I must add that my photography career would not have come to fruition if it weren’t for my late father, Sahag Mikaelian. If you’re wondering, yes that is an Armenian name, and yes, I’m full-blooded Armenian. My dad was the professional hobbyist, and he’s the reason I picked up the camera. In my teens, I started documenting people (my favorite subject), mostly my peers, and becoming known as, “the girl with the camera.” What I shoot for fun these days can be seen in my personal portfolio.
I’d also been drawing people since I could pick up a pencil. I studied visual arts at the Los Angeles County High School for the Arts and then at Otis School of Art and Design, one of the most prestigious art schools in the nation. Being an Angelino, I naturally gravitated towards the film and television industry where I discovered my love of photographing headshots.
I’ve been a professional Los Angeles headshot photographer for over 20 years. My work has definitely evolved over the years and with a unique perspective, I now mentor other photographers as well. My clients include all kinds of people, from actors, executives, and the occasional person interested in online dating portraits! Many of my clients can frequently be seen in commercials and on TV shows like Lincoln Lawyer, Chicago Fire, The Morning Show, Justified, Ray Donavan, Black Mirror, Diet Land, The Americans, Grimm, Breaking Bad, Chicago PD, Masters of Sex and more.
My camera has photographed musical talents such as Ludacris, Snoop Dogg, and Nellie. I have also taken headshots for sports personalities such as Cal Ripken Jr., Davis Ortiz, Derek Jeter, and Dale Earnheardt Jr. My photography has been featured in national ad campaigns, in publications such as USA Today, The New York Times, The Washington Post, Pontiac’s High Performance magazine, Mediaweek, and many others. My commercial work has also been seen in national web banner ads, on big-city kiosks, and even on banners in Madison Square Garden!
Being an expert in the business, I’m often interviewed by magazines such as Backstage West. I’m frequently invited as a guest speaker to teach “The Business of Acting.” I’ve taught at the UCLA Extension Program with Pam Dixon and at AIA, and I love it!
As part of my growing team, I’m proud to offer the option of sessions with my associate photographers, Kayvon and Joe, for actors with smaller budgets. Both of them have shadowed me and are trained to using the same techniques and backdrops I use. It’s been great to have such talented photographers on board who share my style and aesthetic.
When you hire me, you’re hiring a professional photographer, not just a person with a camera. So hire me to produce images that help you market yourself effectively. Email me. I’d love to hear from you!
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