Photo tour in Azores, Portugal
Join us in the Azores for a unique photo tour, where you’ll elevate your creative skills with expert guidance from Ronald Soethje, Bruno Ázera, and Nomadict.
Harry Sohal
@harrysohalphoto
Photographer based in Canada
In this article, photographer and creative director Harry shares his journey from a college hobbyist to a professional creative, rediscovering his passion during the pandemic. He delves into his approach to capturing authenticity, his techniques for brand promotion, and the tools he uses to achieve a distinct, film-like aesthetic.
My journey with photography began in college, where I mostly took pictures for friends. I wasn’t particularly skilled back then, but I enjoyed the process. Those early experiences, though simple, sparked a passion that would eventually become a driving force in my life.
The tipping point
After college, I pursued a stable career in tech, becoming an engineer. Photography took a backseat as I focused on building a steady income and navigating the complexities of adult life. Then, when the pandemic hit, the world paused, and I found myself indoors with time to spare. This unexpected break reignited my love for photography. I dove back in, dedicating countless hours to honing my skills, particularly in color grading, which has since become a signature aspect of my work. My technical background as an engineer blended seamlessly with my creative instincts, allowing me to master color grading to the point where I could replicate any hue with precision. This unique fusion of technical expertise and artistic vision shaped the photographer I am today.
Inspiration
What truly inspires me in photography is the ability to see beauty in all its forms, often in the most unexpected places. Over time, I’ve learned that beauty isn’t about perfect visuals—it’s about authenticity and the raw emotions that lie beneath the surface. My goal is to capture these genuine moments, creating visuals that resonate with viewers and evoke a sense of familiarity as if they’ve experienced similar moments themselves. Attention to detail in composition, color, and lighting enhances this connection, making each image not just a picture but a piece of a larger story.
This philosophy also applies to my work with brands. For me, promoting a brand through photography isn’t just about showcasing products; it’s about telling a story that aligns with the brand’s values and connects with its audience. I strive to highlight what sets a brand apart, whether it’s a unique product feature or a commitment to sustainability. Consistency in style, color grading, and composition across all visuals plays a significant role in building a recognizable brand image. My expertise in color grading is invaluable here, ensuring the visuals are not just beautiful but also aligned with the brand’s identity.
Creative workflow
Balancing my creative vision with a client’s needs is all about finding harmony. I appreciate when clients approach me with a concept that aligns with my style, as it shows they’ve chosen me for a reason. If a project doesn’t fit my vision, I usually decline it—I believe in working where my strengths align with the client’s expectations, ensuring both parties are satisfied. When there’s potential for a great match, I start by having organic discussions to understand the client’s needs and expectations. I create several mood boards with slightly varying styles to explore different creative directions, allowing the client to choose the one that resonates most. This approach ensures that the final outcome aligns with both their requirements and my artistic vision.
My workflow begins with envisioning the concept and gathering inspiration. I create mood boards on Pinterest and let the ideas marinate for a few days. Once the concept is clear, I look for models who can embody the vision. During the shoot, my focus is on capturing the perfect light and mood, usually resulting in about 70-80 carefully crafted shots. I start the culling process immediately to keep the concept fresh in my mind. For editing, I begin with my presets as a base, adjust the colors to match the desired vibe, and refine the image with detailed touch-ups and masking techniques.
My favorite editing technique, especially for achieving a film-like aesthetic, is the tone curve—it’s essential for fine-tuning contrast and tonal range. The Dehaze slider helps balance highlights and shadows, while grain and noise tools add texture, creating that classic film look that gives photos a tactile, organic feel.
Warm tones, like oranges and yellows, are integral to my style, evoking a sense of warmth, nostalgia, and vibrancy. I often shoot during golden hour, which naturally provides these colors, and in post-processing, I enhance them to emphasize the inherent warmth and depth in my images.
I don’t follow trends or chase the latest fads in photography, whether they’re popular locations, editing styles, or social media trends. While this can slow my growth on social media, I prioritize authenticity over popularity. I occasionally experiment with making reels to broaden my audience, but I stay true to creating work that I’m genuinely proud of. Authenticity is key—I believe that staying true to my vision ensures my work reflects my artistic voice and maintains its integrity.
Valuable lessons
One of the most challenging projects I worked on was with Edifier Global, a headphones brand. I was tasked with capturing a variety of shots for their range of products, ensuring each image was unique. Shooting during golden hour posed challenges, especially with black-colored products where the branding was less visible. Through careful planning, experimenting with angles, and adjusting lighting setups, I was able to highlight the products’ details while maintaining the warm, golden glow I envisioned. This project reinforced the importance of adaptability during photoshoots and deepened my commitment to capturing authentic, compelling visuals.
To aspiring photographers who want to specialize in creating visually captivating content, my best advice is to practice consistently. Immerse yourself in the process—shoot regularly, edit the same image in different ways, and learn from each experience. The more you experiment, the more you’ll develop your unique style and ability to capture stunning images. Remember, the key to compelling photography is not just in the perfect shot but in the emotion, authenticity, and story it tells.
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