Volunteer

How to volunteer as a photographer

Volunteer Service Dog Raiser _ America's VetDogs

"Do something good. Find a way to be productive." is what I tell people when they say things are "just very slow right now".

With my downtime, between jobs and under quarantine, I am helping raise future service dog Ruby for America's VetDogs - Guide Dog Foundation for the Blind. Ruby has taught me a whole variety of new skills, and not just how to raise a dog. Skills such as how to be more patient and never being afraid to ask for help. Raising a future service dog can require a lot of patience, it certainly requires some time, and it definitely requires a great community of other raisers who are always willing to help.

As an individual I am volunteering my time to care for and train Ruby, and as a professional photographer, I am volunteering my photography to create countless photographs. My work will be used in the organization’s marketing and advertising pieces. However, most importantly Ruby will go on to help a veteran.

America's VetDogs - Dogs On The Catwalk

Dogs on the Catwalk, is an annual canine fashion show held at the Heritage Club of Bethpage (home of the PGA black course). This upscale event for dog enthusiasts and proud supporters of the Guide Dog Foundation and America’s VetDogs is guaranteed to put a smile on your face. Models, designers, and the pups strut their stuff throughout the evening.

long island event photographer

As a corporate event photographer on Long Island and NYC I am often asked to photograph a wide array of events. Tonight’s event hosted by America’s VetDogs and Guide Dog Foundation, was a unique one. The event we photographed was a dog fashion show!

As a NYC-LI Event Photographer my goal and purpose remained the same, document the 5Ws of the event; Who, What, When, Where, and Why.

America's VetDogs - Receiving Their Dogs

American military veterans met their service dogs for the first time on America's VetDogs Smithtown, NY campus. Over the next two weeks, the vets and their new dogs will train together. The veterans will learn how to work with their dogs, reinforce good behavior, and take care of their dogs. These highly trained and intellectual dogs can help their new owners with a wide range of tasks; open doors, wake them from nightmares, help them relax, and stand up if they fall.

America's VetDogs - 8th Annual Golf Classic

America’s VetDogs held their 8th Annual VetDogs Golf Classic on Monday, August 26, at the Huntington Country Club in Huntington, NY. This event raises additional funds to cover the costs to train and place the special dogs that are needed to help veterans return to a life of ease and independence.

Long Island Golf Fundraiser Event Photographer

The golf portion of the day began at 11 a.m. with the national anthem and a visit from Suffolk County Executive Steve Bellone. The golf match consisted of foursomes competing for several hole-in-one prizes. One of the hole-in-one prizes was for a brand new 2019 Jeep Gladiator pickup truck. Later in the day, golfers and guests enjoyed a post-tournament cocktail hour, followed by dinner with a live auction and raffles.

Throughout the day several veterans and their dogs toured the course to meet their fans.

This Long Island Event Photographer loves photographing a Golf Fundraisers both here on Long Island and throughout NY!

Event photographers, especially Jonathan Heisler Photography, loves photographing happy events. Today’s charity golf fundraiser checked all of the boxes. When photographing the day, I made sure to tell the story of the event.

Upstate NY Travel

Binghamton University Global Day of Service

The Binhamton University Rowing Association (BURA) and members of the vast Binghamton University Alumni Association cleaned up the East River Park. Volunteers cultivated planting beds along the East River by weeding, mulching, planting native plants and removing invasive plants. The Ecology Center provided all the needed tools and supplies, including gloves. Volunteers should carry snacks and water as there are no food concessions in the park. 

Later on in the day, I joined the Alumni of Color Network at the Nuyorican Poets Cafe located on New York City's Lower East Side. There volunteers worked on a series of projects and tasks, such as painting, cleaning, landscaping and organizing.