In 1935, Queens residents who wanted to capture their special occasions looked to John Warren Wright Photography Studio on Northern Boulevard and 159th Street – and after 75 years, they still do.
Wright originally opened in Manhattan and expanded to Queens, where staff photographer Joseph Poelker specialized in taking portraits of women, using “soft-focus,” applying Vaseline petroleum jelly onto a filter, which added a mist effect around the edge of the photograph.
The business was taken over by Joseph Cassarino from 1982 to 1985 when he sold out to a cousin, Paul Petronella, who has owned the studio since. Cassarino was known for his unique poses and fine quality. Petronella said he strives to uphold the reputation his cousin earned.
“I would say that we try to do things a little differently than other studios,” said Petronella. “Before photography I was a painter and illustrator,” he pointed out, making him able to paint backgrounds for portraits, to make them distinctive to his studio.
The studio does both photography and video for events, from christenings to Bar/Bat Mitzvahs to weddings. To help celebrate their 75th anniversary, the studio is offering free engagement portraits for brides-to-be.
“It’s very interesting to be in this business,” said Petronella. “Its fun taking pictures and . . . it’s especially nice with digital cameras because you can do so much.”
For more information, call 718-224-0777.
