We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Craig Ambrosio. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Craig below.

Alright, Craig thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. What do you think it takes to be successful?

I knew that I wanted to be a photographer since the age of 15. It’s a gift to have a passion at such a young age and continue to love what I do. My persistence and creative goals have helped me succeed as a professional photographer with 30 years of experience. My industry is always evolving and its essential as a photographer to be ahead of the curve and be able to reinvent your business. During Covid, I was one of the first live TV network camera operators who had the ability to use my Sony still cameras with a prime lens on a gimbal and be able to work live TV for Fox Sports, Espn, and WWE. Understanding how to use technology to help create a different look is all part of the creative process.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

Like I said earlier, I was gifted to know that I wanted to be a photographer at a young age. I studied and received my Bachelors degree in Photography at Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT). After college I worked my first photography job at the Nashua Telegraph, working the Sunday & Monday shift for a few years. The Telegraph hired me to assist with bringing the first digital cameras (Kodak DCS 520) to the newspaper. It was a $12,000 camera with a tiny 2 megapixel sensor.

When working at a small daily newspaper, you learn fast how to shoot and light everything and be prepared for all types of assignments. After two years, The Telegraph hired me full-time and I went on to win the NENPA Photographer of the Year and numerous other awards.
After two years full time at The Telegraph, I was hired full time at The Waterbury Republican-American newspaper. It was daily newspaper with 8 staff photographers who taught my how to compete to be the top photographer.
After 4 years with The Rep AM newspaper, I was introduced to freelance photography world through another photographer, Richard Freeda. Mr. Freeda was a freelance photographer who worked consistently with the World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE). Mr. Freeda hired me as a photo assistant a few times and eventually I was introduced to Tom Buchanan a staff photographer for the WWE and he gave me my big first freelance Assingment. Shortly after my first WWE freelance shoot, I started working consistently for the WWE and decided to leave the newspaper industry and relocate to Miami Beach, FL to establish my freelance business.

How about pivoting – can you share the story of a time you’ve had to pivot?

During Covid life and work just stopped as we all know it. I had no idea when the next paycheck would arrive and how I was going to pay my bills. I spent a lot of time learning how to utilize my Sony mirrorless cameras in a different way, especially for video. I experimented a lot with shooting with a prime lens wide open (f/2.8 ) on a gimbal. I purchased a basic wireless 5G transmitting system and sold the look and idea to WWE to use live on their TV shows. At the same time I was consulting with Fox Sports who was working on a similar rig for Football. WWE and Fox Sports collaborated with the technology and the rig was released first on Fox then on WWE. The camera rig was called the Megaladon, or the HD Camera or the 8k camera. Eventually ever major sporting event was booking the camera setup and the look. I went on to work the entire ESPN Monday Night Football season in 2022, then the Stanley Cup Playoffs and Finals.

Where do you think you get most of your clients from?

A majority of my clients are repeat clients and word of mouth clients. My business has grown based on the quality of work I produce and how I respect others in front of my camera. I feel it’s imperative to research and understand who you’re photographing so the final image portrays who they really are. This helps the subject relax in front of the camera and most important a sense of trust is established.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.craigambrosio.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/craigambrosio
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/craig.ambrosio
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/craigambrosio
• Twitter: @craigambrosio
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@craigambrosio9638
• Yelp: Craig Ambrosio Photography

Image Credits
All Photos by @ Craig Ambrosio