Meet Ani Harutyunyan | Product Photographer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Ani Harutyunyan and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Ani, do you disagree with some advice that is more or less universally accepted?
I disagree with the conventional advice that you shouldn’t work for free when starting out your photography business. In my opinion, it’s a valuable way to build relationships with clients. Once a client sees the quality of your work, your strong work ethic, and the care you put into your projects, they’re likely to pay for your services in the future. Additionally, working for free can help you build a stronger portfolio, and with a polished, more high-end portfolio, it will be easier to attract more paying clients.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
What sets me apart is my care for my clients and my attention to every detail—every pixel matters. I’m definitely proud of that! I’m also proud of believing in myself and pushing through, even when things aren’t going great – I’ve had some great opportunities to work with brands I love, and I hope to do so in the future. I encourage all artists to do the same: believe in yourself, follow your passion, and keep going. I’m excited about what’s ahead, though imposter syndrome sometimes makes me feel like it’s not enough.
The journey hasn’t been easy, but I’m happy to say that I’ve always had the support of my loved ones. Balancing the business and creative sides of brand photography, especially pricing has been challenging. Imposter syndrome has also been a tough obstacle along the way. But despite these struggles, I stay positive, keep learning, and focus on valuing my work. The road hasn’t been smooth, but each challenge has helped me grow and stay committed to the journey. A great lesson I’ve learned is to idiot-proof your contracts—make them super detailed, cover everything, communicate with clients, and always pay close attention to the quality of your work.
Something I’d love for everyone to know and remember is that no one is perfect; everyone struggles in their own way, so never compare yourself!

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
If my best friend visited LA (fingers crossed she does soon!), I’d show her some classic spots. We’d start with a hike to Griffith Observatory because those views are amazing. Then, we’d spend a day exploring Venice or Santa Monica Pier, picking a brunch spot on a whim since we both love discovering new places. We also don’t eat much outside, so it would be fun to discover some great places. A Malibu trip would be a must—think Getty Villa and sunset sushi. Downtown LA would be next, with a stop at The Broad and drinks at Perch. We’d hit up Rodeo Drive for some shopping and check out LACMA. To finish the week, we’d enjoy live music, try new foods, and maybe hit up an amusement park like Universal Studios. This plan would definitely give her a taste of LA!

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
Definitely Amanda Campeanu! She was a fantastic inspiration for me when I was delving into product photography. (@amandacampeanu)
Karl Taylor is another amazing photographer; I learned a lot about lighting from his work and YouTube tutorials. (@karltaylorphotography)
Last but not least, I always shout out PiximPerfect on YouTube; his editing tutorials made a big difference in my photography journey. (@piximperfect)

Website: https://aniharutyunyanphoto.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/anicaptureslight/