Portraits

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A Portrait with Altitude: Photographing Leadership at JFK Airport

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As a professional portrait photographer in New York City, I’m always seeking locations that blend visual impact with authentic storytelling. Recently, I had the unique opportunity to photograph Margarita, the Head of Parking Services for the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey. The images will be used for a transportation magazine. The rooftop of the Terminal 5 parking garage at JFK Airport — a location few would consider or think of considering.

Why Terminal 5’s Parking Garage?

At first glance, a parking structure might seem an unlikely spot for an executive portrait session. But JFK’s Terminal 5 rooftop offers more than just concrete and cars. With sweeping views of runways, planes in motion, and the iconic JetBlue terminal architecture in the background, the location gave us a striking blend of industrial edge and aviation energy — the perfect visual metaphor for leadership in motion.

Final Thoughts

As a NYC-based portrait photographer, I’m grateful for opportunities that get me out of the studio, away from the norm, and celebrate the extraordinary. It’s way I love my job, and it’s why I consider this job the best job in the world! This shoot atop JFK Terminal 5 was one of those moments — blending aviation, architecture, and leadership presence into a portrait session that was truly above the ordinary.

If you’re looking for executive portraits in NYC that tell your story with authenticity and vision, let’s talk. I specialize in environmental portraits that go beyond the surface to capture who you are and what you lead.

Jonathan Heisler is a Professional New York City Photographer specializing in Headshots / Portraits.

LEARN MORE ABOUT HIRING THIS NYC PROFESSIONAL PHOTOGRAPHER

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Capturing Success: A Graduation Photoshoot at Columbia Business School

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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.

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Capturing Professional Portrait Photos in NYC: Bringing Personality to the Forefront

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When it comes to making a strong first impression, a great headshot is key—especially in the professional world. Whether it’s for LinkedIn, a company website, a panel discussion introduction or a press release, your portrait should reflect not just your professionalism, but your personality. That’s where a top-tier NYC professional portrait and headshot photographer comes in.

The Best of Both Worlds: Traditional & Environmental Portraits

In New York City there are thousands of photographers capturing headshots, portraits, LinkedIn profile photos, and whatever else you can think of. Some photographers will arrive with small simple setups and others will have large, elaborate setups. As a community, we’ve redefined what corporate portraits can be—by combining classic, studio-style headshots with vibrant, personality-packed environmental portraits taken right in the company’s own office space.

Environmental Portraits: Where Personality Shines

The environmental portrait is my favorite! After the studio shots were complete, I scoped out several locations throughout the client’s office, and got the client’s approval.

These photos show your true character, and are not the traditional, rigid “stand there and smile, 1-2-3” portrait photos. They show more than a face—they show energy, creativity, and authenticity. Environmental headshots allow the individual’s personality to shine through, while showing the company’s culture and work environment. They're perfect for social media, internal communications, or showcasing team members on your “About Us” page in a way that’s dynamic and real.

Why NYC Businesses Love This Style

In a city as diverse and fast-paced as New York, companies want more than stiff, corporate portraits—they want images that reflect the real people behind the roles. Environmental portraits are especially popular with tech startups, creative agencies, law firms, and media companies, where culture and individuality are part of the brand.

This hybrid approach (traditional + environmental) provides versatile content that works across multiple platforms and marketing materials, making the investment in professional photography go even further.

A Seamless Experience for Busy Teams

This NYC-based photographer knows how to work efficiently and with minimal disruption. Sessions are designed to fit into a busy workday, and subjects leave the shoot feeling comfortable, confident, and even inspired. Whether you're updating a team page or launching a new brand, the result is a library of high-quality images that feel modern, human, and undeniably NYC.

Jonathan Heisler is a Professional New York City Photographer specializing in Headshots / Portraits.

LEARN MORE ABOUT HIRING THIS NYC PROFESSIONAL PHOTOGRAPHER

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Capturing Updated Headshot Photos for an NYC Management Consulting Firm

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As a NYC headshot photographer, I have clients of different backgrounds with many different goals. Sometimes our headshot photos are used for LinkedIn profile photographs, other times for company website sites and branding, and later on in print/digital magazines. Whether you call it a headshot session or a portrait session, we transform business values in to compelling visuals. When finding a Headshot Photographer in the New York City area, understand the following:

  • What are your goals for these photos and how will you use these images not only now, but in the future (LinkedIn, Social Media, Presentations)?

  • Does the photographer’s style match your brand, who you are?

  • How many images do you receive and are you given image rights. We deliver all images with full rights - These are 100% your photos!

On today’s session, we were with an NYC Management Consulting Firm. In today’s digital-first world, a company’s online presence is more important than ever. From LinkedIn profiles and company websites to press releases and marketing materials, professional headshots help establish a cohesive and polished brand image. Investing in uniform office headshots ensures your company presents a strong, unified identity to clients, partners, and prospective employees.

Jonathan Heisler is a Professional New York City Photographer specializing in Headshots / Portraits.

LEARN MORE ABOUT HIRING THIS NYC PROFESSIONAL PHOTOGRAPHER

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Portrait Session For a University Alumni Magazine

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As a NYC headshot photographer, I have clients of all different types, with all different goals. Sometimes our headshot photos are used for LinkedIn profile photographs, other times for company website sites and branding, and other times to accompany the written word in print/digital magazines. Today’s session highlighted two Binghamton University Alumn and their fantasy sports publication RotoBaller.

Whether you call it a headshot session or a portrait session, we transform your values in to compelling visuals called a photograph.

Jonathan Heisler is a Professional New York City Photographer specializing in Headshots / Portraits.

LEARN MORE ABOUT HIRING THIS NYC PROFESSIONAL PHOTOGRAPHER

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Updated Headshot Photos at an Architecture Firm

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As a NYC headshot photographer, I have clients of all different backgrounds with all different goals. Sometimes our headshot photos are used for LinkedIn profile photographs, other times for company website sites and branding, and later on in print/digital magazines. Whether you call it a headshot session or a portrait session, we transform businesses values into compelling visuals. When finding a Headshot Photographer in the New York City area, understand the following:

  • What are your goals for these photos and how will you use these images not only now, but in the future (LinkedIn, Social Media, Presentations)?

  • Does the photographer’s style match your brand, who you are?

  • How many images do you receive and are you given image rights. We deliver all images with full rights - These are 100% your photos!

On today’s session, we were with an architecture firm in the midst of growth. Their team is young, energetic, and busy with work vary in size, scope, and use. Previously, the partners hired a photographer to take photos and they really liked his/her style, however they had a few things they wanted to change / incorporate. One of the big requirements was showing off the “busyness” of the office (it was messy and messy = busy!). I was careful to avoid certain distractions and we did move a few things around.

After capturing formal environmental headshots, we moved on to candid photos of group work sessions and group photos of the different “studio teams” working within the office.

Jonathan Heisler is a Professional New York City Photographer specializing in Headshots / Portraits.

LEARN MORE ABOUT HIRING THIS NYC PROFESSIONAL PHOTOGRAPHER