As part of the commercial redevelopment for Terminal 8 at John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK), JFK T8 Partners, the Unbail-Rodamco-Westfield (URW) Airports-led team, is partnering with local, minority-owned businesses for everything from construction and concessions opportunities to a broad range of services such as photography.
Andres Otero, owner of AO Images and a local Queens photographer, has worked with URW for many years photographing in-terminal and community events. Recently with support from the URW team, he became certified as a Minority Business Enterprise (MBE). We are proud to partner with Otero and support a local, MBE-certified business.
“Andres is a tremendous example of the breadth of talent here in Queens, and we are thrilled to provide opportunities at T8 for our community in their own backyards,” said Ian Carter, URW General Manager, JFK T8. “Partnering with diverse local suppliers and professionals—not just in concessions and construction, but in every facet of our business—is a true win-win, helping to nurture small businesses and entrepreneurs while being incredibly fulfilling for our team members. We’re looking forward to continuing to expand this platform in the New York market and across our portfolio of airports.”
“I love being at the airports on assignment, I love the environment,” Otero said. “I am grateful to have these opportunities and appreciative of the support URW has given me to capture such an exhilirating space. It is one of the most difficult places to photograph because of the different sources of light sources but that challenge makes it that much more gratifying when you see the finished product.”
Otero doesn’t remember a time when he did not love photography and music. Growing up in Colombia, he played the violin and began to develop his passion for photography.
He attended the Universidad de San Buenaventura for business administration but his love of photography was still top of mind. Using an old camera, he got great joy out of taking pictures of friends.
More than 20 years ago, Otero followed his heart and decided to move to Florida to pursue his passion of photography. Arriving in the United States with no job, he began working in restaurants before connecting with a local photographer who gave him an opportunity to shoot photography for a red carpet event.
After honing his craft, Otero decided to move to New York to continue his studies and his work. It was there that he began to dive into storytelling through photography. He excelled at events including weddings and social events and enjoyed helping businesses tell their story.
Otero and his family have called Queens home for more than 10 years and he is thrilled to bring his craft to his local community.
