Paul Aresu Photography

Based in New York, Paul is an accomplished lifestyle, adventure and portrait photographer known for his impressive range. The portrait genre he has avidly pursued through as a visual consultant for the NY Jets and personal projects such as his series “Jazz Musicians” which comprises classic black & white photos of jazz legends in studio, as well as contemporary street photography striving to spontaneously capture life and culture of New York City. Paul’s lifestyle images are organic in feel and buoyant in spirit. He’s worked for editorial and advertising clients ranging from (Robin Hood Foundation to Rolling Stone Magazine, Maytag, Microsoft, to Nike and UnderArmor} Each shoot brings its own challenges, but Paul is known for keeping the mood light while keeping the production on track remaining even keel on set. “I am calm even on the most ambitious shoot schedules”, notes Paul, who has photographed all manners of elite athletes, business moguls, real people on location and in studio. “I carefully research each of my shoots, learn everything I can about a subject, and then I let myself go and focus on features and locations that strike me as visually interesting. I am receptive to the pleasure and mysteries of true exploration. I always have a plan, but it’s not fixed, it’s a guideline that must be allowed to change, to find those spontaneous and natural moments which is the allure of photography.” “If the project is a portrait, we create an environment of comfort and collaboration, which allows the subject to reveal something about them. Often we are told that the subject has a limited time frame, so we prepare for that. Since we create a comfortable environment, the subject ends up staying longer and we get to create even more together. We strive to maintain a positive atmosphere; it is an important component of our shoots.” Excellent taste, a sharp eye for composition and lighting, and a passion for connecting with his subjects are at the heart of Paul’s work. Paul was honored to be one of the original Canon Explorer of Light Masters. Paul is a collaborator, his easygoing manner reveals no indication of ego, yet he has the confidence of someone who knows he can get the job done delivering the greatest number of options with the least amount of stress. The final image is the result of the combined efforts of the creative director, art director, production designers, art department, hair and makeup, clothing stylists, etc. a true collaborative effort. “I love the production of photography itself, especially the big productions. There’s something about having a big team together on a project that gets me excited. I love that energy.” “Light is the essence of my storytelling”, says Paul. “I’m inspired by the George Eastman quote: ‘Embrace light. Admire it. Love it. But above all, know light. Know it for all you are worth, and you will know the key to photography.’” Paul lives a life of photography, adventure, and music, combining his career as a photographer with his love of sports, rock climbing, extreme skiing and jazz and blues. Paul’s career as a photographer was inspired by his father, a successful portrait photographer in NYC. “I’m always happy behind the lens”, says Paul. “I enjoy the creative flow. I want my clients to come away from every experience with me and my crew thinking that they would like to work with us again.”