Indian Cricketer Jasprit Bumrah in Queens, NY

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Indian Cricketer Jasprit Burma plays with the NFL.

As a huge fan of Indian cricket, it was an absolute thrill to have the chance to photograph one of my all-time favorites, Jasprit Bumrah, in Queens, NY. Watching him bowl on the field is an experience in itself—his precision, focus, and incredible skill have made him one of the best fast bowlers in the world. But capturing him off the field, through the lens of my camera, was an entirely different level of excitement.

Bumrah's intensity and charisma translate not just on the pitch, but in the moments in between as well. It was fascinating to see his persona in such a relaxed setting, which gave me the chance to capture his true essence. Whether it was his focused gaze or his quick smile, every moment felt like an opportunity to snap something special.

Queens, with its vibrant mix of cultures and energy, was the perfect backdrop for this incredible experience. The connection the local community had with Bumrah was palpable, and I felt so fortunate to be there to document it. From the eager fans looking for a glimpse of their hero to Bumrah's relaxed demeanor as he interacted with everyone, it was a unique moment in time.

I’ve always been passionate about cricket and, specifically, Indian cricket, so having the chance to photograph someone like Bumrah in such a personal way was truly a dream come true. It’s experiences like these that make me grateful to be a photographer, especially when I get to merge my love for the sport with my work.

The Belmont Stakes Races in Saratoga for Fox Sports

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Belmont Stakes in Saratoga for Fox Sports

Photographing the Belmont Stakes was definitely an exciting experience, even though I’m not exactly a sports photographer! I usually focus more on events and portraits, so getting into the fast-paced world of horse racing was a bit of a shift for me. But it turned out to be such a fun challenge.

I had to adjust quickly to the action, trying to keep up with the horses as they flew by at full speed. Honestly, I wasn’t sure what to expect—I'm used to working with people in a more controlled environment, but this was all about capturing those split-second moments of excitement, tension, and celebration. There were so many incredible shots to be had, especially during the race’s climax when everything was on the line.

The crowd was just as fascinating as the race itself. You could feel the energy and anticipation in the air as fans cheered on their favorites, and capturing that energy was just as important as getting the perfect shot of the horses. It’s not something I do every day, but I loved having the chance to document a classic event like the Belmont Stakes.

Though I’m not a dedicated sports photographer, I found myself really enjoying the adrenaline of it all. It reminded me that sometimes stepping outside your comfort zone leads to unexpected moments of creativity. And who knows? Maybe I’ll do more of these high-speed events in the future!

The Effie's at Cipriani Midtown in New York City

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Effie’s Annual Gala at Cipriani Midtown

Ellis Island Awards

Ellis Island awards for Ellis Island and the Associated Press

Photographing the Ellis Island Awards was such a memorable experience! It’s not every day you get to be part of an event that honors such incredible individuals who have made a significant impact on our country. The atmosphere was filled with excitement and gratitude as people gathered to celebrate achievements, resilience, and the spirit of immigration.

What I loved most about photographing the awards was the mix of emotions—pride, joy, and a lot of heartfelt moments. It wasn’t just about the speeches and awards; it was about the stories of the people being honored. Capturing their reactions when they received their awards, the proud smiles of their families, and the energy of the whole crowd was really special.

The venue itself added to the magic. Ellis Island, with its rich history and significance, was the perfect backdrop for an evening celebrating the immigrant experience. The lighting was a bit tricky, but it just made the whole vibe more dramatic and intimate.

It was a true honor to document an event that celebrates such important aspects of our nation's history. Every shot felt meaningful, and I’m grateful I got to be there to preserve those moments. Definitely one of those events that reminds me why I love what I do!

Smile Train 25th Anniversary Gala at Cipriani

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Photographing the Smile Train Gala at Cipriani was an unforgettable experience. It’s hard to beat the energy of an event that’s not just glamorous but also so meaningful. The gala was filled with incredible people coming together for a cause close to my heart—helping children around the world get the cleft lip and palate surgeries they need.

The venue, Cipriani, was absolutely stunning. The grand architecture and elegant ambiance set the perfect tone for the night, and I couldn’t wait to capture every moment. From the speeches that highlighted the impact of Smile Train’s work to the heartfelt moments of gratitude, there was so much emotion in the room.

What really stood out, though, was the people. The guests, the honorees, and the kids whose lives were changed by Smile Train were all shining examples of hope and resilience. Capturing those intimate, genuine moments between families and their supporters was definitely a highlight.

It’s not every day you get to document such a powerful, inspiring evening, and I’m grateful to have been able to help tell the story of such an important cause through my photos. The night was filled with joy, and it was amazing to see how many people were dedicated to making a real difference.

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Ignite Gala in Philadelphia

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Jon Bon Jovi for Hulu

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Photographing the Hulu red carpet for the Jon Bon Jovi premiere was such an epic experience! I’ve shot red carpets before, but there’s something extra exciting about one for a legend like Jon Bon Jovi. The energy in the air was electric as the stars walked the carpet, and capturing those moments up close felt like being part of the action.

As the photographers lined up, I was ready to snap shots of the big moments—Jon himself, of course, as well as all the other celebrities and guests who were there to celebrate. There’s always this rush when the stars start arriving, and getting those perfect candid moments of excitement and smiles is what makes the job so fun. But, honestly, it was the vibe of the whole event that made it special. You could feel the anticipation as everyone was excited about the show’s premiere, and it’s always a thrill to be in the middle of that buzz.

The setup for a Hulu premiere had that mix of glamour and coolness that felt just right for Bon Jovi’s legacy. The lighting, the backdrop, the crowd—it all came together perfectly to capture the essence of a star-studded night. While the red carpet can get a little hectic, it’s the little moments, like when someone’s genuinely excited or sharing a laugh, that make the best photos.

Overall, it was a night full of energy, rock ‘n’ roll spirit, and some seriously awesome people to photograph. Getting to shoot the premiere of a show with someone as iconic as Jon Bon Jovi is definitely one of those experiences I’ll remember for a long time!