Stone Barns Spring Feast

Working as a photographer for Stone Barns Center for Food and Agriculture has been a rewarding experience. I’ve had the privilege of capturing the incredible work being done by dedicated farmers like Jason Grauer and Jack Algiere. From documenting the growth of sustainable farming practices to capturing the beauty of the land, it’s always inspiring to see how passionate individuals are making a difference in the food industry. Every photo tells a story of hard work, dedication, and the connection between people and the land. It’s been an honor to document their efforts and share their impact through my lens.

The Stone Barns Spring Feast is an annual culinary event held at Stone Barns Center for Food and Agriculture, located in Pocantico Hills, New York. Stone Barns Center is a nonprofit farm and education center that focuses on sustainable agriculture and food systems.

The Spring Feast is a celebration of the spring season and the abundance of fresh, locally grown food. It brings together renowned chefs, farmers, and food enthusiasts to showcase the flavors and techniques that highlight the farm-to-table movement. The event typically features a multi-course dinner prepared by guest chefs using ingredients sourced directly from the farm and the surrounding Hudson Valley region.

Guests at the Spring Feast can expect an exquisite dining experience that emphasizes seasonal and sustainable cuisine. The menu often includes a variety of dishes that showcase the best produce, meats, and dairy products available during the springtime. The chefs work closely with the farmers and artisans associated with Stone Barns Center to create a menu that highlights the flavors of the season and supports the principles of sustainable agriculture.

In addition to the meal, the Spring Feast may also include educational components such as farm tours, workshops, and presentations that explore the importance of sustainable food systems and the work being done at Stone Barns Center.

Attending the Stone Barns Spring Feast offers a unique opportunity to connect with like-minded individuals who share a passion for good food, sustainable agriculture, and environmental stewardship. It's a chance to support the mission of Stone Barns Center while enjoying a memorable dining experience in a beautiful farm setting.

Guggenheim Website Photograph

Very happy to see my photograph as the lead image on the Guggenheim website.

Artificial Intelligence post about Event Photography

While working many conferences that talk about AI, I thought I’d try Chat GPT on event photography -

Event photography is an art form that captures the essence of an occasion, whether it's a wedding, a corporate gathering, a birthday party, or any other type of event. Event photography is a specialized field that requires a unique set of skills to ensure that each moment is captured perfectly. In this blog post, we'll explore what event photography is, the importance of event photography, and some tips for capturing the best shots.

What is Event Photography?

Event photography is the process of capturing moments during a specific event or occasion. The images are meant to tell a story of the event, from start to finish. Event photographers must have the ability to capture candid moments as well as posed shots, all while being unobtrusive and not disturbing the flow of the event.

Why is Event Photography Important?

Event photography is essential for several reasons. Firstly, it provides a visual record of the event, capturing memories that can be cherished for years to come. It is a way to look back and relive the moments, emotions, and experiences of the event. Secondly, event photography is often used for promotional purposes, such as social media or website content, which can help to generate interest and excitement for future events. Lastly, event photography can also be used for documentation purposes, such as recording attendance or showcasing a company's achievements.

Tips for Capturing the Best Shots

Here are some tips to help event photographers capture the best shots:

1. Be Prepared: Before the event, make sure you have all the necessary equipment, including backup gear and extra batteries. Familiarize yourself with the location and the schedule of events, so you can plan for the best angles and lighting.

2. Be Creative: Don't be afraid to experiment with different angles and compositions to capture unique and creative shots. Look for interesting perspectives or elements that can add depth and dimension to your images.

3. Be Unobtrusive: Blend in with the crowd and try to capture candid moments without disrupting the flow of the event. Be mindful of people's privacy and always ask for permission before taking a photo of someone.

4. Pay Attention to Details: Capture the details that make the event unique, such as decorations, food, and signage. These details can help to tell the story of the event and provide context for your images.

5. Be Mindful of Lighting: Lighting is a critical element of event photography. Look for natural light sources or bring your own lighting equipment if necessary. Avoid using the camera's flash, which can be distracting and harsh.

Conclusion

Event photography is a challenging but rewarding field that requires a unique set of skills. With the right preparation, creativity, and attention to detail, event photographers can capture the essence of an occasion and provide a visual record of the event that can be cherished for years to come. Whether you're a professional photographer or just starting out, event photography is an exciting and fulfilling way to capture memories and tell stories.

And is portrait photography important???

ChatGPT

Yes, a portrait photographer can be important for several reasons. Here are a few:

1. Capturing Memories: A portrait photographer can help capture important moments and memories, such as family portraits, engagement photos, or graduation photos. These images can serve as a lasting reminder of significant milestones in a person's life.

2. Professional Quality: A portrait photographer has the experience, skills, and equipment to capture high-quality images that look professional and polished. They understand lighting, composition, and other technical aspects of photography that can make a significant difference in the final product.

3. Personal Branding: For professionals, a portrait photographer can help create a personal brand by capturing high-quality headshots or portraits that represent their style and personality. These images can be used on websites, social media profiles, and business cards to create a professional and consistent brand.

