Portrait
Portrait and headshots of a friend who works for Nixon Peabody in New York City
The Bachelor Grant Ellis photographed for ABC/Disney
Chat GPT says…
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.
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..
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.
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.
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.
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!
Portraits shot with a Canon R3 with the amazing RF 24-105 2.8 lens and lit with a couple of Profoto B10 lights
It’s nice to shoot some office portraits that are a little outside the box. More fun, casual and playful than most of the headshots I do.
Being able to meet and photograph Ice T in the studio was such an incredible opportunity. I listened to his music as a kid in London and always felt like he was the voice of NY.
I’m looking to photograph more portraits of doctors and scientists. These professionals play a critical role in advancing healthcare and science, and I’m interested in capturing that through photography. Whether it’s a doctor in their practice or a scientist in their lab, I aim to document the people behind the important work.
What I enjoy most is being able to create portraits that reflect both the professionalism and the personal commitment these individuals bring to their fields. A well-executed portrait can showcase their expertise while also offering a glimpse into their personality and passion for their work.
If you're a doctor, scientist, or part of a medical or research organization and need portraits that capture both your professional role and individuality, I’d love to work with you.
Really happy to make work like this!
I’m looking to photograph more portraits and executives, whether for corporate headshots, branding images, or environmental portraits. With 20 years of experience, including five as the house photographer at the New York Stock Exchange, I understand how to capture professional yet natural images that represent leadership and personality. A strong executive portrait can be a powerful tool for personal branding, company profiles, or media use. If you or your team need high-quality portraits, let’s connect—I’d love to help create images that make an impact.
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Photographing a celebrity chef in Times Square was an unforgettable experience! The energy of the city combined with the excitement of working with someone so well-known in the culinary world created the perfect backdrop for a dynamic shoot. Capturing the chef in the midst of such a vibrant, bustling location brought a unique contrast between the calm focus of their craft and the liveliness of New York City. From the lights of Times Square to the chef’s passion for food, it was an amazing opportunity to capture some truly memorable shots. If you’re looking for someone to photograph culinary events or chefs in action, I’d love to help bring those moments to life!
