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!

New York Botanical Garden Photographer

Working as a photographer for the New York Botanical Garden (NYBG) during the spring blossoms has been an absolute dream. There’s something truly magical about capturing the garden in its full bloom, especially after the long, quiet winter. The sheer variety of flowers that pop up during the season makes for an ever-changing, vibrant backdrop that never gets old.

One of the best parts of photographing during the spring blossoms is the rush of color. From the delicate pinks of cherry blossoms to the bold purples and yellows of tulips, every corner of the garden comes alive in a way that feels almost surreal. As a photographer, I get to focus on the intricate details—the soft petals, the glistening dew on a leaf, or the way light filters through the trees. It’s all about capturing the essence of nature’s beauty in its most fleeting moments.

But it’s not just about the flowers. The people visiting the garden, whether they’re families, tourists, or gardening enthusiasts, add a whole new layer to the story. I love capturing those candid moments of people enjoying the blooms—whether it’s a couple taking a photo under a canopy of cherry blossoms or a child marveling at a flower. It’s these small, authentic moments that make my work so meaningful.

The NYBG staff also deserves a shout-out. They work tirelessly to make sure the gardens are maintained and look their best, and it’s clear in every shot I take. There’s such a sense of care and dedication in the air, and I’m always in awe of the work they do.

All in all, being a photographer at NYBG during the spring blossoms is an experience I cherish. It’s not just about taking pretty pictures; it’s about capturing the feeling of renewal, joy, and awe that comes with the season. I’m grateful for the opportunity to document these beautiful moments and share them with others!

MAD in New York City

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Photographing the MAD event for NOMA was hands down one of the coolest gigs I’ve had. I mean, how often do you get to capture culinary legends like Dan Barber, René Redzepi, and a bunch of other top chefs in one room? The whole vibe was electric, with everyone there talking food, creativity, and what’s next for the culinary world. It felt like being in the middle of something really special, and I loved being able to document it.

I brought my Sony A1 to the event, which was the perfect choice. The lighting wasn’t exactly the easiest to work with, but the A1 made it a breeze. It’s quick, sharp, and handled the low-light moments like a champ—so I could focus on getting the candid shots and little details without missing a thing. Whether it was capturing the chefs deep in conversation or those quick, fun moments between the guests, it was just a blast.

The best part, though, was the people. Dan Barber, René Redzepi, and all the chefs were genuinely awesome to photograph. Seeing them interact with each other, sharing ideas and insights, was inspiring in itself. Plus, getting those behind-the-scenes moments of them being so focused or having a laugh made it feel like I was part of the action.

In the end, it wasn’t just about snapping cool photos—it was about capturing the energy and passion of the event. It was all about creativity, collaboration, and, of course, great food. Can’t wait for the next one!

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!