Statement from A.J. Neste

Photography is more than a job to me, it is my hobby and my purpose. Growing up with photography in my home I saw all the financial trials and political tribulations that come with the title Professional Photographer. But what attracted me to the art was when my Father would let me assist him on His assignments. From the great friendships my father had with other photographers to the constant flow of jokes shared between my father and his subjects, it never felt like work, it was just fun. It was a blast being on NFL sidelines running from end zone to end zone with my Dad to get the best angle for the next drive. I thought it was the best thing ever when I would get splattered by sweat and blood, while Roy Jones Jr. was attacking his opponent against the ropes. The funniest thing ever was having Comedian John Leguizamo entertaining our family with impersonations while getting his portrait taken in our living room.

When people hear that I am a photographer it's no big surprise to them. But it is a surprise to me. As fun as it was helping my Dad I never thought Photography would be my career. I never asked my dad for tips on shutter speeds or what aperture setting he was using when I was assisting him. He would just ask for film, batteries or a lens and I would hand it to him. I remember a time when my Dad took me to a Giants game and He let me shoot with one of his cameras. He turned in my rolls of film to Sports Illustrated by accident. The photo editor at S.I. called my dad and asked Him if he was going blind. After my Father dealt with being highly insulted he figured out what happened and sent in the right film. So Being a Professional wasn't something that came naturally to me. It took time and patience. But that's what I enjoyed about it. I would have to say a lot of what I learned in the past 6 years as a Professional has come with my own trial and error. What I do owe to my Father is something that the digital screen on the back of my camera can't tell me. That's how to treat your subjects with the same love that you would give your closest friends. Because ultimately the subject reflects the comfort level that the photographer is creating. That's why my Father is still so close with people like Dan Marino after only spending a few days with him when Dan was in college. He has a lasting impression that goes beyond the image that was captured. So for that knowledge I am forever grateful.

I have a deep faith that nothing is by coincidence. So I realize why I was brought up in photography. Besides that blessing, what really inspires me is the intense Love that my Family has for each other and for our friends. When we all get together, look out because it is going to be a blast to say the least. I think that is what has motivated my passion in Wedding Photography. Documenting the best day of someone's life is such a privilege. And a good family party is something I can relate to. Having such a great family life is what inspires me to take walks down dirt streets in third world countries. I love finding that same Family Love with people whether they are in Suffolk County N.Y. or living in a garbage dump in Managua Nicaragua. It's amazing the conversation that ignites when no words are shared, just laughter. I realize a bigger picture now, I see why God has made me a photographer. A best friend of mine and a great Cinematographer Matt Katsolis has a great quote "We can be a voice for the voiceless". I hope to do my part to document life and bring light to situations that will essentially Bless others. I am incredibly excited about this website. I look forward to sharing all my favorite moments with you and reaching out to people that otherwise I would never have contacted.

God Bless,
A.J.