by Erin Farquharson

From age 12 Rossini Neto has been a photographer. He first started with his Sony Cybershot, doing mock photoshoots and messing around with friends. But his interest became real in eighth grade on Shadow Day. Shadowing professional photographer Stephanie Manere, he learned what a photographer does on a daily basis and how they think before taking a shot. That day was “so much more than taking a beautiful picture” to Neto. Proud and surprised at how quickly he caught on, Neto solidified his love of photography on that pivotal day.

Now running a successful part time business, he is fulfilling that love. Rossini Neto Photography has photographed 23 seniors this year alone. He has also shot six family portraits and four weddings for a good price, so he is making quite a profit.

He is a unique photographer for many reasons. “I’m pretty outgoing, making the seniors I am photographing feel comfortable with me.”  His clients know him personally. They feel comfortable around him, and “it makes for more genuine photos.” Also for a low cost clients are provided with a CD of all edited, hi-res photos instead of just proofs, like most other photographers.

Neto is almost always ready for a photo shoot. Rain or shine he is on his way to Wood Park or Wayside Inn to do a senior photo shoot, even when surprises come up along the way. “After shooting Katie Vahey’s photos in Bolton I realized I lost my reflector, and driving back with Ali Eadie days later, it was still there, untouched,” Neto said.

Neto treats each client like a friend. He knows that “ some people are really shy, and [he] will tone down the posing.” He breaks the ice with clients by making them laugh. “When I did Krystal Leger’s photo shoot, I had her do a peek-a-boo pose from behind a tree. It was to make her laugh, but it ended up as a great picture when her face lit up with laughter.”

 In the future Neto aspires to continue photography as a part-time business, while attending college as a business major.