellow creatives eager to learn from her unique approach.
Ani's signature style is instantly recognisable - colourful, playful and endlessly inventive. As her Instagram @anicaptureslight suggests, Ani’s beautiful play on light coupled with incorporating water elements, using eye-catching backdrops or embracing minimalism embodies her style. Ani has a knack for making products shine in unexpected ways. It's no wonder that Ani's creativity and fresh perspective have caught the attention of beauty brands looking to showcase their products in a whole new light. Her ability to infuse even the simplest shoot with imagination and personality sets her work apart.
Let’s explore Ani's journey to becoming an in-demand product photographer, and her best advice for aspiring creatives looking to turn their own dreams into reality.
Hey Ani! We'd love to learn more about you and find out how you got started as a product photographer?
Hey there, I’m Ani. I’m originally from Armenia! I moved to Canada when I was 12 and moved again to the US approximately 8-9 years ago.
My journey into commercial product photography wasn't exactly a straight line. I started drawing and painting using different mediums at a very young age, 4-5 years old. When I went to college, I actually wanted to be an art history professor. I can definitely imagine myself lecturing! But Photoshop and photography captured my heart.
I started by experimenting with Photoshop; seeing how you can alter a photo and create a feeling by just editing fascinated me. Then I bought my first digital camera, after taking photos with only my phone. Eventually, photography became more than just a hobby; I’m so lucky I get to do what I love as a job. I’m constantly learning and improving.
What are some things people might not know about you?
Great question! I’m very passionate about traveling and delving into history. I’m fascinated by criminal psychology. And last but not least; cooking is like therapy for me.
What equipment do you currently use to produce your content?
I use my trusty Canon R5 and Godox strobe lights.
Some of my favourite photos were shot with one to two lights and no props. I know firsthand that it can be very difficult to buy equipment as a beginner. But it’s very important to remember that equipment only matters to a certain extent.
The only equipment you should pay attention to is your camera and lens for high-quality photos. In my opinion, the rest is just a matter of convenience.
What is your favourite lighting to use?
My favourite is harsh lighting, for sure, I love the contrast and crispiness it creates in photos.
Do you have some favourite props to use?
For props, I love Moodelier, Club Backdrops, EverydayCo, and Savage Universal Backdrops.
I love using product ingredients; it’s always fun to create compositions with fruits or vegetables, for example. Other than that, I love using water to enhance the products in my photos.
But when I need to use actual blocks or steps, I can always depend on my Moodelier props. They’re my favourite to use because of their high quality and durability.
To be honest though, anything can be a prop, and sometimes, my favourite photos include no props at all!
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What is your best advice to share with aspiring photographers?
Share your work non-stop and connect with potential clients. Always seek education in reputable places and always keep practicing.
Your reels are fun and awe inspiring, any advice for creatives wanting to produce this type of content?
This is a tricky question because the Instagram algorithm works in mysterious ways haha. I’d say produce whatever makes you happy, whether it’s behind-the-scenes content or the editing process. Consistency and value is key.
How do you keep learning and evolving your skills?
PiximPerfect, Karl Taylor, and Amanda Campeanu have all played a significant role in my learning journey, and I'm sure they'll offer valuable insights for everyone interested in photography.
Which other creators do you admire and find inspiring?
I love our product photography community! There are so many talented creators. Some include @amandacampeanu, @taylorrbee, @haashouse_, @huddlstudio, @desiree_mattsson, @dominikzky, @cindy_clauds, and much much more.
What is next for you?
I'm constantly driven to expand my photography knowledge. My goal is to collaborate with more of my dream brands and capture even more portraits! Initially, I aimed to specialize in shooting portraits. However, like many others, the pandemic disrupted many of my plans and shifted my focus. But I have no regrets at all; I look forward to what the future will bring me.
Big thanks to Ani for sparking creativity in our community with her amazing journey! Your unique style in photography never fails to amaze us. To catch more of Ani's awesome work, give her a follow on Instagram: @anicaptureslight
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