Ben Hider

Set Photography in New York City

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Capturing the Action: Being a Set Photographer in New York

New York City is a hub for film, television, and commercial productions, making it an incredible place to work as a set photographer. With its iconic streets, diverse architecture, and vibrant creative scene, the city provides endless opportunities for behind-the-scenes photography. Whether it’s a feature film, network TV show, independent production, or commercial shoot, a skilled set photographer plays a crucial role in capturing production stills, promotional images, and behind-the-scenes moments that bring a project to life.

The Role of a Set Photographer in NYC

As a unit still photographer in New York, my job is to document the production process without interrupting the flow of filming. This means working quietly with mirrorless cameras like the Canon R3 or Sony A9 to capture high-quality images with silent shutters that won’t interfere with sound recording. My focus is on candid moments, key action shots, and high-resolution images for marketing and press use.

Productions in New York move fast, and a set photographer needs to adapt quickly. Whether shooting on a soundstage in Brooklyn, a rooftop in Manhattan, or a historic street in the West Village, the job requires an eye for composition, strong technical skills, and the ability to work in low-light conditions. Many productions rely on Profoto lighting setups, fast prime lenses, and high ISO performance to ensure crisp, cinematic stills.

Working on Film and TV Productions in NYC

From major motion pictures to episodic television, New York is home to productions of all sizes. Shows filming in NYC often require dedicated set photographers to provide imagery for streaming services, press kits, and social media campaigns. Working on a Netflix series, HBO drama, or independent feature film means collaborating with directors, cinematographers, and publicists to get the best shots without disrupting the production.

Being a film set photographer in New York also means navigating union guidelines, NDAs, and fast-paced production schedules. Experience in event photography, corporate headshots, and editorial portraiture helps refine the skills needed for on-set photography, where moments are fleeting and precision is key.

Why Hire a Set Photographer in New York?

Producers, studios, and public relations teams hire professional set photographers to ensure their projects have high-quality stills for promotion. Hiring a seasoned NYC unit photographer means getting images that capture the energy, emotion, and artistic vision of a production. Whether it’s for a theatrical release, film festival submission, or social media campaign, strong behind-the-scenes photography is essential for marketing success.

If you’re looking for a New York-based set photographer for your next project, let’s connect! With years of experience in event, corporate, and editorial photography, I bring a keen eye and professional approach to every production.

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Looking to hire an experienced set photographer in New York? Get in touch today!

Commit to Grow Equality at the Rockefeller Foundation

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What a pleasure to be in the presence of all of these amazing speakers at the Commit to Grow Equality event hosted by the Food and Agriculture Organization.

The Bachelor for ABC

The Bachelor Grant Ellis photographed for ABC/Disney

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Photographing The Bachelor’s Grant Ellis for ABC: A Press Event with Influencers

Photographing a high-profile press event is always an exciting challenge, and working with ABC to capture Grant Ellis, the newest Bachelor, during a media event filled with influencers was no exception. These kinds of events move fast, with a mix of candid interactions, posed portraits, and dynamic event coverage, so having the right gear and approach is crucial to getting the best shots.

Gear Setup for Event Photography

For this shoot, I relied on my Canon R3, a powerhouse when it comes to fast autofocus, eye detection, and incredible low-light performance. When working an event like this—where the lighting can change quickly, and you’re moving between different setups—you need a camera that’s responsive. The electronic shutter at 30fps meant I never missed a moment, whether it was a laugh during an interview or a subtle, thoughtful expression from Grant.

I paired the R3 with two key lenses:

  • RF 24-105mm f/2.8 – My go-to for versatility. This covered everything from mid-range portraits to wider environmental shots that captured Grant interacting with influencers..

Lighting Challenges and Solutions

Event lighting can be unpredictable, especially at press events with a mix of stage lighting, natural light from windows, and LED panels. I balanced this with a Profoto A10, bouncing flash off nearby surfaces to create soft, natural-looking light without overpowering the ambient glow.

For off-camera lighting, I used a Profoto a10, set up on a light stand when capturing more structured portraits of Grant with influencers. Soft directional light helps define facial features while maintaining a flattering, even tone—key for photographing TV personalities who are used to looking polished on camera.

Capturing Authentic Moments

While posed shots were part of the job, the best moments were candid interactions—a big part of why I love event photography. Grant was naturally charismatic, and influencers kept the energy high, making for plenty of laughter, genuine reactions, and unscripted moments.

Using face tracking and eye detection AF on the R3 allowed me to stay locked onto Grant as he moved through the event. With so much happening at once, this was a lifesaver, ensuring every shot was sharp and well-framed, even with a shallow depth of field.

Delivering a Fast Turnaround

Press events demand quick image delivery, often with same-day edits for social media. I shot RAW + JPEG to give myself flexibility in post-processing while also having immediate, ready-to-use files. Editing in Adobe Lightroom, I focused on:

  • Color correction – Ensuring skin tones looked natural despite mixed lighting.

  • Cropping for composition – Tightening frames when needed while keeping images engaging.

  • Noise reduction – Cleaning up high-ISO shots from dimly lit sections of the event.

The Takeaway

Photographing Grant Ellis for ABC was a mix of portraiture, documentary, and fast-paced event photography, making it a perfect test of both technical skill and adaptability. Working with a high-profile subject in a dynamic settingmeant balancing lighting, composition, and timing, all while anticipating the best moments before they happened.

For photographers looking to improve their event coverage and celebrity photography, my biggest tips are:

  • Know your gear inside and out – Press events move fast, and you don’t have time to fumble with settings.

  • Be adaptable with lighting – Whether using bounce flash, available light, or off-camera setups, knowing how to adjust is key.

  • Stay engaged with your subject – The best shots come when your subject is comfortable, and that means keeping the energy relaxed and natural.

This was another exciting shoot, and I’m looking forward to more celebrity press events and entertainment photography in the future!

NYSE Photographer for VENU Opening Bell Ceremony

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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.

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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

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