June 12, 2017

Meet Kiyan Pourhabib and Ali Guvendiren of AK View in Santa Monica

Local Stories

Today we’d like to introduce you to Kiyan Pourhabib and Ali Guvendiren.

So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
Kiyan and I (Ali) are business major students that study at Santa Monica College. Being college students, money isn’t easy to come across. We wanted to do something that is going to benefit us in the future as well. We have both studied photography for four years, we love taking photos and are comfortable with a camera. We are very involved with technology and by luck we found this 3D Scanning camera called Matterport. We already had a Drone and a DSLR Camera so we asked ourselves if we can start a Commercial Photography Company. We did some research, figured out the cost of everything and pushed forward. We have always wanted to have our own company and today we are living our dream.

We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc. – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
No it was not very smooth. Since this was our first company Ali and I did not know the business aspect of running a company other than from learning it in class. We had the photography skills down since we both had many years of experience. But we weren’t too familiar selling the photography. A big struggle was having all the papers we needed and going through the right steps to have a nice legal company. Getting started was one of the hardest parts.

So, as you know, we’re impressed with AK View – tell our readers more, for example what you’re most proud of as a company and what sets you apart from others.
We believe the quality of our photography sets us apart. Our prices are also fairly inexpensive for what you get. We also have all the latest technology which most photography companies do not. We have the most up to date drone. We have the best virtual tour camera known on the markets. We also have a great DSLR with lenses and lighting. I think the thing I am proud of most is the fact that we are able to work with the top agencies in LA. As a 20-year-old most people don’t think I have the knowledge or experience. I can tell when we go to major companies they are a little worried on how it will come out based on our age. But we prove to them that we are able to deliver on a professional level.

So, what’s next? Any big plans?
We are always to looking to have the latest and greatest products so we can provide the best possible quality. Just yesterday we bought the latest drone. We plan to expand, possibly hire a few more photographers and editors. No big changes because everything is going to plan and we are having a consistent amount of work.

Pricing:

Virtual Tour – $0.15
Still Shots – $150-$350
Drone Video – $150

Contact Info:

Website: https://www.akview.com/
Phone: 310 922 5395 , 3103848212
Email: kiyanpourhabib@akview.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ak.view/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/ak_view

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