“Do what you like and never give up. Don’t do what others are doing.”
Ara Sassoonian
What country are you from and where do you live?
I’m Armenian from Lebanon, based in Montreal since 1991.
Title of what you do and what company you work with?
I have been a freelance beauty and fashion photographer since 2006.
Education background (art school, photography class, self-taught)?
My photography is mostly self-taught. I am always trying something new and innovative going toward the future by adopting everything that resonates with my style.
What is your signature style/artistic expression in your work?
In my photography work, I’m an avant-gardist, Life always evolves no matter what the current situation is. I always push my boundaries to create something new and extraordinary. I look for form and shape, playing with light and dark to create balance in my images.
What type of images or people do you like to shoot?
I ask my models to not just pose as a model but more like an actor, turning them into powerful, strong characters. I create images that will touch and inspire people just like old paintings.
Do you have a career turning point or big break that has helped your career?
What helped me with my career was when I first did my own photography hair competition in 2006. I shot a collection for my good friend Daniel Benoit from Salon Pure. We participated in the Mirror Awards and we won our category. With an eye for how to attract the judge’s attention, the same year I won first place in the fashion category for an international competition in Paris. These two remarkable competitions were the trampoline for me to get more contracts in North America.
What is next for your career goals?
I’m currently taking my photography work to a different level by mixing digital art, paint, and classical music. These elements are integrated into my photos to create a final fully expressive art piece on a canvas.
What advice would you give to someone starting out in your business?
Don’t do what others are doing.
Do what you like and never give up.
Your work has to be consistent because you believe in it.
