Check Out Tamar Abrilian’s Story

Today we’d like to introduce you to Tamar Abrilian.

Hi Tamar, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
My journey with photography began when I was 15 years old. I stumbled across my father’s film camera he had kept tucked away in a closet since the 1980’s. That discovery sparked years of experimentation, eventually leading me to pursue photography more seriously when I entered college. As my passion and understanding deepened, I gravitated toward portraiture during my studies.

After a two-year hiatus with little to no photography, I rediscovered my creative drive in 2019—this time through automotive photography. Since then, I haven’t looked back.

In recent years, my love for the automotive world has only grown, along with a deeper appreciation for the design, detail, and craftsmanship of cars. I strive to reflect that passion and precision in every image I create and put out into the world.

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
I would have never enjoyed this continuous journey if it had been all clear skies and smooth paths the whole way through. As most women can relate, working in a predominantly male-dominated field comes with its challenges. I’ve heard things like, “Oh, whose girlfriend are you?” or “You look so cute running around with your little camera.”

At first, it was disheartening and gave me a strong sense of impostor syndrome. But over time, years of honing my craft also led to developing both my character and confidence. My happiness with myself has grown because I can hold my own in the field, whether it’s talking all things photography, mechanical, or automotive.

It’s always a joy to meet more women in the industry who are in positions I aspire to be in.

Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I’ve always hyper-focused on things people tend to overlook. I’ll notice the color of a vase in the foreground of a movie scene. I’ll notice the strength of someone’s grip when they go in for a handshake. You could casually mention your favorite color, and I’ll never forget it.

It’s the same with cars—I could stare at a car for hours, work with one vehicle for hours. I can dance around the subject and find beauty in everything—from the steering wheel to the shape of the shift knob, from the patina on the seats to the dash that’s fallen onto itself on the dash.

My heart warms when I attend Cars and Coffee events and see a bystander take more than two minutes to stop and admire a vehicle. It’s my version of stopping to smell the roses. I like to apply that same practice to my work—digging deeper into the details that designers and engineers spent countless hours perfecting, and giving them their flowers.

So maybe we end on discussing what matters most to you and why?
I make art for the sake of bringing life to my soul. Everything else seems to fall into place afterward.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.tamarabrilian.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sheshootscars/?hl=en