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Featured Article

Behind the Lens

A Conversation with Photographers Sunny Rajabi & Daniel Arizpe

Article by Laura SanchezQuan

Photography by Sunny Rajabi and Daniel Arizpe

Originally published in Cypress Lifestyle

Their work fills the pages of this magazine, but their impact extends far beyond—into local businesses, nonprofit organizations, and everyday moments that deserve to be remembered.

Q: What inspired each of you to pursue photography?

Daniel: My journey began in Cy-Fair ISD in high school, I immersed myself in Photo I, II, and III, and worked on both the newspaper and yearbook staff. I loved every moment behind the camera. Nearly 20 years later, that early passion has grown into a career I’m deeply grateful for.

Sunny: I love helping people and businesses show up in a way that feels authentic. Most people don’t feel comfortable in front of a camera, so I focus on making the experience relaxed, natural, and enjoyable. I want people to walk away thinking, “Wow, that was actually fun.” My favorite part is when someone tells me how much fun they had, and then seeing them confidently use their photos.

Q: What are you passionate about in your work?

Sunny: Whether it’s a brand session, headshot, or event, I love telling the story through both the big, exciting moments and the small, candid ones. My favorite part is helping clients feel seen—and seeing their confidence grow through the images we create together.

Daniel: I’m passionate about storytelling, I enjoy creating images that communicate connection and purpose. I bring value by helping clients elevate their professional image, strengthen their brand, and capture moments that reflect the heart of their work. 

Q: What services do you each specialize in?

Sunny: I specialize in brand photography, headshots, and event coverage for local businesses and professionals. Along with photography, I offer video and content packages designed to help businesses show up consistently across their marketing and social media. For events, I take a storytelling approach - capturing the people, details, and emotion that make each event unique.

Daniel: I work across event, editorial, and portrait photography. My work has been featured in both local and national publications, and I partner with many nonprofits by offering donated and in-kind creative services. Whether covering an event or working one-on-one for portraits, I focus on creating intentional, story-driven imagery.

Q: What is something you want our readers to know about working with you?

Sunny: That photoshoots can be fun and stress-free. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve wrapped a photoshoot and my client says, “Oh, that was so great, I hate that I put this off for so long.” I guide my clients through every step, from planning and posing to how to use their images afterward. That way, we go into the photoshoot with a plan and they walk away with content that truly reflects who they are and works for their brand.

Daniel: I’m committed to creating images that matter for my clients. Photography has opened doors and brought me into rooms I never imagined, allowing me to tell meaningful stories, meet incredible people, and serve my community in ways that truly matter.

Q: Share why community is such a big part of your work?

Daniel: As a lifelong Cy-Fair resident and volunteer firefighter, photography gives me another avenue to give back, make a positive impact, dedicating my skills, time, and resources to the people and organizations shaping our community for the better.

Sunny: I’m easygoing but very detail-oriented, and I care deeply about how my clients are represented in their images. At the end of the day, I want people to look at their photos and think, “That’s me - that’s exactly how I want people to see my business.” Whether it’s a grand opening, gala, or even a baby shower, I want my clients to be able to look back at their gallery and relive their experience that day all over again.

Businesses featured in this article