By Rebecca henely
When it comes to taking studio photos of children, Eric Hairabedian, who owns Violet’s Photography Studio in Middle Village, says his work is both professional and personal.
“My goal is basically to try to provide better services,” Hairabedian said.
The 29-year-old photographer is new to being a businessman — he opened his studio in July in a building at 67-56 79th St. he shares with his mother’s beauty salon — but has been taking photographs in multiple settings since 2001.
He attended SUNY Purchase for his bachelor’s degree and the School of the Visual Arts for his master’s degree. His work has been exhibited at multiple shows, and he had a solo exhibition in 2004. In addition, he created a book with photographer Kris Graves, titled “A Queens Affair,” of locations and people in Queens.
The experience has led him to do multiple types of photography, from headshots to weddings to commercial photography for a variety of companies.
“I can do it all since I was trained in it,” Hairabedian said.
It is that professional experience that Hairabedian says distinguishes him, but he also has a personal touch. Hairabedian grew up in the neighborhood and said that after seeing there were so many children in the area, he asked area parents if opening a photography business geared toward kids was a good idea.
“Parents so far have just been super happy,” Hairabedian said.
He said he is often available for parents to ask questions and prices for his portrait packages are flexible. Parents can buy photos for holiday cards for around $60 or a set of portraits, which can run from $100 to $200. Hairabedian has a few standard packs that can be customized as parents desire.
“I’m always willing to work with people,” he said.
Hairabedian said a session with a child takes a little less than an hour, depending on the temperament of the child. He has to set up scenes for holiday pictures, but also has many colored backdrops. He shoots many pictures, which he edits down to 10 to 15 images that he then retouches.
“I want to be able to give people prints that I would be happy with,” Hairabedian said.
He said that while kids are his primary focus, he is also available for many different types of photography, from weddings to family photos to passport photos.
Customers can call to set up appointments at most times, and Hairabedian is also available from noon to 6 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays at the store. He is also available to shoot on location. For more information, call 917-859-9507 or search for “Violet’s Photography Studio” on Facebook.
Reach reporter Rebecca Henely by e-mail at rhenely@cnglocal.com or by phone at 718-260-4564.
