Ara Howrani's father,
Ameen, set up a photography studio 30 years ago in a rented space near Woodward and Baltimore. At that time, he was a steady freelance photographer for commercial clients including Motown — even traveling with Marvin Gaye.
When that building burned to the ground in 1982, he bought the old Jam Handy building at 2820 E. Grand Blvd. and renovated it into studio space and four residential lofts. From there, he expanded the scope of his clients to include businesses, politicians and nonprofit organizations.
When Ameen's health declined in 2005, Ara moved back to Detroit from Los Angeles to run his father's successful business.
Despite the cutbacks in the automotive industry — Ara Howrani estimates that 30% of
Howrani Studios' work is indirectly related to the Big Three — the business has managed to continue to grow.
"I came in after things had shifted," he says. "Fortunately, a lot of small businesses are staying afloat."
The studio employs three and currently is seeking to add a project manager to its team. Clients include K-Mart,
Cambell-Ewald, General Motors,
Detroit Riverfront Conservancy and Blue Cross Blue Shield.
Source: Ara Howrani, Howrani Studios
Writer: Kelli B. Kavanaugh
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