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!

New York Restoration Project at Sherman Creek

in , ,

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.

Mary Giuliani Catering Website

in , , ,

Always nice to see my photographs used for the landing page of a business I love working for! See MGCE for catering needs!

As a photographer in New York City, I've had the privilege of capturing some amazing moments at events, but lately, I've been especially drawn to the world of catering. There's something truly special about documenting the artistry that goes into catering events, from the beautifully crafted food to the atmosphere that transforms a space into something magical.

The elegance and creativity that catering companies bring to their events make them such a great thing to photograph. Every event feels like a new adventure—whether it's an intimate dinner party, a large corporate gathering, or a glamorous wedding. The details that caterers put into the food presentation, table settings, and overall event design always leave me inspired, and it’s a joy to capture those elements through my photographs.

Working with catering companies gives me the chance to document not just the food, but the experience of guests enjoying a thoughtfully curated meal. The emotions that come with savoring a perfect dish, the way people connect over great food, and the overall vibe of an event are all parts of the story I love to tell.

I'm excited to continue expanding my work with catering companies in New York City and have the opportunity to help showcase their incredible creations and events. Each catering event is unique, and I'd love to bring my passion for photography to even more companies and help them tell their story through images. If you're in the catering business and looking for a photographer who loves capturing both the details and the big moments, let's connect!

Food photography, catering photography, event catering, food styling, food presentation, culinary photography, catering events, table settings, elegant dining, food details, event atmosphere, guest experiences, plated dishes, food spreads, catering design, food artistry, special events, intimate dinners, corporate events, wedding catering, food photographers in NYC, event storytelling, food photography for caterers, visual storytelling, food and drink photography.

9/11 Memorial and Museum Photography

in , , , ,

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.

Headshots for large team meetings

in ,

Corporate Headshots Made Easy in NY, NJ, and the Tristate Area

Need professional headshots for your team? I’ve got you covered. With over 20 years of experience—including as the house photographer at the New York Stock Exchange—I specialize in capturing polished, high-quality headshots for corporate teams, from CEOs to executive teams, across New York, New Jersey, and the tristate area.

Stress-Free Headshots for Busy Professionals

Getting great headshots for your team shouldn’t be a hassle. I make the process smooth and efficient, ensuring that everyone—whether it’s the CEO, leadership team, or new hires—gets a professional, confident-looking portrait without taking too much time out of their day. From quick office sessions to larger company-wide shoots, I make sure your team looks their best with minimal disruption.

Why Work With Me?

  • I Come to You: My compact studio setup is completely mobile, so I bring everything to your office or event space—no need for your team to go anywhere.

  • Consistent, High-Quality Shots: Whether I’m photographing one executive or an entire company, I ensure the lighting, composition, and style align with your brand.

  • Fast Turnaround: Need those headshots for LinkedIn, press releases, or your website ASAP? I deliver quickly.

  • Polished Yet Natural Edits: Retouching is done professionally, enhancing without overdoing it.

  • Flexible Scheduling: Whether you need a handful of headshots or a few hundred, I work around your company’s schedule to make it seamless.

Trusted by CEOs and Top Executives

I’ve worked with Fortune 500 executives, financial firms, law offices, and tech startups in NYC, NJ, and the tristate area. My background in press photography means I know how to work in fast-paced environments while ensuring top-tier results.

Covering the NY, NJ, and Tristate Area

I provide corporate headshots across New York, New Jersey, and beyond, including Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, Long Island, Westchester, North Jersey, and more. Whether your office is in Midtown NYC, Jersey City, or Stamford, CT, I’m here to create professional headshots that fit your brand.

Let’s Get Your Team Looking Great

Need corporate headshots in NY, NJ, or the tristate area? Let’s make it happen. Reach out today to book a session and get your team’s professional image on point!

Keywords: corporate headshot photographer NY, executive headshots NJ, professional business portraits NYC, CEO headshots, leadership team photography, high-quality corporate headshots, on-site headshot photographer, LinkedIn profile photos, business headshot photography, corporate photography services, professional headshots for large teams, New York, New Jersey, tristate area.

The Bachelor for ABC

The Bachelor Grant Ellis photographed for ABC/Disney

Chat GPT says…

Photographing The Bachelor’s Grant Ellis for ABC: A Press Event with Influencers

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.

Gear Setup for Event Photography

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..

Lighting Challenges and Solutions

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.

Capturing Authentic Moments

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.

Delivering a Fast Turnaround

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.

The Takeaway

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!