New York Restoration Project at Sherman Creek

Photographing Sherman Creek Park for NYRP: A Day with My DJI Air 2S and Canon R3

Spending a day photographing Sherman Creek Park for the New York Restoration Project (NYRP) is always a rewarding experience. Nestled along the Harlem River, this spot is a hidden gem in Upper Manhattan, full of greenery, winding paths, and a waterfront that gives you a totally different perspective on the city.

Whenever I’m shooting for NYRP, I try to capture not just the beauty of the space but also the people who work so hard to maintain it. There’s a mix of portrait work—documenting the volunteers and staff—and landscape photography to showcase the park itself. This is where I love having a Canon R3 in hand. The autofocus is insanely fast, and paired with an RF 24-105mm F2.8, I can go from wide scenic shots to close-up environmental portraits in seconds.

Flying the DJI Air 2S Over Sherman Creek Park

On this particular day, I also brought along my DJI Air 2S for some aerial photography. Drone photography is an incredible tool for showing the scale of urban green spaces like Sherman Creek Park, where you can really appreciate how nature and the city blend together. From above, you see the river curving around the park, the skyline in the distance, and the way the trees and trails connect everything.

That said, flying a drone in New York City always comes with some challenges. Safety is key, especially when flying near water, buildings, and public areas. A few things I always keep in mind:

• Check airspace restrictions – NYC is a tricky place to fly, so I always make sure I’m in a legal zone before even unpacking the drone.

• Avoid flying directly over people – Even with great obstacle sensors, it’s not worth the risk. I make sure my flight paths avoid crowds.

• Be mindful of the wind – Shooting by the river means unpredictable gusts, and I always keep an eye on battery levels in case I need to bring the drone back sooner than expected.

The Best Part: Seeing the Park from Every Angle

With the Canon R3, I was able to get some incredible close-up shots of the park’s plant life, volunteers in action, and the waterfront views. And with the DJI Air 2S, I captured sweeping aerial shots that give a whole new appreciation for how much green space NYRP has carved out in the city.

Photographing for NYRP at Sherman Creek Park is always a reminder of why I love this kind of work. Whether I’m on the ground with my camera or in the air with my drone, it’s all about telling the story of these spaces—how they grow, how people use them, and why they matter.

If you’ve never been to Sherman Creek Park, it’s definitely worth a visit. And if you’re a photographer, bring a camera—you won’t be disappointed.

Mary Giuliani Catering Website

Always nice to see my photographs used for the landing page of a business I love working for! See MGCE for catering needs!

As a photographer in New York City, I've had the privilege of capturing some amazing moments at events, but lately, I've been especially drawn to the world of catering. There's something truly special about documenting the artistry that goes into catering events, from the beautifully crafted food to the atmosphere that transforms a space into something magical.

The elegance and creativity that catering companies bring to their events make them such a great thing to photograph. Every event feels like a new adventure—whether it's an intimate dinner party, a large corporate gathering, or a glamorous wedding. The details that caterers put into the food presentation, table settings, and overall event design always leave me inspired, and it’s a joy to capture those elements through my photographs.

Working with catering companies gives me the chance to document not just the food, but the experience of guests enjoying a thoughtfully curated meal. The emotions that come with savoring a perfect dish, the way people connect over great food, and the overall vibe of an event are all parts of the story I love to tell.

I'm excited to continue expanding my work with catering companies in New York City and have the opportunity to help showcase their incredible creations and events. Each catering event is unique, and I'd love to bring my passion for photography to even more companies and help them tell their story through images. If you're in the catering business and looking for a photographer who loves capturing both the details and the big moments, let's connect!

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9/11 Memorial and Museum Photography

Capturing Emotion: Behind the Scenes of an Interview at the 9/11 Memorial & Museum

When it comes to documentary photography in New York, few assignments are as meaningful as capturing the behind-the-scenes moments of an interview at the 9/11 Memorial & Museum. I recently had the chance to photograph an interview with the daughter of a 9/11 victim, and it was an incredibly emotional and powerful experience. This kind of event photography in NYC takes a mix of sensitivity, technical skill, and a real respect for the people and place involved.

Why Behind-the-Scenes Photography Matters

Behind-the-scenes (BTS) photography is all about storytelling. Whether you're covering corporate interviews, press events, or documentary shoots in New York, capturing those candid, in-between moments adds so much depth to the final story. These images help show the full picture—the emotion, the setting, and the story behind the interview itself.

Challenges of Shooting at the 9/11 Memorial & Museum

Location photography in New York City is never easy, and the 9/11 Memorial & Museum has its own unique set of challenges. It's a place of deep reflection, so staying low-key while capturing the moment is key. As a professional event photographer in NYC, I made sure to use minimal gear, rely on natural light when possible, and set my camera to silent mode to avoid drawing attention.

Security and permissions are also big factors here. Planning ahead with the production team made sure everything was good to go before we even arrived. If you’re looking to hire a professional photographer in New York for a high-profile event, make sure they know how to handle logistics like permissions and working in sensitive environments.

Photography Gear & Techniques for BTS Shoots

For this shoot, I went with a full-frame DSLR and a fast prime lens, perfect for capturing details in low-light settings. A mirrorless camera with a silent shutter was also a must to stay discreet. The goal was to get authentic, powerful shots without disrupting the flow of the interview.

