ABOUT ME
My passion for photography ignited right after high school with the purchase of my first camera. While my earlier pursuit as a rock drummer was enjoyable, I soon recognized the greater potential of photography, especially when I realized that our group of 5 guys with mullets, just couldn't cut it with landing big gigs. I ended up selling my drums & invested in quality photography equipment and sought out opportunities to learn from established commercial as wedding photographers as their assistant, as well as working in portrait studios provided invaluable experience. During this time, I was constantly refining my skills through constructive critiques from seasoned professionals. It's one thing to have your work "Wowed" by friends and family, but it is quite another to have professionals in the field, who know what they are looking at, to determine if a picture I took was any good, or if it could be improved. My humble dedication to learning from the best in the biz and placing principals over my feelings from the constructive criticism of my mentors critiquing my work, was instrumental in my growth both as a photographer, as well as human being.
After several years of balancing photography with various jobs in industrial manufacturing from a foundry laborer, to a "Pizza Pizza" delivery driver for a popular brand, I took a leap of faith to pursue my passion full-time. This transition proved successful as I found my niche in diverse areas such as magazine, newspaper, sports, wedding, and portrait photography, without formal academic training. I secured a part-time staff photographer position with CNI Newspapers based entirely on my portfolio that beat over 75 other applicants who all had college degrees for the low-paying part time position, so I could advance my skills in photojournalism and story-telling with my camera. In addition to cutting my teeth at that job for 3 years, I graduated onto becoming the primary on-call subcontractor for several publications, including The Milwaukee Business Journal and the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, alongside collaborations with advertising agencies and the commencement of my wedding photography work in 1994, which now accounts for over 700 weddings.
Over time, I transitioned into a mentoring role, sharing my knowledge and providing critiques to aspiring photographers. It's been rewarding to see many of them succeed, even those who became competitors but remain valued friends. My work has afforded me incredible experiences, from traveling to places like San Francisco and Italy on assignment to meeting numerous public figures; opportunities I never imagined during my earlier years.
My expertise lies in enhancing the visual appeal of people and objects. If you have any commercial needs in areas such as branding portraits, advertising, architectural photography, action shots, photojournalism/documentary work, product photography, fashion, public relations, or event coverage, including my extensive experience with weddings, please feel free to reach out, and I will personally respond promptly.
John-Paul Greco
My Background
Education:
My photography education wasn't in a college classroom. Instead, I learned by working in the field as an assistant for several commercial photographers in the Milwaukee area, as well as internationally recognized fashion photographers. They mentored me and taught me the ropes, providing invaluable knowledge beyond a classroom setting.
This experience became evident when I presented my portfolio to CNI Newspapers. Thanks to my background in portraits, sports, weddings, and agency assignments, I was hired on the spot. I also had a full set of fast lenses and my own darkroom, with a strong desire to learn photojournalism to become a well-rounded photographer.
In contrast, many applicants presented standard portfolios with typical academic subjects: train tracks, tree bark, and staged still life. They often lacked storytelling ability and the experience of photographing people in real-world scenarios. My portfolio stood out because it featured images of people in places, in action events, and in various lighting conditions—from natural light to artificial studio environments. This practical, people-focused approach set me apart from college graduates.
I supplemented my hands-on education with part-time jobs at portrait studios, where I learned the art of photographing families, children, and team sports. At times, I had to learn to get the shot I needed very quickly, because there was a waiting room full of impatient families waiting for their turn.
One of my photography mentors, a former art teacher, taught me about composition and lighting, often taking me to art museums to enhance my understanding of art. This comprehensive education shaped my unique and recognizable style, characterized by clear storytelling. I always say, if you can't immediately tell what the picture is about, then it is an outtake.
These qualities have helped me find consistent work, primarily through word-of-mouth from satisfied clients, many of whom I've had the pleasure of working with for over 30 years.​
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Specialization:
My specialization lies in capturing the essence of moments and transforming them into lasting memories. Whether it's the subtle interplay of light and shadow in a portrait, the grandeur of architectural photography, or the spontaneous joy of a wedding celebration, my approach is always characterized by a deep respect for the subject and a meticulous attention to detail. My work spans various genres, including Business Development Photography & Video, where I excel in creating compelling visual narratives that enhance brand identity and engage audiences. With an eye for the unique and a heart for storytelling, I am dedicated to bringing each client's vision to life with creativity, passion, and precision.