About
I am a photographer who is aware of people’s vulnerability when put in front of the camera, and I want them to not only feel seen but to know that they matter.
Helping people find ease in the spotlight
Jessica Nicolosi Photography started out from my wanting to transition into a more creative field from the white-collar work I had been doing.
As I got deeper into photography, I became more aware of how uncomfortable so many people—even ones in long-term, front-facing positions!—felt when put in front of the camera. From my background in social work and holistic design, I realized I had a unique opportunity to take what I had learned and apply it to people in a way that could help them feel more at ease when in the spotlight.
WHY
BACKGROUND
What would you like to know?
I have a multidisciplinary background that is heavily influenced by my education: I have a BA in Environmental Studies with a minor in Psychology from SUNY Potsdam, and an MS in Sustainable Design with a focus in Human-Centered Design from Philadelphia University. I first started learning photography during a study abroad program in Florence, Italy, which continued as a hobby all throughout my twenties.
While living in Philadelphia, I started doing corporate event photography for Ecova, the energy management firm I had been working for at the time, and transitioned into doing volunteer photography for the West Chester Community Foundation and the Philadelphia Friendship Circle.
After moving to Colorado to start working for the Rocky Mountain Youth Corps, and later the Town of Oak Creek, Colorado, I did architectural photography, social media photography, and event photography for the multiple organizations I worked with while living there. After moving back to Buffalo in the midst of the COVID-19 Pandemic, I started getting back into volunteer event photography for several local nonprofit groups, including the Kevin Guest House and Roswell Park’s annual Ride for Roswell.
My work tends toward the intuitive rather than something more structured; I explore compositions, lighting, and framing in my work that feels natural, rather than forced, and my photos of people are loosely-posed, spontaneous, and feel genuine and emotional. In my work, professionalism doesn’t have to style artistry – in trying to integrate art with business, I am also trying to use my experience with community photography and find a way to align it with business photography in such a way that it helps businesses to connect better with the local communities they serve.
My own experience is also a large part of how I interact with my clientele: for a very long time, I was extremely self-conscious in front of the camera, and had a great deal of trouble having my photo taken. In taking more classes to expand my photographic skill and technique, as well as to challenge myself with new processes and mediums, I have been able to overcome my own self-doubt and find a way to move forward.
With Jessica Nicolosi Photography, I want to share that experience with anyone who has ever felt out of place in front of a camera lens, and create a business that offers kind, safe, and inclusive photography for others. With me, you don’t have to worry about being anyone other than yourself to get the photo that you want.