• Lens choice: A 50mm or 85mm prime lens is great for natural, up-close shots.

• Lighting: Natural light when possible, with a small LED panel for backup.

• Composition: Framing the subject with memorial elements in the background added extra depth.

The Power of Storytelling Through Photography

Every shot told a story—from the quiet moments before the interview to the heartfelt expressions during it. Capturing real emotion is what makes a photo resonate. That’s why hiring an experienced event photographer in NYC is so important when working on meaningful projects like this.

Why Hire a Pro Photographer for Your Event?

If you need a documentary, event, or corporate photographer in New York, working with someone experienced means your story gets captured in a professional yet natural way. Whether it’s press photography, behind-the-scenes coverage, or headshots in NYC, a skilled photographer knows how to stay behind the scenes while still delivering powerful images.

The 9/11 Memorial & Museum is a place of deep significance, and photographing an interview there isn’t just about technical ability—it’s about empathy, discretion, and storytelling. If you’re looking for a New York City event photographer to capture an important moment, let’s chat. I’d love to help document your story with the care and respect it deserves.

NYSE Photographer for VENU Opening Bell Ceremony

It’s been almost exactly 10 years since I was the house photographer at the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) and covering bell ceremonies is a lot more fun now. I photographed the opening and closing bell for NYSE for almost 5 years. Coming back to Wall Street occasionally now is a pleasure. It’s a lot more fun a few times a year rather than 500 times a year. Below are photos of the Venu CEO ringing the opening bell in celebration of the recent IPO.

NYSE Photographer Ben Hider - photographed all content on the trading floor, board room and bell podium with a Canon R3 and Canon R5 mark ii.

Chat GPT says…

Title: Capturing the VENU Bell Ringing at the New York Stock Exchange

Photographing a monumental event like the VENU bell ringing at the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) requires both precision and creativity. This iconic occasion is not only a celebration of success but also an opportunity to create lasting visuals that tell a compelling story. Here’s a glimpse into how photography brought this milestone moment to life.

Planning the Perfect Shot

The NYSE is an iconic venue, and capturing its grandeur alongside the excitement of the bell-ringing ceremony requires careful planning. Wide-angle shots were essential for encompassing the historical architecture and vibrant energy of the trading floor, while close-ups captured the enthusiasm and pride on the faces of the VENU team.

Showcasing Key Moments

Every moment counts during a bell-ringing event. From the team’s arrival at the NYSE to the climactic ringing of the bell, each shot was timed to perfection. Action photography techniques were used to capture the dynamic energy of the team and the celebratory atmosphere. Images of the bell itself, framed by the NYSE’s intricate details, added depth to the story.

Leveraging Lighting for Dramatic Effect

The NYSE’s combination of natural and artificial lighting presented both challenges and opportunities. By balancing ambient light with additional flash photography, the photos achieved a professional and polished look. Careful attention was paid to the interplay of light and shadow to highlight the event’s significance and maintain clarity in every frame.

Incorporating VENU Branding

Branding played a crucial role in the photography. Close-ups of VENU’s logo on digital displays and team apparel emphasized the company’s identity. Shots featuring the team against the NYSE’s backdrop created powerful visuals that tied together the company’s milestone with this historic venue.

Post-Production for a Polished Finish

Post-production editing brought out the best in each photo. Adjustments to color, contrast, and sharpness ensured the images were vibrant and eye-catching. Every shot was optimized for use across digital platforms, including social media, press releases, and websites.

Conclusion

Photographing the VENU bell ringing at the New York Stock Exchange was an extraordinary experience that celebrated achievement and ambition. From dynamic action shots to detailed close-ups, the images captured the essence of this landmark moment while emphasizing VENU’s brand and story.

If you’re planning to document a corporate milestone, make sure your photography captures both the grandeur and the emotions of the event. Get in touch to create visuals that leave a lasting impression!

Rainbow Room Party Photographer

Production at the Rainbow Room in New York City by Carri at A Closer Look Events. Photography by Ben Hider

New Years Eve at the Children's Museum of Manhattan

Tanqueray Gin at MetLife Stadium

Tanqueray Gin at MetLife Stadium (Ben Hider/Hunter PR)

Jingle Ball at Madison Square Gardens

Jingle Ball by Z100 in Madison Square Gardens Photographer for ABC

Iona University Photographer

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NYSE Photography - Venu IPO

Shooting the Venu IPO at the NYSE was an exciting return to familiar ground for me, having worked there every day as the house photographer for years. Armed with my Canon R3, I captured everything from the buzz on the trading floorto the big moment at the bell-ringing ceremony. The fast autofocus and high-speed shooting of the R3 made it easy to keep up with the action, whether it was executives celebrating, traders reacting, or the company’s logo lighting up the iconic NYSE screens. I switched between a wide-angle lens for the sweeping energy of the floor and a telephoto lens to get tight shots of leadership. The NYSE lighting can be tricky, but knowing the space so well, I adjusted my ISO, shutter speed, and aperture on the fly to keep everything crisp. Later, I fine-tuned the shots in Lightroom and Photoshop, making sure Venu had stunning images for their press releases, social media, and investor relations. See more photos here and here

If you need a photographer for your IPO at Nasdaq or the NYSE please let me know. I have covered hundreds of IPO’s at the New York Stock Exchange and dozens at the Nasdaq Market Place in Times Square.