Jerome Strauss
Event & Drone Photographer
Born and raised in France, I have lived in the United States for the past 23 years, first in the Midwest, and now in Eastchester, with a one-year stop in Hungary. By day, I specialize in analyzing customer data for some of the world’s biggest brands (Kroger, Home Depot, Macy’s, and now Ralph Lauren). I am also a husband and father of two funny and ever-curious boys (age 7 and 9).
I fell in love with photography the first time I traveled to New York City at age 18, on a summer trip to discover American culture and improve my English. My father let me borrow his fancy Nikon, and even though I knew nothing about aperture or shutter speed back then, several of the pictures I took on that transformative trip are still my favorites, especially the ones I took from the top of the World Trade Center.
When I left my hometown and family in 1996 to go to college in the United States, I didn’t have a very clear idea where my life was headed. I loved to speak English and I had made great friends in this country over my two summer trips, and I was eager to have a chance to live abroad. As it turned out, the U.S. became my permanent home. I met my soulmate during my first month at the university, graduated with her in 1999, and began my career in data analysis. I remained an active photographer through the years, but my photography really picked up when I got my first digital camera, and years later, when my wife got me my first SLR camera for Christmas. I have honed my skills ever since, and about three years ago, I began doing commercial photography, covering events such as birthday parties, baptisms, and small weddings, steadily growing my client base in the New York area through referrals and word of mouth, and then expanding to corporate photography (portraits, company events).
My next transformation as a photographer began when I saw pictures my cousin had taken with his drone. I was immediately fascinated with the point of views he was able to capture with it, and soon after, I purchased my first drone. I immediately fell in love with flying and capturing images that were unlike any other I had taken before. I began taking my drone with me on day trips and hikes and used it whenever possible. I learned quickly, and a few months later, I obtained my license to use my drone for commercial photography.
I think of my drone as a flying camera which allows me to see the world in unique and interesting ways. Whether it’s from a hundred yards up in the sky or just a few feet above, the creative options are nearly endless. In the past two years, I have taken thousands of drone pictures, mostly in Westchester and the Hudson River Valley, but also in France, Israel, England, Germany, and India. I have also added drone photography to my commercial portfolio, blending it with my event photoshoots, but also expanding into projects with realtors, property developers, and luxury hotels.
What do I offer as a photographer? A creative eye, a talent for capturing interesting urban shots and people’s natural expressions, and the inclusion of unique drone shots you won’t get from most photographers. I can help you capture amazing pictures of your home and neighborhood with my drone, or travel to other places you’d like to capture from an aerial point of view. You can check more examples of my work on my website (www.jeromephoto.net) and my Instagram account: @jsdronephotography.
Please contact me at [email protected] if you are interested in working with me or would like more information!
