NY

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.

Photography at the Guggenheim Spring Fete

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Photography at the Guggenheim Museum by Ben Hider with a Canon R5 mark ii and Canon R3 with R24-105 F2.8 and R15-35 F2.8. You can see more of my work at the Guggenheim here

Headshot Photography at Alumni Event in New York City

Capturing 60 College Alumni Headshots at Butter Restaurant, NY

Photographing 60 alumni headshots in a single session is no small feat, but when you pair an incredible venue with a well-planned setup, it becomes an exciting challenge. Recently, I had the opportunity to photograph a large group of college alumni at the iconic Butter Restaurant in New York City. The event brought together professionals from various industries, all looking for updated, high-quality headshots in a stylish and convenient setting.

The Venue: Butter Restaurant

Butter, helmed by Executive Chef Alex Guarnaschelli, provided a warm and elegant backdrop for the shoot. Known for its refined ambiance and impeccable design, the restaurant’s sophisticated lighting and décor helped create a natural and polished aesthetic for the portraits. The venue’s private event space allowed us to set up a dedicated photo area without disrupting the gathering, ensuring a seamless experience for the attendees.

The Setup and Execution

To accommodate 60 individuals efficiently while maintaining quality, I designed a streamlined workflow:

  • Compact Lighting Setup: Using a small but powerful lighting kit, I ensured each headshot had a professional, well-lit look while keeping the footprint minimal.

  • Quick and Effective Posing: With limited time per person, I guided each subject into flattering and natural poses quickly, helping them feel comfortable and confident.

  • Instant Review and Adjustments: A tethered setup allowed immediate review, ensuring that everyone left with a headshot they were happy with.

  • Efficient Time Management: I scheduled short but effective time slots for each participant, balancing speed with attention to detail.

The Outcome

By the end of the session, we had captured a diverse set of high-quality portraits, each reflecting the professionalism and personality of the alumni. Many attendees expressed gratitude for the opportunity to update their headshots in such a relaxed and enjoyable setting.

Photographing alumni events like this showcases the value of a well-executed headshot session. Not only does it provide professionals with fresh, polished images, but it also enhances networking events by fostering confidence and connection. If your organization is looking to provide high-quality headshots at your next event, reach out—I’d love to bring my experience and expertise to your gathering!

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.

Office Photography - Creating an archive of images

Chat GPT says….

Title: Photographing the Alpine Investment Office and Its Employees

Capturing the spirit of Alpine Investment’s office and its hardworking team required careful planning and a creative approach. The goal was to showcase not only the modern design of the workspace but also the vibrant company culture and professionalism of its employees.

Showcasing the Office Environment

The Alpine Investment office boasts a sleek and sophisticated design with open workspaces, natural light flooding through large windows, and subtle branding elements that reflect the company’s values. Wide-angle shots were used to highlight the spacious layout, while close-ups focused on details like the company logo, polished desks, and lush green plants that add a refreshing touch to the workspace.

Highlighting Employees in Action

To capture the essence of teamwork and productivity, candid shots of employees collaborating during meetings and brainstorming sessions were taken. These moments showcased the diversity and camaraderie within the team, emphasizing Alpine Investment’s commitment to innovation and inclusivity. Discreet photography ensured the workflow was not disrupted, resulting in authentic and natural images.

Leveraging Natural and Artificial Lighting

With ample natural light streaming through the windows, the lighting setup was designed to enhance the warm and welcoming atmosphere of the office. Artificial lighting was used strategically to balance any shadows and bring out the vibrant tones of the decor and furnishings.

Reflecting the Company Culture

Photographs of team members enjoying coffee breaks, engaging in casual conversations, and using collaborative spaces captured the company’s dynamic culture. Props like branded notebooks and mugs added a personal touch, reinforcing Alpine Investment’s identity.

Thoughtful Editing for a Polished Look

Post-production editing focused on enhancing the brightness and contrast to create crisp, professional visuals. Cropping and composition adjustments ensured the images were versatile enough for use across websites, social media, and marketing materials.

Conclusion

Photographing Alpine Investment’s office and employees was an inspiring experience, bringing to life the synergy between a thoughtfully designed workspace and a dedicated team. These photos not only reflect the professionalism and culture of Alpine Investment but also serve as a powerful tool to connect with clients and prospects.

Are you looking to capture the unique essence of your office space and team? Let us know how we can help bring your story to life!

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