NYSE Photographer for VENU Opening Bell Ceremony

It’s been almost exactly 10 years since I was the house photographer at the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) and covering bell ceremonies is a lot more fun now. I photographed the opening and closing bell for NYSE for almost 5 years. Coming back to Wall Street occasionally now is a pleasure. It’s a lot more fun a few times a year rather than 500 times a year. Below are photos of the Venu CEO ringing the opening bell in celebration of the recent IPO.

NYSE Photographer Ben Hider - photographed all content on the trading floor, board room and bell podium with a Canon R3 and Canon R5 mark ii.

Chat GPT says…

Title: Capturing the VENU Bell Ringing at the New York Stock Exchange

Photographing a monumental event like the VENU bell ringing at the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) requires both precision and creativity. This iconic occasion is not only a celebration of success but also an opportunity to create lasting visuals that tell a compelling story. Here’s a glimpse into how photography brought this milestone moment to life.

Planning the Perfect Shot

The NYSE is an iconic venue, and capturing its grandeur alongside the excitement of the bell-ringing ceremony requires careful planning. Wide-angle shots were essential for encompassing the historical architecture and vibrant energy of the trading floor, while close-ups captured the enthusiasm and pride on the faces of the VENU team.

Showcasing Key Moments

Every moment counts during a bell-ringing event. From the team’s arrival at the NYSE to the climactic ringing of the bell, each shot was timed to perfection. Action photography techniques were used to capture the dynamic energy of the team and the celebratory atmosphere. Images of the bell itself, framed by the NYSE’s intricate details, added depth to the story.

Leveraging Lighting for Dramatic Effect

The NYSE’s combination of natural and artificial lighting presented both challenges and opportunities. By balancing ambient light with additional flash photography, the photos achieved a professional and polished look. Careful attention was paid to the interplay of light and shadow to highlight the event’s significance and maintain clarity in every frame.

Incorporating VENU Branding

Branding played a crucial role in the photography. Close-ups of VENU’s logo on digital displays and team apparel emphasized the company’s identity. Shots featuring the team against the NYSE’s backdrop created powerful visuals that tied together the company’s milestone with this historic venue.

Post-Production for a Polished Finish

Post-production editing brought out the best in each photo. Adjustments to color, contrast, and sharpness ensured the images were vibrant and eye-catching. Every shot was optimized for use across digital platforms, including social media, press releases, and websites.

Conclusion

Photographing the VENU bell ringing at the New York Stock Exchange was an extraordinary experience that celebrated achievement and ambition. From dynamic action shots to detailed close-ups, the images captured the essence of this landmark moment while emphasizing VENU’s brand and story.

If you’re planning to document a corporate milestone, make sure your photography captures both the grandeur and the emotions of the event. Get in touch to create visuals that leave a lasting impression!

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Chat GPT says…

Snapping food photos at Red Hat in Westchester, NY is all about capturing the rich colors, textures, and vibe of the restaurant’s dishes. With its warm lighting and beautiful Hudson River views, the setting is perfect for creating mouthwatering shots. Using natural light when possible helps keep colors true, while a wide aperture (low f-stop) adds that nice blurred background (aka bokeh) to make the dish pop. Playing with angles—like an overhead flat lay for a full table spread or a 45-degree close-up for those rich details—keeps things interesting. A tripod can be handy in low light to avoid blur, and a little tweaking in Lightroom or Photoshop can enhance contrast and sharpness. Whether for social media, restaurant branding, or just showing off an amazing meal, the right mix of composition and lighting can turn a great dish into a scroll-stopping shot!

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Here’s what chat GPT says

Working as the photographer for Mary Giuliani Catering at the Nordstrom Holiday event was such a fun and festive experience! The event had that perfect holiday vibe—elegant, but with a warm and welcoming atmosphere that made everyone feel right at home. Mary Giuliani Catering truly outdid themselves, with stunning displays of delicious food and drink that were almost too beautiful to eat (but of course, everyone did!).

It was a blast capturing the guests enjoying themselves, mingling, and indulging in the incredible bites that Mary and her team had crafted. I loved snapping candid moments of people enjoying the delicious food and the beautiful decor while getting that cozy holiday spirit in every shot. The team’s attention to detail, from the elegant table settings to the perfectly arranged hors d'oeuvres, made my job so much easier.

Beyond the beautiful spread, it was clear that the event was all about creating memorable experiences, and I felt lucky to be there to document those moments. Whether it was the laughter shared over a cocktail or a guest admiring the stunning holiday displays, there was no shortage of genuine, joyful moments to capture.