A.J. Neste Testimonies

Kevin Fitzgerald

Founder K&L Media -A Digital Media Development Company

I first met photographer Tony Neste, AJ's father when he came to my office at SPORT Magazine over 30 years ago. He had few sports action images in his book then, but what he did have was a great eye, a keen sense of composition as well as the desire and technical ability to go the extra mile to create engaging photographs that illustrated more than just a person or place. Shooting sports action was a skill I knew he could develop, and so he did. From there I went to Sports Illustrated, then on to HBO, then FOX and then built my first company ImageDirect which grew to be sold to Getty Images. Always, Tony was there to create great photos (whether action or portraits or production shots) and garner new experiences along with me.

It was a very pleasant surprise when A.J. picked up the camera in earnest. Growing up, A.J. learned the art, and the business of photography while assisting his Dad. After A.J. switched his aspirations from being a pro baseball star to being a star photographer, my career long collaboration as a Neste consigliere extended to the next generation. Displaying the characteristic Neste initiative, determination and visual talent, A.J. has developed quickly into one of the premier surfing, lifestyle and fashion photographers at work today. Look at his work on this website and it's clear he inherited the "Neste Eye" for capturing and communicating the beauty, the context and subtext as well as the ultimate moment in each image he creates. As with his Dad, there's no photo challenge A.J. cannot meet. And there's no more enjoyable personality to have working with you.except maybe Tony, his Dad.

Tracy L Cioffi

PacSun Marketing Executive

I have worked with many great photographers through-out the years in fashion and action sports but AJ truly stands out. He always delivers great photos and is always professional, but it is more than that. He truly cares. He becomes a part of the project, a part of the family. He pushes things to the next level. Every experience I have had with AJ has been a great one!

Matt Walker

Surfing Magazine, Staff Writer

Do cameras have an aperture setting for 'enthusiasm'? A mechanism that allows you to max-out energy instead of light -- not through the lens, but on the photographer? If so, A.J. Neste's is stuck on 'wide open.' The moment this young Floridian strolled into Surfing's main office roughly six years ago he beamed a willingness to not just shoot, but to learn. Since then, that combination has made him one of Surf Photography's best young hustlers, snapping images and infecting his subjects, pushing their limits and his own with a contagious personality of unfiltered passion.

Chad Wells

Quiksilver Surf Team Manager

A.J. has been aligning himself and shooting with all the most talented junior athletes in the US, mainly on the East and West Coasts. He also has been traveling alongside them whether it being a photo trip or with the USA Surf Team where he has forged great relationships with them that has benefitted his ability to connect where others couldn't.

Tony Neste

A.J.'s Father

Photography has been my career for almost 40 years now and I think my Son would say that I have been an inspiration to him over the years in the advancement of his photographic pursuits. And while that may be true the real truth is that he has been the biggest inspiration for me. Everything he has ever done, from the High school All-star baseball player to the College scholarship athlete. He inspires me in his adult life as the Christian humanitarian traveling around the world and giving his love and friendship to all he comes to meet. And now inspiring me as the wonderful talented photographer he has developed into, from the little boy that I had carrying cameras and lenses strapped all over him chasing me around looking for that special photo. Anyone who has ever worked with or knows A.J. will tell you what a special person he is to have in your life. So much has changed over the years but so much has stayed the same and for that I am most grateful. May good fortunes follow you forever. With much Love, Dad