University Photographer

2019 Alumni Global Day of Service NYC - Binghamton University

The sixth annual Binghamton University Alumni Global Day of Service united Binghamton University graduates with community service projects. Alumn showed off their “Bing pride” and the collective power of volunteerism within their community. The New York City alumni chapter split their time amongst 3 sites on 2 separate days; Astoria Park, a Williamsburg school, and the Special Olympics Upper West Side training field.

NYU Bronfman Center - New Torah

On April 11, 2019 the NYU Bronfman Center Hillel finished their commissioned torah alongside the Downtown Synagogue. Members of their community gathered at the Strand bookstore several blocks away from the Bronfman Center to write the last few words in their torah. Once complete students paraded the torah over to its new home where they celebrated.

Venue: Strand Bookstore and NYU Hillel Bronfman Center

Client: NYU Bronfman Center | Hillel at NYU

Hillel International Institute 2018

Hillel offers a variety of conference opportunities to convene Jewish professionals and college students from Hillels around the world. This year the conference was at Long Island’s Hofstra University, a school Jonathan photographed for full-time over two years.

Our assignment was aimed at creating stock imagery for marketing/advertising to be used in both internal/external pieces. The challenge was the attendees schedule did not include any downtime…. at all. So, our photos had to be candid. The next challenge Jonathan had, and was fully aware of prior to arriving on site, was the facilities. At Hofstra University most of the buildings are dimly lit, poorly lit, and are extremely dated. Jonathan in some cases used fill flash to add additional light and other cases photographed with a slower shutter speed and higher ISO than preferred.

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.