Blog Post

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How to volunteer as a photographer

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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.

How to survive the Corona Virus as a photographer

March was supposed to be a great month. As any New York photographer will tell you, New York City is the best in the Spring. As the weather gets warmer the photography business gets going. It’s full speed ahead until Thanksgiving. Warm weather = more photography jobs. Heck, it was supposed to be the best season yet! I had projected it to be the best month yet and I had the jobs booked to prove it. I had several full day conferences to photograph, a wedding, several corporate headshot days with all new clients, and more.

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Hiring a Conference Event Photographer In NYC

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How to find a professional Event photographer to photograph your conference.

The most common questions/ statements I receive from prospectus customers about hiring an event photographer or conference photographer are:

  • When do we receive the photos? I need to issue a press release and post on social media ASAP.

    • Same day images | My background is in marketing and I understand the importance of relevance. This is why I always deliver same day highlight images. As a group or individually, these photos answer the 5 Ws of your event. Who, What, Where, Why, and When did your event happen.

  • Can you stage photos with attendees in between the sessions?

    • Yes! Between speakers or sessions is NOT down time. In fact, it is my GO-GO-GO time. I’m always looking for moments to photograph and people to pose. During this time I’m politely asking people to pose in groups and acted engaged. Maybe they’re demoing a product, catching up with someone, or they’re just talking about their new puppy, I make moments look inviting, interesting, and organic.

  • “We need to incorporate branding and logos in to the photos, and be mindful of name tags.”

    • Of course! This is your event and it should be known that this is your event. Your images should include branding and cues easily identifying both your event and your brand. The photos below are from Finastra Universe in New York City, a full day FinTech conference right here in New York City. I was mindful to capture anything with Finastra’s brand (logos and colors) and incorporate it into the story of the day.

“Please don’t photograph people looking bored… We don’t need photos of people looking bored and unengaged at our event.”

This is a common email and talking point. No matter how serious the event is, there are always a few light moments. For example, someone is always guaranteed to crack a joke or do something goofy, and instantly the crowd goes wild. No matter how “instant” these moments are I am ready. As a photographer, I am always hunting for those split second events. I am always ready to photograph smiles and laughs.

And don’t worry, the serious moments will also be captured as well.

Large and Small NYC EventsI photograph events of all sizes and with varying restrictions; no flash, no moving during the presentation, and only photograph the first few minutes. During speeches I can either be a fly on the wall or I can quietly walk…

Large and Small NYC Events

I photograph events of all sizes and with varying restrictions; no flash, no moving during the presentation, and only photograph the first few minutes. During speeches I can either be a fly on the wall or I can quietly walk around capturing reaction photos and new perspectives of the event. It’s up to you.

Business Conferences and MeetingsLike a secret agent on a mission I am quiet, stealthy, and unnoticed. Regardless of your conference location, in a large ballroom or in a tiny office, I will get close, engaged, and enthusiastic images. My photograph…

Business Conferences and Meetings

Like a secret agent on a mission I am quiet, stealthy, and unnoticed. Regardless of your conference location, in a large ballroom or in a tiny office, I will get close, engaged, and enthusiastic images. My photographs are perfect for marketing and advertising pieces.

 
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Wedding Photographer Questions - New York City Photographer

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Where are you based?

Jonathan Heisler Photography is based out of New York!

Will you travel for my wedding?

Yes - I travel a bunch for clients. From Long Island’s East End to Denver, Colorado, and from upstate NY down to Richmond, Virginia I’ve done it.

“We don’t take photos too often. We’ve never taken professional photos before and are super awkward in front of the camera…will you help us?”

Confession: I hate being photographed and I know it feels weird. My work around is starting off our sessions with a lot of candids and slowly introducing poses with some help.. Fun Fact: 95% of the couples you see in my photos are in the same boat as you.

Can we check out a full gallery?

I’d be happy to send over some full galleries. Fill out my contact form and let me know!

How do we book you?

I try to make it as easy as possible. After you fill out my contact form, I’d like to set up a consultation either on the phone or in person if you’re local to NYC so I can get to know you and understand what you’re looking for. After that, I require a 50% deposit and a signed contract to hold your date. The remaining 50% is due any time up until the big day.

When will we receive our photos?

2 Part Answer: Next day I sent 20-25 Highlight photos. Then, 3-4 weeks after your wedding date I send all of the photos edited, full-resolution, and non-watermarked images. From there, we work together on retouching. I pride myself in a quick turnaround time. Nobody wants to wait 3-6 months to see their photos!

How many photos will we get?

Depends on how many hours you book, the size of your wedding, and more! However, every photo we take is a photo you will receive.

7 Steps to the Perfect LinkedIn Profile Photo

For most LinkedIn represents their only professional online presence  Whether you like it or not your LinkedIn profile photo is your first impression. Your photo will either get you the first hello or it'll leave you in the dark. Therefore, it's important your headshot and LinkedIn profile picture best represent you, your business, and your level of professional experience.

As a photographer working with a wide array of clients, I'd like to share 7 elements of the perfect headshot photo and LinkedIn Profile photo.

1.    Hire a Professional.

Don't characterize your image potential with a selfie. You are WAY beyond that. And no a candid profile photo from your cousins wedding or last weekend's Yankees game either. It will not do. Professionalism and individual value is formed by the investment you are willing to invest in yourself. 

2.    Arrive with an open mind

We will create options in our photos. I'll photograph everything under the sun for you. We're not in a rush and we're not going to get the perfect shot right away. Both you and I need to get comfortable. There's a method to photographing from a technical perspective where I develop your settings over time and together we develop the story of a good portrait. Honestly, if I don't make you look good, I don't look good, and then, I'm not a very good photographer.

3.    Look straight into the camera, relax, and laugh!

A successful business profile photo says a lot and it also says what you're thinking about. Connect with the camera by making direct eye contact. Don't think about your facial expression, think about having fun!

4.    Dress for the job you want.

Show your personal style and represent who you are. Remember to look clean (shave, brush your hair, iron your shirt, and have your jacket pressed so it holds form), and bring a tie.

Photographers Guide to LinkedIn profile pictures headshots

5.    Location.

Look at my portrait photo portfolio and consider who you are, what you do and the location that best tells your story. This environment will provide your audience additional clues about yourself. This is why getting out of a studio and away from the traditional portrait background photo (high school photos) is so important!

6.    Have fun and breath.

The best part of my job is working with and getting to know all different people. Hiring this photographer is 50% photography and 50% a first date. While the camera captures the moment - we are creating confidence, comfort, and character. I'm learning how you look your best and seeing how you feel your best. I'll show you the photos as we shoot and give you pointers. Don't worry about blemishes or your greying hair, I'm pretty good at photoshop.

7.    Strike a (different) pose and one more pose. 1-2-3!

I will guide you through different poses and positions as we shoot. Throughout the session we'll review the photos and we'll make adjustments as we go. I want to hear what you think and more of what you want. Open jacket, close jacket, hand in pocket, cross your arms, stand up, walk towards me... 

Democrat Point Sunset Surfing