Capturing Atlas Amidst the Holiday Splendor

During the holiday season, I had the opportunity to photograph Atlas, NBCUniversal's 1.5-year-old black Labrador Retriever, at the iconic Rockefeller Center. Atlas is part of NBCUniversal's "Puppy with a Purpose" program, a collaboration with America's VetDogs and the Guide Dog Foundation, aimed at training service dogs for veterans and first responders with disabilities.

NYC is a Haven for Editorial Photographers

The city offers an unparalleled canvas for creativity both with it's’ location choices and most importantly clientele. From photographing high-profile events at iconic venues like Rockefeller Center to intimate street scenes in SoHo, every assignment presents a new challenge and inspiration. Today’s session was the definition of a typical day as a NYC Editorial photographer. Projects range from content creation and brand campaigns to nonprofit initiatives and media features.

Read more about Atlas’s journey here!

How to volunteer as a photographer

"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.

Sully Bush Christmas Shoot

Happy Holidays from my friends at America’s VetDogs and Sully H.W. Bush! Sully is yellow lab raised by America’s VetDogs for disabled military veterans. He served the former 41st President George H.W. Bush before his passing. Sully now works at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center down in the Washington D.C. area helping wounded veterans.

Our holiday shoot together was themed “Christmas Morning". We chose the Vanderbilt Museum in Centerport, NY because of their spectacular Christmas decoration display, beautiful grounds, and for its proximity to America’s VetDog’s Smithtown, NY headquarters. The story of the above photo shoot goes like this:

“Sully came home from work after a long day. He changed out of his work clothes, got comfy, and made sure the house was ready for Santa Paws … Sully hung a few last minute decorations with his loved ones and plated a pair of freshly made tennis balls. He then patiently for bed time hoping he made the good boy list, while others were being a bit naughty. Sully sighed “It’s hard to fall asleep on Christmas Eve!”. … Sully woke up and looked outside. “A white Christmas”, he exclaimed. However, no one was awake yet. So he waited … and waited some more. … “Finally, everyone was awake and it was time to go downstairs” … Santa Paws brought tennis balls, squeaky toys, and treats for all! And mom, she brought a camera for embarrassing photos.

Holiday Puppy Session - America's VetDogs - Guide Dog Foundation

Recent holiday photo shoot for my friends at America’s VetDogs and Guide Dog Foundation. The first group of photos will be used in social media posts, websites, emails, and print pieces. The second group of photos, with the “Spike” jersey, are for a soccer league that will be raising one lucky pup! Pups ranged from 3 weeks old to 6 weeks old.

America's VetDogs - Dogs On The Catwalk

Dogs on the Catwalk, is an annual canine fashion show held at the Heritage Club of Bethpage (home of the PGA black course). This upscale event for dog enthusiasts and proud supporters of the Guide Dog Foundation and America’s VetDogs is guaranteed to put a smile on your face. Models, designers, and the pups strut their stuff throughout the evening.

long island event photographer

As a corporate event photographer on Long Island and NYC I am often asked to photograph a wide array of events. Tonight’s event hosted by America’s VetDogs and Guide Dog Foundation, was a unique one. The event we photographed was a dog fashion show!

As a NYC-LI Event Photographer my goal and purpose remained the same, document the 5Ws of the event; Who, What, When, Where, and Why.

America's VetDogs - Receiving Their Dogs

American military veterans met their service dogs for the first time on America's VetDogs Smithtown, NY campus. Over the next two weeks, the vets and their new dogs will train together. The veterans will learn how to work with their dogs, reinforce good behavior, and take care of their dogs. These highly trained and intellectual dogs can help their new owners with a wide range of tasks; open doors, wake them from nightmares, help them relax, and stand up if they fall.