Photographing the NYSE Opening Bell For an IPO

Photographing the opening bell at the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) is such a unique NYC experience. It always brings back so many memories. There was my first time photographing on the floor of the NYSE for the London Business School, I had just graduated college, and then there was the last time I photographed at the NYSE.

Knowing how and where to photograph at the stock exchange is key, just like any event. As a corporate event photographer, whether it’s my first or tenth time at a location, the key to success is knowing where and when you can and can not photograph. Treat every opportunity to capture key photos as the only time you have. On today’s assignment, I photographing for a repeat client, a NYC based consulting firm and their clients, Avalon and Vertical.

Vertical, an all electric vertical aviation company was launching their IPO. My goals of the assignment were to capture the CEO of Avalon, an aviation leasing company and a major investor/ supporting of Vertical, and the CEO of Vertical interacting with one another. I also had to capturing several key group photos, moments (opening bell, a speech, etc,..) and the overall feel of the day.

Photographing the full story of the day, from start to finish and every detail in between, is key to documenting.

Once off of the floor of the NYSE both CEO's went in to a private backroom to field questions from journalists all over the world.

Photographing a Late December Family Session

One of my favorite places to photograph family sessions in Central Park is the Model Boat Sailing Pond

As a NYC family photographer, I have a lot of different options as to where I can photograph and when. When choosing a location for family photos I always like to pick a place that is convenient for you, provides different looks to your photo session, and has good lighting for that time of the day.

My top 5 tips for a successful family photo session with children:

  • Snacks - Snacks are a great mood booster for little kids. Sometimes all it takes is some sugar to turn a frown upside. And other times, snacks act as a good-ole-fashioned bribe.

  • Toys. I love having toys on photoshoots because the best thing a kid can do is play, and just be a kid. Not all of our photos have to be posed “look here and smile” type photos. Candids make the best photos!

  • Relax - There’s instagram and then there’s reality. Not every photo will be perfect.

  • Time of day - Think about when your child/children are the most attentive

  • Don’t rush - Let’s take our time.

Adam's Fall Foliage Family Session in Central Park

Family Photos make the best Holiday gifts.

If you’re visiting New York City during the fall and you are looking for the longest lasting holiday gift with meaning, consider family photos. Central Park in the fall is so rich with color and energy as the city transitions in to the holiday season. As a professional family photographer I love capture family photos during this time of the year.