The 6 Best Event Photographers in Buffalo

The Queen City of New York is the state’s other thriving metropolis and the obvious place for Western NY visitors to hold events at. Whether it’s a performing arts show, sports competition, corporate team-building event, fundraiser, or something else, Buffalo has no shortage of talented creatives ready to take on your next project! Without further ado, we’re introducing the most talented Buffalo event photographers. Enjoy!

1. Dorian Mode Photography

After studying at the Art Institute of Pittsburgh, Dorian began his photography career covering local bands in the city. Once he journeyed to Buffalo, he expanded his music photography career to include event coverage of parties, including quinceañera, bar/bat mitzvahs, and sweet 16s, as well as portraits of high school seniors. Both the performing arts and the life milestones of young men and women offer an energy and enthusiasm that Dorian finds intoxicating, which informs and drives his artistic pursuits. He’s a master of finding unforgettable moments that tell the story of an event in its entirety.

2. Heather Bellini Photography

Heather Bellini is the CEO and lead photographer behind Heather Bellini Photography. Her business has been so successful that she’s since partnered with four other photographers in order to provide coverage for clients across the Buffalo metro area. Red carpet ceremonies, charity fundraisers, weddings, and multi-day conferences are just a few of the events they shoot.

We find their approach refreshingly diverse, with several color and compositional styles available to suit the visual needs of any client. Bright, high-contrast monochrome for music event shoots; a punchy, modern look for corporate events; and a desaturated contemporary wedding aesthetic are just a few of the choices you have when working with Heather’s elite crew of photographers and editors.

3. Steven Maciejewski of Essjay Photo

Buffalo event photographer Steven Maciejewski also shoots landscapes, products, wildlife, and wedding photography throughout Western New York. Plus, he’s a Division 1 Athletic Director, so it’s unsurprising he is drawn to commercial and fitness photography as well! He boasts a refined eye for finding energetic, intimate compositions in challenging lighting and positioning environments. In addition, Steven’s wedding style is photojournalistic in character with most images taken in a candid context to emphasize emotions. He uses a light hand in editing as well, with natural colors that work perfectly with documentary-style coverage.

4. Matthew of Yeoman Photography

Brilliant photographer Matthew Yeoman has a talent for outdoor and indoor environmental portraiture. His love of wide-angle views and backgrounds is a welcome departure from the tightly cropped telephoto views — often with background blur — that appears to be standard in most modern-day wedding, engagement, and other event coverage. In addition, if your event is in need of a bird’s-eye view, Matthew is a certified drone pilot who regularly captures aerial photography and videos for local businesses. 

5. Brody Wheeler

Brody Wheeler is a Buffalo event photographer who lets his interests guide his work as much as possible. His portfolio includes his 28 years covering the Attica Rodeo, as well as his compelling documentation of mission trips abroad and the climb of a fundraising team scaling Kilimanjaro for Kids Escaping Drugs. In short: Brody is an active member of the community who aims to give back using photography.

Nonprofit Hunter’s Hope Foundation recognized Brody for this reason in 2018 with its Legacy of Hope award. In terms of photography style, Brody’s ranges from a natural tone to a slightly vibrant palette. And in addition to event coverage, he provides on-location photo booths with customizable backgrounds for instant guest images.

6. Paul Fanara of Living in the Bluff

Paul Fanara started Living in the Buff as a playful mixture of photojournalism and writing about life in Western NY. However, it has since evolved into a professional photography business. Paul’s event photography portfolio includes plenty of satisfied customers — Eric County Democrats events, the Buffalo Pride Parade, and the Taste of Buffalo are just a few occasions he’s expertly covered. Paul has an eye for artistry as well as documentation, and he’s often right in the crowd with camera in hand, allowing the viewer to feel immersed in the moment.

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