Specialized in Commercial, Headshot & Nature Photography, Hrach Hovhannisyan's goal is to provide high-quality, creative images to all his clients and art lovers...
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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:
FAQ
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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.
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The first lesson typically focuses on theory to assess your experience, goals, and interests while covering fundamental concepts.
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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:
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Portraits & Headshots (outdoor and studio)
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Landscape Photography & Workshops
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The Business of Photography (Marketing, Pricing, and Client Relations) NEW!
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Wildlife/Birds Photography
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Real Estate & Architecture Photography
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Product Photography
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Drone/Aerial Photography
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:
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Real estate photography requires a wide-angle lens like a 16–35mm.
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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:
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Outdoor settings like parks for hands-on practice, ideal for landscape or wildlife photography (weather permitting).
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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!