The Journey of Adventure
Client Spotlight: Harkov Lewis Team
Confident, relaxed portraits don’t happen by accident. Go behind the scenes of our SoHo branding shoot with NYC’s Harkov Lewis Team and hear why their marketing director said, “Working with Santiago was an absolute pleasure.”
A powerhouse in New York City real estate, the Harkov Lewis Team—ranked among the top 10 nationwide—blends sharp strategy, deep market insight, and white-glove service to guide clients through every stage of buying and selling.
The entire Harkov Lewis team with over 2 billion dollars in sales, posed confidently in a graffiti-lined alleyway, blending NYC edge with team unity.
What really sets them apart is their energy. When we first connected for this session, it was clear that while their previous branding photos were good, they didn’t fully capture the personality behind the professionalism. Every person on their team greets you with a smile. They’re upbeat, sharp, and genuinely welcoming—and we wanted the photos to reflect that.
A behind-the-scenes moment during our SoHo shoot with the Harkov Lewis Team—capturing me getting a shot mid-session. It’s always about finding that mix of light, energy, and authenticity that tells the full story in a single frame.
Co-founders Ari Harkov and Warner Lewis outside their SoHo office, representing the leadership behind one of NYC’s top real estate teams.
“Working with Santiago was an absolute pleasure—his energy put the team at ease and the photos turned out beautifully.”
Since their office is based in SoHo and they know the neighborhood like the back of their hand, we used the streets and architecture of the area to tell that story. We kept things grounded in natural light—the kind you’d actually experience walking around SoHo on a workday—while using reflectors and light modifiers to subtly shape and soften where needed. The goal was authenticity, not overproduction.
A relaxed portrait taken beneath blooming trees in SoHo—capturing the natural energy and approachability the team wanted to convey.
I guided the team using natural posing and mirroring techniques, helping everyone feel relaxed and true to themselves in front of the camera. We weren’t looking for stiff headshots—we were capturing personality in a real-world setting.
A more polished group portrait in front of a classic SoHo building—highlighting the professionalism and cohesion of the team.
One of my favorite moments from the day was when Christian brought out his bike—something he uses every day to get around the city. He said, “Clients are going to see me coming and going on the bike, so might as well have it in the shoot.” That spirit—practical, personal, and real—was exactly what we were after.
Christian brought his bike along because, in his words, “Clients are going to see me coming and going on the bike, so might as well have it in the shoot.” This portrait became one of the most personal and memorable moments of the session—showcasing how real branding reflects real life.
In the end, we created a series of portraits that feel grounded in who they are: experienced professionals, deeply connected to the city, and a joy to work with.
Portraits of individual team members showing personality, style, and confidence—all captured with clean, natural light in their neighborhood.
If you’re a founder or part of a growing team, my biggest advice? Plan for the vibe. The right creative direction lets your personality come through, so your audience sees you—not just a version of you in a suit.