feel a successful photograph is one that captures the true, relaxed essence of the subject. This quality is critical, especially in nightlife photography. I find when people are relaxed and being themselves, it unlocks their true beauty. With some styling and con troll, the image becomes quite successful in communicating to the viewer, bringing them in.

have been a photographer since 1990. I first studied at Newbury College, then at Salem State College where I earned my Bachelor's Degree. After graduating in 1995, I started working my way throughout the photographic community and its many facets. In 1996 I began a three year association with Polaroid's Museum Replicas department replicating priceless works of art for national and international galleries, museums, private collections, and the departments’ retail facilities. Throughout this time I contributed to several local and national music magazines. In 2000 I began shooting for a wider range of magazines including The Weekly Dig, The Improper Bostonian, The Boston Phoenix, Boston Magazine, Panorama and more. From portraying Boston's vibrant nightlife scene to the public, the subjects of my work grew to encompass food, portraiture, products, journalism, and fashion photography.

y work has a diverse range: from Rock Journalism, Portraiture, Fashion, Nightlife, Food, Weddings, Products, Lifestyle, and more. I provide a great deal of images with The Weekly Dig, along many other publications in Boston. The approach to photography I take is to bring a sense of the images environment to the viewer. This can be achieved on location or in a studio as the mood around the subject is very critical to conveying the message of the image. With the subject itself, I try to develop a strong relationship with it to present it most effectively. This is especially true in respect to people as I've found that nurturing confidence and a relaxed demeanor brings out the best in people. With photographing inanimate objects, I make the most communication with the shape and flow of the object and environment to create the mood sought in the assignment.

n short, I will work hard to bring out the most of the assignment to satisfy my client's imaging needs. To build a rapport with the message to be delivered, and making that message a reality.

Derek Kouyoumjian has produced photographs for the following clientele:

• The Weekly Dig
• The Improper Bostonian
• Panorama
• Boston Magazine
• Urb Magazine
• Langham Hotels
• Best Western
• The Freedom Trail Foundation Of Boston
• The Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum
• Z Square
• Om
• Alpha Omega Jewelers
• Entertainment Image Consultants