4. Artistic Expression: Portrait photography can be a form of artistic expression that showcases the creativity and vision of the photographer. By capturing the subject's personality, emotions, and character, a portrait photographer can create a unique and beautiful image that is both visually stunning and emotionally powerful.

Overall, a portrait photographer can be an important asset for anyone looking to capture memories, create a professional brand, or express their artistic vision through photography.

Who is Ben Hider

ChatGPT

Ben Hider is a professional photographer based in New York City. He has worked in the photography industry for over two decades, covering a wide range of subjects including news, sports, entertainment, and corporate events. Hider has worked for major media outlets such as The New York Times, Getty Images, and Reuters, and has covered high-profile events like the Academy Awards, the Super Bowl, and the United Nations General Assembly. He is known for his ability to capture candid moments and for his skill in working with natural light.

Beekeeper Andrew Cote at Durst's One Bryant Park Rooftop Beehives

I’m looking to work with more food and agriculture clients, capturing everything from farm-to-table stories to restaurant kitchens and sustainable farming practices. With experience photographing chefs, farmers, and food brands, I love documenting the connection between food, people, and the land. If you're a restaurant, farm, or food organization in need of high-quality photography, let’s connect!

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From Chat GPT - As a photographer for Andrews Honey beehives on the roof of One Bryant Park, I have had the privilege of capturing stunning images of these incredible creatures in action. The beehives, located atop one of the most iconic buildings in New York City, are home to tens of thousands of bees who work tirelessly to produce delicious honey.

Working as a photographer for Andrews Honey has been a fascinating experience. It's not every day that you get the opportunity to witness bees up close and personal, let alone photograph them in action. The rooftop beehives at One Bryant Park provide a unique and beautiful backdrop for capturing these fascinating creatures in their natural habitat.

One of the most incredible aspects of photographing the bees is seeing the intricate patterns they create while collecting nectar and pollen. Watching them work in unison is truly mesmerizing. From the moment they leave the hive, the bees are on a mission to gather nectar and pollen from flowers located in nearby Central Park. Once they return to the hive, the bees work together to turn the nectar into honey, using their wings to fan the hive and evaporate the water content from the nectar.

As a photographer, it's my job to capture the beauty of this process in stunning detail. I use a range of techniques to capture the bees in action, including macro photography and high-speed shooting. The results are breathtaking. From the individual bees to the complex patterns they create, every image tells a unique story of these incredible creatures.

Andrews Honey is a company that takes great pride in their beehives and the honey they produce. They are committed to sustainable beekeeping practices and work tirelessly to ensure that their bees are healthy and happy. As a photographer, it's an honor to be a part of this mission and to capture the beauty of these bees for the world to see.

In conclusion, being a photographer for Andrews Honey beehives on the roof of One Bryant Park has been an incredibly rewarding experience. It's given me the opportunity to witness the incredible work of these fascinating creatures up close and capture their beauty in stunning detail. I am grateful for the opportunity to work with such an amazing company and look forward to continuing to capture the magic of the Andrews Honey beehives for years to come.

Single Drunk Female Premiere in New York City

Ihop Spring Menu Photography for Associated Press

I’m looking to photograph more food and chef events in New York City and beyond. From intimate dinners to large-scale culinary events, I love capturing the energy of the kitchen, the artistry of plating, and the passion of the chefs behind it all. If you're hosting a food event, working on a restaurant project, or need high-quality culinary photography, let’s connect!

IMAGE DISTRIBUTED FOR IHOP - IHOP hosts a tasting event to preview its new menu, featuring a selection of craveable items spanning across breakfast, lunch, dinner and beyond in New York City on March 28, 2023. (Ben Hider/AP Images for IHOP)

Food photographer NYC, culinary photographer, restaurant photography, chef photographer, food and beverage photography, professional food photography, commercial food photographer, editorial food photography, farm-to-table photography, hospitality photography, food branding photography, plated dish photography, kitchen photography, cookbook photographer, food event photography, beverage photographer, cafe photography, bar photography, food styling photography, Westchester food photographer, New York restaurant photographer.

New York Restoration Project

New York Restoration Project helping build a new community garden in the Bronx, New York.

Dunkin at Hudson Yards

Sky Skate presented by Dunkin' Rewards as an all-weather experience, located on the indoor sky deck of the Edge in Hudson Yards. Photos by Ben Hider

NYSE Photographer

It’s been a little over 8 years since I stopped working at NYSE. It’s been an incredible journey and I’m thankful to all of the people who’ve supported me and my career since the transition. Working on the trading floor tonight and reminiscing on all the incredible IPOs and clients I met there

Quinta Brunson of Abbott Elementary for Hulu

Quinta Brunson of Abbott Elementary for Hulu at a SAG screening at the Crosby Street Hotel on January 3, 2023. (Photo by Ben Hider/Picturegroup for Hulu)