Sona Kechi

I’m an Armenian-born visual artist living and working in California.  I learned about photography and art in general from the environment in which I grew up back in Armenia. I took art classes, spent time at my parents’ art library exploring renaissance to modern art, documentary, and wildlife photography, and even started photographing my little sister with our professional Zenit camera at age seven. I still fondly remember our visits to the yearly  Museum Night Festivals in Yerevan city. Ever since, Armenian artists including Aivazovsky, Sureniants, and Parajanov became a few of my favorites. Thanks to my parents who planted a love of art and culture since early childhood.

No matter how bizarre it may sound, I am quite thankful for the experience that I had during the Covid era. Soon, after it, I found the strength and self-motivation to make a career transition, leave the legal field, and start my creative journey. Photography became oxygen for me, a cup of freedom and fresh air. It brings me happiness and joy to create memories for people to cherish for the years to come. Besides photography, I create contemporary art, including hand-painted clothing known as wearable art.  My photography as an art form is deeply connected to these and many other memories.

I’m a lifestyle, documentary, and portrait photographer who loves to capture emotional moments as is, and document life for my clients. I offer small events photography, such as elopement, engagement, and wedding sessions as well as creative portrait photography and lifestyle family sessions. I have been enjoying showcasing the value of genuinely emotional moments through photography, my working style is natural and free-spirited, I’m trying to catch the glimpse of a moment, and show the value of each breath we make. I love to experiment with light and capture the most emotional and alive moments. It is truly rewarding to know that my clients appreciate the unique beauty of their life through my photographs. Photography’s more than just a business for me, it’s a lifestyle and passion. I have to admit it can be challenging to be creative and business oriented at the same time. Prior to starting a photography and art business,  I graduated from law school and worked in the legal field for several years.

Certified photographer Russian schools / trainings 

WPPI 
Masters of Arts in Law