HigherEdImagery

Capturing Success: A Graduation Photoshoot at Columbia Business School

As a Professional NYC graduation photographer, I’ve had the honor of working with students all across the city (CUNY Hunter, NYU, Baruch, Columbia, Pace, Pratt, and so on). But few experiences compare to the recent session I had with a fun group of 12 women graduating from Columbia University’s Business School (CBS)..

A Challenging Yet Rewarding Session on the Columbia Campus

The photoshoot took place at the new Columbia University campus at 135th and Broadway. If you know anything about photography, you know how important light is. You’ll also know 1PM isn’t an ideal hour—the midday sun can be harsh and unflattering with shadows. Yet, with a bit of creativity and teamwork we made it work. While we had to make a few compromises—balancing the time of day, crowds, and less than ideal backdrops—our collaborative approach ensured everyone walked away happy.

Celebrating Each Graduate's Individuality

Group shots are important, but my favorite part was capturing individual portraits of each graduate. These women are on the cusp of major careers in business, finance, tech, and entrepreneurship. I made sure each portrait reflected their unique personality, confidence, and professional presence. Whether it was a power pose on the steps of Uris Hall or a candid moment under the trees of College Walk, every image told a story.

These weren’t just headshots—they were portraits of future leaders.

Why Choose a Graduation Photographer Who Gets It?

Graduation is more than a cap and gown—it's a moment of transformation. You need a photographer who understands how to work in tough conditions, who can adapt quickly, and most importantly, who can bring out the best in you, even under the noon sun.

If you're a Columbia University graduate, or a soon-to-be graduate from any NYC school, and want portraits that capture not just what you look like—but who you are—I'm here to help make that vision a reality.

Looking for a Columbia graduation photographer?
Let’s talk about creating portraits that celebrate your journey. Whether it’s group shots with your best friends or individual portraits with personal flair, I’ll help you capture it all.

NYC LSAT Prep Class - TestMasters

Photographing a class in action

These photos are from a Thursday afternoon higher education photography style shoot for TestMasters. TestMasters offers students throughout the United States prep classes for the LSAT, GMAT, GRE, SAT, and ACT. When photographing for TestMasters, I am given a structure of how to photograph the class and a guide defining what type of photos are considered deliverable. When photographing, I have to be as unobtrusive as possible.

How to be a good higher education photographer …

I always try to arrive early. This lets me create my own situations, between the students and between students-teachers before class starts. Student-Teacher engagement is key! Basically, a teacher and a student working together.

After I capture student-teacher engagement and “active learning” with some of my own stylized scenarios the class can actually begins (on time!). As the teacher and class get going I sit in various seats around the room. Every few minutes I move to capture a new vantage point.

Shalom Hartman Institute | Full Day NYC Conference

Recently, I captured a full day conference for Shalom Hartman Institute at their Morningside Heights Manhattan, NY office. Most of the photos were candids and some were a bit more staged. The staged photos aimed to show “engagement” and a “shared learning experience”, all of the keywords I often hear in Higher Education Photography. I’ll admit it is always tricky to stage shots during a live conference, however I usually can find 5-10minutes here and 5 minutes there at the end / beginnings of sessions to do my thing.

TestMasters LSAT Prep Class - Queens College

Recent shoot for Los Angles, California based LSAT prep class client TestMasters. This specific session was held at Queens College in Queens, New York. As to not disturb the class, with my tasks of capturing “active engagement and class participation”, I asked the teacher to work with several students one on one prior the start of class. Here I can instruct the teacher and the students to relax, move around, and add/remove certain objects (books, laptops, bags, coffee cups).

Having photographed for universities and schools I understand how to make learning look fun.

Florida International University Business School - New York City Visit

Florida International University business students visited an array of New York City companies to learn about their day to day operations, business strategies, and potential job opportunities. The FIU business students even interviewed for summer 2020 internships and full-time positions at several of the companies. Throughout the week long trip, the students visited the NBA HQ, JP Morgan, Morgan Stanley, Black Rock, IHS MarkIT, and Goldman Sachs.

Throughout the week I photographed the students actively engaging industry professionals of all different seniority levels. During a quick break I was able to offer the students headshot photos as well in a shaded area of Bryant Park.

Shalom Hartman Institute | Education Photographer

Jewish leaders and thinkers gathered on Sunday September 15, 2019 to examine tension between the individual and collective experience during the Jewish high holidays. The Shalom Hartman Institute held the day of discussion at their Morningside Heights office.

as an Education photographer in ny i am always learning

As a higher education photographer and as a general event photographer ,in New York none the less, I photograph a wide array of events with varying subject matters. I learn a lot about a lot, and a large portion of the time I learn about whatever the event I am photographing is about.

NYC event photography brings with it its many challenges; poor event lighting, small rooms, limitations on how long I can photograph. However, it also brings with it a variety of unique events to photograph.

Event information

Client: Shalom Hartman Institute of North America