Local makes bringing life to photos
his business
Seung Hoon Han
never imagined he would own a photo studio and gallery, but he’s found his
niche in the quaint bustling City of Solvang — a world away from his South
Korean hometown.
“This
small city is very unique and allows me to create and develop a new style,” Han
said.
Han
is the owner of Han Photo Studio and Gallery located in Frederik’s
Court in Solvang. As a newcomer in Solvang, Han’s studio offers photo
restoration services, takes head and beauty shots and family portraits. And for
the person who is looking to glam-up a photo or capture a memory of visiting
the old Danish country in California, he also offers
classic Hollywood portraits and Danish costume portraits. Han also specializes
in event and wedding photography. He was professional and he did a very good
job,” said Oscar Araujo, a customer who hired Han to
photograph his wedding. “It seemed like
he did a good job taking the photos.”
But
Han’s journey to Solvang was not a strait shot. A
native of South Korea, Han studied English Linguistics in his country,
journeyed to Ohio in 2005, where he attended Ohio University and obtained an
undergraduate degree in Business, ventured to Santa Barbara to attend Brooks
College, and finally landed in Solvang.
“It
was a big change,” he said. As a Korean accountant and businessman, Han said he
never imagined he would own a photo processing business. The prospects were far
from his love of studying linguistics or his affinity for business. But after
taking a simple quick shot of his wife and son, a light turned on for the
would-be business owner.
“At
that time, I wasn’t interested in photography at all,” he said. “After taking
that picture it just popped, I realized I had something.”
The
studio and gallery only has been in Solvang for about six months, but Han says
he’s not leaving anytime soon. Part of his decision is based in the fact that
his photo studio and gallery is his first business — a sentimental notion.
“I
really want to keep this space, because this is my first business,” he said.
“Personally, I chose Solvang instead of a big city because it’s more
accommodating for a family lifestyle.”
Han
is still learning what photography styles enthrall him, but said he’s drawn to
it as a fine art. He’s a man of many talents and interests, which he said only
enhances his understanding of photography.
“I’m
still finding what genre I fit into,” he said. “But when I took a photo of my
son, it [became] a visual translation of poetry and linguistics. It’s all
connected.”
Han Photo Studio and Gallery is
located at 485 Alisal Road, Solvang.