Westchester NY

Iona Commencement Photographer

Emma Hayes gives the commencement speech at Iona University Graduation 2025. Photos by Ben Hider. Taken with a Canon R3 and 24-70mm F2.8 lens and 70-200 F2.8mm lens

Tiny World at Iona University

Tiny World at Iona University shot with a DJI Air 2S

Creating a tiny world of Iona University using a 360 camera was one of those projects that made me feel like a kid playing with a new toy. The concept of turning an entire campus into a miniature version of itself is just so much fun, and when I saw the final result, I was honestly amazed at how cool it looked. The 360 camera captured everything in a way that felt almost surreal, like the whole campus was shrunk down into a tiny globe that you could spin around and explore.

As a drone photographer, I’m used to capturing sweeping aerial views, but playing with special effects like this really adds a new layer of creativity to the work. You can take something as familiar as a university campus and transform it into something completely new and unique. It's not just about getting the shot anymore—it's about experimenting and pushing the limits of what can be done with technology to tell a story.

Incorporating effects like these makes the job so much more interesting because it challenges me to think outside the box. Instead of just shooting from above or capturing traditional perspectives, I get to explore how to make the world look different. It’s like taking a bird’s-eye view and adding a whole new dimension to it. This tiny world effect gave Iona University a whole new vibe, and it was such a rewarding process to see it all come together.

Special effects in drone photography aren’t just a gimmick—they’re a way to make my work stand out and bring fresh perspectives to projects. Every time I use something like a 360 camera, it sparks new ideas and pushes me to keep evolving as a photographer. I can't wait to see where this kind of creativity takes me next!

Iona University Accepted Students Day in Westchester, New York

Spare Food Photography

I’d love to photograph more food and chef events around Westchester and New York City. I’ve always had a passion for capturing food, whether it’s a beautifully plated dish or a chef in action behind the scenes. The energy of food events, especially when talented chefs are showcasing their craft, is something I really enjoy documenting. If you’re hosting a food or chef event in the area and need a photographer who can capture all the delicious details and exciting moments, I’d love to connect and help bring your event to life with some photos

Drone Photographer in Westchester, New York

As a certified drone pilot, I’m always looking for more ways to use my new Part 107 license. Documenting this new college campus for Iona is a great opportunity to fly my DJI Mavic Air 2s over the Bronxville campus in Westchester, New York. Drone Photography is just another great way to document new angles for clients and flying my drone brings me back to my childhood love of remote control cars.

Certified Drone Pilot based in Westchester, New York. Drone Photography and Video

Spare Food Co at The Parlor

The guys at Spare Food were kind enough to ask me to document their lunch at The Parlor. It was Chef Adam that recommended this incredible Westcheser Pizza joint back when I used to work with Stone Barns.

If you want to try some Spare Food Tonic, give these flavors a try at Decicco or Fresh Direct - Lemon & Ginger. Cucumber & Lime. Blueberry & Ginger. Peach & Turmeric.