Shooting Style & Substance
Alexander “Sandy” Nesbitt is a master of circumstance, equal parts intrepid traveler, problem solver, and visual artist. Sandy approaches any environment armed with the belief that the magic lies somewhere in the fray – in the spaces where people are really living. It’s an integral part of his ability to capture real moments that define the spirit of being in a place. He’s an active part of his journeys, balancing making authentic images as an observer while celebrating being alive, and being present in the midst of a situation.
Sandy holds a message in mind while working out the visual and technical details necessary to capture the shot. The result is a collection of uniquely on-target documentary-style images created from the real life situations he sees around him.
Capable of problem solving in any environment and a master of compelling storytelling with a warm touch. Sandy invites you to come along for the ride, from teeth-gritting mountain treks to glistening beaches, from vibrant urban atmospheres to funky cultural experiences, whatever flavor you choose, the promise is the same, the images will feel real.
Education and Early Experience
Alexander, or to friends, Sandy Nesbitt graduated from Pratt Institute with a B.F.A.in Sculpture in 1990 after beginning his education at the University of Maine studying Engineering Physics. This helped create his hybrid technical and artistic skills which first came together professionally in industrial design. As he reached 30 he sensed he was ready and pivoted into photography full-time. Sandy officially launched his professional photo career decades ago – in 1997.
Grounded on his technical and artistic training at Pratt, Sandy’s work has evolved through wide-ranging documentary, artistic, journalistic, and commercial assignments. Initially, he was inspired by the harsh, yet vibrant city landscape around his apartment in New York’s late 80’s Lower East Side, as well as the street photography of Pratt professor Philip Perkis. With the city around him as a guide Sandy dove into shooting in 1988, producing a visceral collection of black and white work. Seeking deeper mentorship and training Sandy embarked on a documentary shooting workshop with Mary Ellen Mark in 1998. From there he taught himself the realities of difficult photojournalism on a multi-year personal project in the City of the Dead in Cairo, Egypt.
Egypt gave him a great start and from there he has gone on to be published in hundreds of publications and produce shoots for a list of national corporate and editorial clients. His background in fine art at Pratt has given Sandy a strong base to launch a successful collection of fine art prints that he retails at his studio and from his Newport, RI gallery – Blink Gallery. Sandy is an accomplished professional photographer and ready to put his broad technical experience, innate sense of authenticity and world travel skills to work on your advertising and editorial projects.
Current Work & Contact Info
In recent years, Sandy has honed a specific set of technical skills which he has applied to art reproduction shooting, and printing, all over the world for some of the most discerning clients.
For assignments, estimates, and questions please don’t hesitate to contact Sandy, or Studio Manager, Nichole Dalton.
Alexander Nesbitt Photography – 89 Thames Street, Newport, RI 02840
Studio tel: 401.847.4255