Hi there.
I’m Steve. You’re probably wondering how I ended up in this situation.
Ever since I can remember, I was fascinated with cameras. Just ask my dad. Three-year-old Steve wouldn't stop asking to "see through" every time he pulled out his camcorder. That camcorder, by the way, is coming to your wedding. More on that in a bit.
In high school, my friends and I were making home movies inspired by enthusiastically ignoring every "do not try this at home" warning on our favorite TV shows. In college, I studied Broadcast Journalism because I wanted to be a sports reporter. Don't believe me? Here's the reel.
My first job out of college was video production at Mass General Hospital. I was filming surgeries, wearing scrubs, figuring out Boston as an adult for the first time. I became a runner (still working towards that Boston Marathon, but I’ve done the half!). Started stopping mid-run to take photos. Eventually bought my first real camera.
It wasn't until 2015 that something clicked. I took a three-week trip to Israel and Greece and carried my camera everywhere. By the time I got home, I knew this was it. I found a community of photographers and creatives in Boston, started learning everything I could, and finally felt like I'd found my people.
In 2016, my friend Sarah asked me how much I'd charge for a family portrait session. I answered that question by starting this business.
Thanks, Sarah.
Here’s my process
THE WAY I WORK
The best photos happen when people stop thinking about the camera. My whole approach is built around getting you there.
I get to know you before I ever show up to shoot, because the comfort we build before your wedding day is what makes everything possible on it. By the time it arrives, you're not thinking about me at all. You're just present. And presence is where the best photos come from.
WHO I WORK BEST WITH
My favorite clients are the ones who tell me upfront that they're not the photogenic type. The ones who are nervous. The ones who usually don’t love photos of themselves and aren't sure this time will be any different.
I can’t wait to prove you wrong.
If you care more about how your day felt than how it looked. If you want something real over something polished. If you'd rather forget I'm there than perform for my camera, we're going to get along just fine.
WHAT I BELIEVE IN
Authenticity — The best images don't come from direction. They come from people feeling comfortable enough to just be themselves. Getting you there is how we get the shot.
Connection — I invest in getting to know my clients before I ever pick up a camera. The trust that builds is what makes the work possible.
Presence — I believe in showing up fully. For your day, for the moments as they happen, for the details that might otherwise go unnoticed.
Intentionality — Nothing about the way I work is accidental. Every decision, from how I move through a room to how I edit a gallery, is made with care and purpose.
Beyond the lens
When I don't have a camera in my hand, or I'm not hunched over my desk (just kidding, I have great posture) editing photos, you can find me doing one of these things.
Welcome to… Beyond The Lens: Steve Nisotel
I’m a professional musician. I’ve been playing music ever since I can remember. I started on the piano when I was 5, switched to clarinet in elementary school, and then found my true calling on the drums in middle school. I’ve even managed to pick up the guitar over the years. I’ve been playing in bands since I moved to Boston in 2011, and have been fortunate enough to play some of Boston’s most famous venues like Great Scott and The Middle East. If you want to see me in action you can come catch my band Wario Speedwagon sometime at a show around Boston!
I love to cook. When I can make the time, few things make me happier than throwing together a nice meal for the people I love and care about. One of my favorite things is getting people to try new foods and exposing them to different cuisines. I’ve traveled all over and like to think my cooking has been influenced by all of the places I’ve been. My favorite dish to make is shakshuka. I’m also an expert meal prepper, so if you need advice, ask me!
I started a Mario Kart club. The time was March 2020. The world had changed overnight. Three weeks into the pandemic, I was craving human interaction of any kind outside of my roommates at the time. A simple Facebook post about Mario Kart on Nintendo Switch led to a group of friends who met online every week to race and hurl shells and obscenities at each other over Zoom. Three years later and we’re still doing it, same time every week.
I am a nationally ranked Chess player. I never said I was good, but I am nationally ranked. I learned how to play chess from my dad as a kid, and got caught up in the post-pandemic Chess hype and decided to hone that skill a bit. I competed in a few local tournaments and managed to place 3rd in one of them. You can find me on Chess.com as St3vo7988, or hanging in Harvard Square with the chess bums.
Let’s get in touch
Wedding photography collections begin at $3800.
Most couples I work with invest between
$4500–$6000 for full wedding day coverage.