A Portrait with Altitude: Photographing Leadership at JFK Airport

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.

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Graduation Photos at Fordham University | A Milestone of an Achievement

Graduating from college is one of life’s most exciting milestones. It marks the end of a transformative journey and the beginning of bold new opportunities. As a NYC graduation photographer, I love capturing this unique chapter in a graduate’s life—filled with pride, excitement, and reflection.

Recently, I had the honor of photographing a college graduate who wanted to mark the moment with something truly special. We started our session at the beautiful Fordham University campus in the Bronx and then made our way down to Central Park, capturing timeless portraits at the iconic Bethesda Fountain. The combination of these two locations created a graduation gallery filled with history, elegance, and New York City charm.

Why Fordham University Is a Picture-Perfect Graduation Spot

With its rich history, collegiate architecture, and lush green spaces, Fordham University’s Rose Hill campus in the Bronx offers one of the most beautiful and timeless settings for graduation photography in New York City.

Tips for a Great Graduation Photo Session

Want to make the most of your Fordham graduation shoot? Here are a few quick tips:

• Book in advance - Spring weekends on campus get busy—schedule your shoot early to lock in the best light and time.

• Invite friends or family - A few group shots with the people who supported you can make your gallery even more special.

• Celebrate the details - Don’t forget to photograph your class ring, your decorated cap, and that joyful toss at the end.

Jonathan Heisler is a Professional New York City Photographer specializing in Graduation Senior Photos, Family Sessions, and Headshots / Portraits.

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Graduation Photos at Manhattan University in the Bronx | A Celebration of Success

Graduating college is a monumental milestone—and what better way to capture this incredible achievement than with a beautiful photo session on the campus where it all happened? Recently, I had the pleasure of photographing a radiant graduate at Manhattan University (formerly Manhattan College), located in the heart of the Bronx. Over our 1 hour long session, we captured a diverse collection of images full of genuine character and professionalism, which are evergreen. These photos are timeless and tasteful.

Why Manhattan University is the Perfect Backdrop for Graduation Photos

Manhattan University's campus offers a unique blend of historic charm and modern collegiate energy. From classic red brick buildings and manicured gardens to open quads and ivy-covered walls, every corner of the campus is a picture-perfect setting for graduation photography.

For this shoot, we explored several iconic spots across campus. The late afternoon light gave everything a warm, celebratory tone—perfect for highlighting our graduate’s joy and accomplishments.

Jonathan Heisler is a Professional New York City Photographer specializing in Graduation Senior Photos, Family Sessions, and Headshots / Portraits.

LEARN MORE ABOUT HIRING THIS NYC PROFESSIONAL PHOTOGRAPHER

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.

Portraits at the NYC Transit Museum

If you’re trying to a make a movie, a television show, or a commercial in New York City with an MTA bus or Subway car, you’ll have to reach out to Ruthie. Ruthie is a SUNY Binghamton University alumni now in charge of MTA casting. Last Friday, I met Ruthie at the NYC Transit Museum in Brooklyn to capture headshots which will be used in an upcoming alumni magazine feature. In Ruthie’s photos I wanted to show off key elements of the NYC subway system (stations, trains, signage) alongside Ruthie’s confident personality.

Science Saturday STEM Learning

What separates my photography apart from the competition? My background in marketing and advertising. Not only do I know how to technically capture a beautiful and engaging photo, but I too know how capture photos that can actually be used in a clients marketing/advertising collateral; space for text, subjects that are divers and excited, and not too busy. Simply put, I know what images need to be captured.

Science Saturday at The Rockefeller University in Manhattan, NY brought real scientists, experts in their respective fields, to engage with children and teach them bite size pieces of science that they could understand; physics, biology, anatomy, and more.