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 Law and focused on Media & Communications law before accepting admittance into the S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications at Syracuse University, 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.