About Us
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Owner/Founder Rob's entrance into this field came while he was still a high school student. Following in the footsteps of his father, Jesse Rivera, Sr., his passion for photography and videography were rapidly set into motion. At 17, he approached a local newspaper, The Amboy Beacon, seeking part-time employment. He was hired quickly as a result of his graphic design skillset and advanced to the position of Production Manager. The role was multifaceted and involved proofing articles, digitally designing the layout, and managing the small staff of contributors.
With an additional background in audio engineering, he opened and operated a small recording facility, where he produced a wide range of projects for clientele and also engaged in artist management. Rob then enrolled in the United States Army where he served for 12 years, serving in the Military Intelligence Corps, specializing as an Imagery Analyst. In 2009, he opened his second New Jersey-based small business named Rob Rivera Photography, providing photographic services for clients, including commercial, journalistic, and most notably, event imaging. It was during this time that many other opportunities opened up, including operating as a Director of Video for several independent shorts, as well as Co-Director of Photography for the independent film, “Supposition” in 2016. ​
He returned to higher education, taking on the position as a staff photographer for the college’s weekly publication, later earning the position of Photo Editor. There, he expanded his understanding of journalistic methodology and became a three-time recipient of journalistic photography awards from the New Jersey Press Foundation. Following that, he attended Syracuse University College of Law and focused on Media & Communications law before accepting admittance into the esteemed S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications, where he earned a Master of Science in Communications, specializing in Public Relations. It was during this time that Rob was featured in Syracuse University’s national “Go Orange” marketing campaign and secured an Advanced Google Analytics certification, a Hootsuite Platform certification, and a CITI certification in Human Subjects Research & Social/Behavior Research.
After 15 years of "Rob Rivera Photography", the company outgrew its name, by offering multiple services, including photography, videography, and photo booths. As a result of this growth, the company rebranded in 2024 as "123 Imaging". Currently, Rob is a professional member of the National Press Photographers Association, the Professional Photographers’ Society of New York State, and the New Jersey Professional Photographers Association. He has performed numerous lectures in New York and New Jersey, as well as in online sessions to up-and-coming members of the photo and video industries. Additionally, his work has been published nationally in First Responder News, The American Legion Auxiliary, and through his work with large companies, such as Tesla Motors.
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Are you a legitimate company?We are a professional LLC registered in the State of New York and authorized to conduct business throughout the United States and beyond. Unlike many other similar companies in the area, this is not a side gig, as it is a full-time endeavor. Further, we have been awarded as "Best of Weddings" by TheKnot and have been in business since 2009.
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What do you do to keep my images/video safe?One of the main principles of our business is redundancy to ensure the media we capture reaches its final destination. We do this in multiple ways, including using imaging equipment that duplicates every image we take simultaneously onto two cards, with each of those cards having data recovery in the event that any one fails. In addition, our studio boasts a RAID-10 80 Terabyte data server under lock and key to ensure all files remain safe. Finally, we additionally backup all works-in-progress offsite, adding an additional layer of security.
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Can you do drone imaging?We are proud to offer drone imaging for both photography and videography. Our drone operators are FAA Part 107 qualified and are proficient in operating in a safe and legal manner. Our drone is capable of delivering 4k video, as well as 48MP images and is considerably more quiet than most UAVs available on the market.
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How many photographers will cover my event?For most standard sessions, such as birthdays, portraits, or small events, one photographer is typically assigned. However, all of our weddings are covered by at least two photographers, to ensure coverage of both partners throughout the day, as well as to ensure multiple angles of critical moments, supporting each other during portraits, and broad coverage throughout the space during the reception.
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How long before I receive my photos?Within 7 business days of your event, you will receive a link and password to your proofs gallery. Once you've made your selections, we will edit those images and deliver them to you within 30 business days, resulting in a faster turnaround than anyone in the area. While this guarantee is provided to you in writing, we typically complete this process in half that time.
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Do you have your own studio?We are a residential-based company located in Syracuse that CAN accommodate head shots and product photography on site. In addition, we offer a changing room with a makeup desk. We also have a separate space for our state-of-the-art editing suite that utilizes a dual-display Mac Studio, with audio gear from such manufacturers as KRK, Genelec, Universal Audio, and Rode. Our software suite includes Lightroom, Photoshop, and a range of AI plug-ins.
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Do you use high quality equipment?Our videography team has an array of equipment at its disposal. Our professional sound equipment includes shotgun, handheld, and lavalier microphones, as well as field recorders. Meanwhile, our cameras include two full frame Nikon Z7ii bodies, two custom DJI Osmo 3 gimbal rigs, 2 DJI drones, and a Panasonic X20 4K camera. We also have an inventory of lighting ranging from microlights to high output spotlights, along with an array of lighting modifiers. Our Editing Suite A is powered by a dual-display Mac Studio, with audio gear from such manufacturers as KRK, Genelec, Universal Audio, and Rode. In addition, we utilize Final Cut Pro X and DaVinci Resolve software rendering pristine 4k products. Our Suite B is powered by a Mac Mini with M2 Processor, with audio gear from KRK and Universal Audio.
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How long before my video is complete?Our turnaround to complete all video products is 60 business days, though we typically complete this sooner.
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Do you include props?Yes! Props are included with all of our photo booth packages and include hats, signs, glasses, boas, and other fun items to get your guests into the party vibe.
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Do I receive all of the pictures?Following your event, we provide you with a link to download ALL of the images. We are not responsible if you blackmail your friends and family!
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How much space does the photo booth require?The photo booth requires a space at least 10' x 10' to ensure adequate room for the backdrop, red carpet, props, and photo booth interface.
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Do you drop off the photo booth or does someone operate it?Our custom photo booth is intuitive and easy for anyone to operate. However, we will always ensure a representative of 123 Imaging is on site to setup and breakdown, keep the area tidy, and maintain the printer if prints are included in your package.
