Introducing a New Unique Photo Blogger: Antonio Di Benedetto

by Mike Zawadzki, Technical  Specialist

Things have become very busy around here at Unique Photo both in the store and with our blog.  So much has changed from when I first started working here and creating content for the blog.  At first I wasn't sure if this was something I would do only once or perhaps every now and then, but in the blink of an eye this blog has become a big long-term project.  So today I would like to introduce Antonio G. Di Benedetto as another writer for our blog.  Antonio is a colleague and good friend of mine who I first met in college as we took many of the same photography courses.  We have worked together professionally shooting weddings and now work together at Unique Photo.  So without further noise and nonsense from me, here is an introductory post written by Antonio himself.  (After the jump/break)







Introduction by
Antonio G. Di Benedetto


Whenever people discuss their origin story in the world of photography, it often starts with their childhood. They usually say something like, “I just always had an interest in cameras as a kid,” or “I was born with a camera in my hands.”

I don’t have a cliché story like that. I wasted my parents’ film as a child while we were on vacation, but that is not when my interest in photography began. That was just a child playing with something shiny. Perhaps my passion for photography began in middle school, the first time I went over my friend’s house and played Pokémon Snap on his Nintendo 64 for hours on end. Or maybe it was in high school when I took my first photo class, even though I barely paid attention and got only B’s and C’s.

No, my stories are never that simple. When a person asks me how I got into photography, the answer is always as long-winded as when they ask me why I have two names, and just the same I find myself repeating it all the time; “I know I said my name is Antonio, but I usually go by Anthony.” “Yes, I have two names.” “No, it’s just a nickname.” “No, it’s not complicated because I can be called either one so take your pick.” “Why are you still bothering me about this?!” “Ok, I’m sorry for yelling. Please stop crying.”

My opinion of photography is just as complicated as explaining my name. I developed most of my knowledge and mindset at Montclair State University, where I took every photography class they had to offer - even though it was not my major. That is where my interest in photography truly flourished.

I shoot large format film for my personal work, and prefer it to digital. I shoot weddings, events, parties, portraits, etc. with my digital camera as freelance work. I work in the showroom at Unique Photo as a Technical Consultant, and I’m here on the blog to offer a voice different from the norm.

My name is Antonio G. Di Benedetto, but you can call me Anthony.