NYC portraits
capturing the authentic you
Welcome to Shani Hadjian Photography! We offer an experience where clients are made to feel comfortable in front of the camera. Be ready to laugh, have fun, and feel good about yourself. Together, we will effectively capture YOU and your essence.
Shani Hadjian Photography is a small business that takes action to change the narrative of marginalized communities in the arts and entertainment industries. We are committed to creating an affirming space in our photography studio while also recognizing that our actions do not stop there. Here are some steps we are taking immediately:
- Donating 10% of all profits to an organization aligning with our views and what the world needs at the time: In 2024 we donated to Medical Aid for Palestinians, UNICEF for children in Gaza and West Bank, New York Public Libraries, and National Network of Abortion Funds.
- Disavowing oppressive and marginalizing casting ideas and terminology
Our photoshoot will be fun and collaborative. You will walk away with photos that affirm who you are as an artist and as a person. We can't wait to work with you!
what we stand for
Shani - rhymes with Johnny - was named after her sister's invisible friend. Shani's pronouns are she/her and they/them.
Shani
Shani was born outside San Francisco to an Armenian American musician dad and a Scottish American fashion designer mom. They moved to Ohio when Shani was 8 and this artsy dolma eating family brought some flavor to a small suburban town.
Middle Eastern in the Midwest
Shani attended The Hartt School and majored in Music Theatre. She is still an active actor on screen and on stage. Shani takes pride in understanding what it feels like to be in front of the camera. They use this knowledge, along with their knowledge of photography, to create an affirming space for all while capturing photos that will either help you get the job or be framed on your walls for years.
Acting
In addition to acting and photography, Shani also renovates and redecorates apartments, paints wall murals, writes screenplays, and films short films.
Doing all the things
Shani married her exquisite wife, Emily, in 2018! Shani loves to DIY so the entire wedding was DIY and it was gorgeous.
Married Life
Shani and Emily adopted their dog, Beans, in 2017. He is very shy and if you're coming to the studio you will most likely meet him and his mighty bark.
the babies
Shani and Emily adopted their second dog, Petra, in January of 2023. She is a social butterfly and wants nothing more than attention from everyone.
My packages include a certain number of retouched images, but if you'd like more, they are $40 each.
Within 10 business days, you will receive a link to a password protected website with all your color corrected, high resolution images. You can download all of the images and use them as is with no retouching or you can request retouching to be done. There is no expiration date on this site, so take your time choosing and come back at any time to redownload or sift through them.
I'm in Brooklyn near the Q/B/2/5 in The Prospect Lefferts Gardens neighborhood! I shoot out of my home studio, you can see it in my highlights on instagram @shanihadjianphotography. It's beautiful and has everything we need!
Right above these FAQ's is my booking intake with packages and availability. You can reserve a time that works for you there!
Yes! I donate 10% of my profits to an organization of my choosing that supports marginalized communities. In 2024, we donated to National Network of Abortion Funds, Unicef designation to Children of Gaza and West Bank, and New York Public Libraries.
I work with amazing Makeup Artists and they seriously understand what needs to be done to a face to make it appear just as wonderful in 2D as in 3D. We want you to look your best in your photos and makeup aids in that drastically. Also, it’s really nice to sit back and let someone else do all the work for you! My makeup artists stay for the photoshoot to help adjust things here and there and to build up the makeup if necessary. For the Grooming application, they will reduce redness and help groom without making you look like you are wearing makeup. The makeup application includes foundation, eye makeup, blush and lipstick. Think of the difference between these as those people who don't wear makeup and those people who do; everyone you see on TV has makeup on, its just whether it looks like it or not! All grooming and makeup packages include hairstyling.
We ask that you come with your hair clean and dry, and then hot tools can be used to achieve your desired look. Sometimes this is straightening curly hair and sometimes this is curling straight hair. Sometimes this is recurling/perfecting already curly hair. Our artist will also help put hair up in ponytails/buns/braids, but will not do any blow outs or fancy updos. If you have specific questions, please let us know.
You can reschedule your shoot one time up to 72 hours before your appointment. Within 72 hours of your appointment or rescheduling more than once, will forfeit the deposit. Cancellations and no shows result in a forfeit of deposit.
I generally do not offer free re-shoots. Throughout the shoot we will always check in with you before moving on to ensure you approve everything. If there is something not to your liking, it is your responsibility to let us know so we can fix it to your approval. You will see the test photos for each look before we begin shooting. That being said, if there are technical issues on my end, then yes we can re-shoot.
Absolutely! Please do! You can use the contact form below or send it to photos@shanihadjian.com
Oh my goodness, I could not be happier. Thank you so so SO much for these gorgeous headshots!!! Your kindness and hospitality were unmatched and Tina did such a beautiful job on my makeup — I am so unbelievably grateful!!! - Meghan W.
You are absolutely amazing. Thank you so much for these , I loved them so so much! Thank you for capturing such amazing headshots. I am beyond grateful and we definitely cannot lose touch now. You are magic, my friend! All the love! - Val Q.
Shani these are truly incredible. It feels weird to be like “wow what a perfect collection of pictures” when it’s *my own face* but that’s how I feel! I had no doubt you would do it again, but boy did ya! Thank you thank you thank you for these. I am beyond thrilled to have them and so excited to use them. -Jessie L.
You brought a lot of comfort and softness to the experience and it’s much appreciated 😊 gonna collect my favorites tonight and start the social media silliness! I’m so grateful..and I’m already thinking of another session with you and I’d love to go next-level wild! -Andrew A.
I absolutely ADORE these headshots! I couldn’t be happier! This is the first time I’ve gotten headshots and felt like I’m looking at myself when I go back through the photos. Truly wonderful job.
-Emmy D.
thank you. you are the best, and a real talent. Can honestly say as someone who doesn't really like to see himself in photos, you made this so easy and fun and brought me to a place where I could look well. wow. - Tony S.
Thank you SO much. I have to be honest - I cried when I saw these lol. You are absolutely amazing, and I cannot wait to use these!!!
- Maeve F.
