Photography is so much more than just snapping a quick picture—it’s about capturing moments and expressing stories and emotions. For Alex DiStefano, photography has been his passion from a young age. From spontaneous shots to high-pressure sessions, he has built a lifestyle for himself that allows him to express his creativity.

The Start of it All

DiStefano’s connection to photography came to be in an unexpected way. While on a family vacation during his freshman year of high school, he found that his mom brought a camera with her, a Nikon d3500. He picked up the camera one moment and didn’t put it down for the rest of the trip. 

“My mom hadn’t taken a single photo,” he recalls, “and I just absolutely fell in love with it.” 

At first, it was his parent’s support of his passion that drove him, but it wasn’t until he learned about Peter McKinnon that he was truly inspired. McKinnon is a well-known photographer and YouTuber. He created tutorial videos that helped DiStefano learn many new tips and tricks to help him improve his work. 

“He was doing these simple ‘how-to’ videos, and that just instantly attracted me and got me all excited,” he explained.

Without looking back, DiStefano knew that this was what he wanted to focus on in his life.

Progress Makes Perfect

Over the years, DiStefano has experimented with multiple photography styles. At the beginning of his photography career, he was mainly interested in sports photography. However, over time, he found himself slowly shifting toward portrait, wedding, and event photography. 

“I think as I’ve matured as a photographer. I’ve gotten more into portraits and weddings,” he said. 

Specifically, this style gives him the challenge of capturing special, unforgettable moments. The shots almost have to be perfect all the time, leaving no room for mistakes. Instead of intimidating DiStefano, it is something that excites him.

Experience of a Lifetime

Some of DiStefano’s most unforgettable photoshoot experiences have occurred from unexpected opportunities. A trip to Hawaii that involved some hiking ended up becoming a source for capturing the beauty of nature. No matter where he looked, there would always be something amazing to catch his eye. 

While this is a great experience, a defining moment from his time in photography was when his cousin entrusted him with shooting her wedding. This was DiStefano’s first wedding shoot, so it was a big deal for both him and his sister.

“It was such a big trusting thing from her,” he said. “That was my first big step into wedding photography.” Trust is an important thing to have with anyone you are working with or for when taking pictures.

No major difficulties occurred with this situation, but that doesn’t mean he never has any mishaps. Every photographer is bound to make a simple mistake here and there. Forgetting an SD card or a camera battery is a very possible reality.

“Luckily, I haven’t had any major catastrophes,” he laughed. “Could you imagine showing up to a shoot and not getting paid because you forgot your gear?”

Big Names, Bigger Steps

DiStefano has been a part of many shoots, but his shoot for a celebrity may be hard to top at the moment. He was given the chance to take part in photography for Allen Houston, a former NBA player and Olympic athlete. These pictures of Houston weren’t of himself, though, instead, they were pictures for his brand and products. He got to go to his house and take photos for his brand because of some connections he had

“It was crazy to meet one of my idols and be able to take photos of them. It was definitely one of the most stressful photo shoots in my life, but a huge learning opportunity and really fun,” he said.

This summer, he has plans to photograph a wedding for another professional basketball player, Allan Jeanne-Rose bringing about another very exciting moment for him.  This opportunity was handed to him because the player went to Central Connecticut State University (CCSU), the college that DiStefano attended as well.

A Passion for Film Photography

While DiStefano’s profession depends on digital works, this doesn’t automatically make it his favorite type of photography. The title of his favorite is given to film photography. 

“Anytime I get to shoot film, it makes me think more about my shots,” he explained.

Unlike digital photography, which allows him the opportunity to take hundreds of pictures in seconds, film makes him consider what he really wants to capture in shots and when exactly to take them.

“I have 36 shots, and that’s it. It makes me more conscious of every frame I take,” he continued.

Framing the Future

With the intention of bringing this passion to the next level, DiStefano and his roommate recently created their very own photography business, A through Z Studios. Inspired by the Amazon logo, which symbolizes doing everything from A to Z, the name also has another creative touch. Alex, being his first name, and Zamboni, being his roommate’s last name, fit considering the letters A and Z are used.

“We needed something good, and we thought it was funny, so we just stuck with it,” he said.

DiStefano has a busy schedule coming up this summer, being that he has five weddings booked and ready to shoot for. This is all more than just a job for him, though; it is a passion that shows his dedication and commitment. In the long run, DiStefano dreams of shooting an NBA or NFL game. 

“I’ve done Division 1 sports, but anything bigger than what I’ve already done would be cool,” he said.

This is a difficult level of photography to be given the chance to take pictures for. With multiple friends in the AFL, American Football League, he is hoping for their teams to play nearby someday, where he would be able to shoot for the teams.

Lesson Captured

The most important thing to know for anyone looking into a photography career, DiStefano said is “The more you take photos, the better.” 

When he first got into photography, there was never a moment when he wouldn’t have his camera in his hand. There was always something to take a picture of, no matter what. With this being said, he encourages others to step away from their phones and try something new in the world of photography.

Most importantly, DiStefano emphasizes the importance of treating everyone the same and with respect. 

“You never know when you’re gonna need someone,” he said. “Photography is a world where everyone is connected, so you always want to put your best foot forward.”

From a teenager who took random photos with a camera that didn’t even belong to him, to an experienced photographer shooting important clients, Alex DiStefano’s journey has become an inspiration to stick with what you are passionate about and truly put some work into what you want. With his camera always in hand, he’s just getting started as well.