Meet Vanie Poyey of Vanie Poyey Photography in North Hollywood

Today we’d like to introduce you to Vanie Poyey.

Vanie, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
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.”

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 headshot photographer for over 18 years. My work has definitely evolved over the years and with a unique perspective, I now photograph both in Detroit and NYC 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 Justified, Chicago PD, The Americans, 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!

Lastly, I’m proud of the fact that when you hire me, you’re hiring a professional photographer, not just a person with a camera.

Has it been a smooth road?
The digital revolution turned our world upside down because suddenly, everyone with a camera was a “photographer”! This not only increased competition but brought down prices and even caused some markets like stock photography for professionals to become obsolete.

In order to stay ahead in a competitive and ever changing marketplace, I’ve had to differentiate what I do from other photographers so that I can continue to earn a living. Otherwise, I’m just a commodity in a race to become the lowest bidder with the reward of going out of business.

So, let’s switch gears a bit and go into the Vanie Poyey Photography story. Tell us more about the business.
I am the photographer for people who don’t like to pose. I do what I do because I want to help actors and business owners succeed. I want to empower them with the tools they need to market themselves. My goal is to give clients images with life instead of vacant stares. My goal is to give them images that specifically showcase their personality. My goal is to figure out their stereotype, essence and to capitalize on it. I do this by consulting with clients, by directing them every step of the way and by producing specific marketing looks that will help move their careers forward.

How do you think the industry will change over the next decade?
The industry is moving towards streaming video on all fronts.

Contact Info:

• Address: 10636 Burbank Blvd.
  North Hollywood, CA 91601
• Website: www.poyeyphotos.com
• Phone: 323-856-6156
• Email: [email protected]
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/vaniepoyey/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/vaniepoyeyphotography/
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/vaniepoyey
• Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/vanie-poyey-photography-north-hollywood-2

Image Credit:
Vanie Poyey