Business Headshot Specialist, Aric C. Hoek, BFA
Hello! I’m Aric Hoek, a professional headshot photographer. I embarked on my journey into the world of portrait photography in 1986. For all these years, photography hasn’t just been my passion, it’s been my livelihood. I’ve experienced the joy of working in various studios and opened my own business, Advanced Digital Imaging, in 1996. Six years later, Solaris Studios was born. My journey has taken me from the darkroom to the digital age, and I’ve embraced each evolution along the way.
In 2008, the global recession led me to pivot my focus as an international wedding photographer towards the world of corporate photography. I began to realize the profound impact a well-crafted headshot can have on an individual’s career prospects. This understanding has been reinforced over the years, from an executive who can spare only a few minutes to the unemployed gentleman urgently seeking to improve his professional image. These experiences have imbued me with a deep sense of responsibility. The headshots I create for my clients aren’t just images; they’re tools to help accelerate their careers.
Living and working in Houston, I know what it’s like to operate in a competitive field. In a world where nearly everyone carries a camera in their pocket, I strive to make my work stand out. I fly to different locations for the perfect backgrounds. I invite clients to supervise their headshot retouching, a process I call ‘collaborative retouching.’ I strive to capture not just faces but stories, creating unforgettable associations between my clients and their audiences.
When a client approaches me for a custom headshot, I engage in a thorough consultation process to understand their needs fully. I then use my skills to create a mood that reflects their profession and personality, overseeing every step of the creative process right up to the final retouch. I understand the ‘portrait panic’ people often experience and aim to alleviate their anxiety through transparency and collaboration.
In my spare time, I love visiting the Houston Museum of Fine Arts and traveling to the Santa Fe National Forest to photograph hummingbirds in my unique style. The challenge and precision required in capturing these vibrant creatures mirror my dedication to delivering excellence in my work.
Looking ahead, I am excited about the prospect of developing a talk for professional photography organizations and stepping on the sidelines to photograph an Astros game. Above all, my main goal is supporting my twins on their journey through college.
If you’re seeking a professional headshot photographer, remember this: in today’s world, everyone needs a great headshot. Using a smartphone and a selfie can inadvertently harm your professional reputation. What sets me apart is my unique portrait style and my collaborative approach to retouching. With me, you’ll be part of the entire creative process. Your headshot will be available for download within 30 minutes after you leave the studio, and I keep your download gallery active for 10 years, allowing you to re-download your headshots should you change your place of employment.
Welcome to Solaris Studios – where your headshot is a masterpiece waiting to be created.
I find photographing hummingbirds challenging.
Still here?
For years I was an international wedding photographer.
