Canon R3

New York Restoration Project at Sherman Creek

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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.

9/11 Memorial and Museum Photography

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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.