Left To Right | Photo of Matthew & Linette Semino & Malena and David Belafonte
Project Snapshot
- Event Name: Belafonte Family Foundation: NYC VIP Fundraiser
- Location: Jones Day Law Firm, 31st Floor Rooftop – Vesey Street, Lower Manhattan
- Date: May 15, 2025
- Subject: The Belafonte Family Foundation’s ongoing legacy, philanthropic mission, and intergenerational cultural impact
- Focus: Comprehensive 360° visual storytelling—including portraits, performances, networking, speeches, and ambiance—to honor legacy, build relational equity, and elevate the guest experience
- Photographer: Jordi-Lakeem Foster, JFP Studios
- Hosts: Linette & Matthew Semino, on behalf of the Belafonte Family Foundation
- Note: This exclusive event brought together legacy icons, cultural influencers, and philanthropic leaders for a night of purpose and artistry. JFP Studios was entrusted with full photographic coverage to ensure the elegance, warmth, and mission of the evening lived on long after the final toast.
The Context
Unlike typical galas, this event combined a private art auction, rooftop networking, and multiple performances.
As a photographer, the stakes were especially high—every image had to reflect the elegance of the event, highlight the distinguished guests, and visually support the social mission of the Belafonte Family Foundation.
With hosts Linette and Matthew Semino playing a central role, it was critical that they looked their best in every frame. In short, the photographs had to protect reputations, amplify relationships, and promote legacy.
Photo of guests browsing items in the silent auction
Our Approach
With Jamaican heritage and a deep understanding of cultural storytelling, JFP Studios approached the evening with a “360° event coverage” mindset. This meant:
- Posing guests with care and cultural sensitivity
- Capturing candid moments at the bar, buffet, and mingling areas
- Documenting every performance and speech with emotional clarity
- Highlighting brand aesthetics, ambiance, and architectural elegance of the Jones Day rooftop
The aim was to ensure that every guest—from the Belafonte family to high-profile attendees like Diana Mahrach, Consuelo Vanderbilt- Costin, and Pamela Morgan—felt seen, honored, and part of something lasting.
Left To Right | Photo of Consuelo Vanderbilt-Costin, Pamela Morgan, and Montgomery Frazier
Photo of Prince Mario-Max Schaumburg-Lippe and Nabys Vielman
Photo of the Malena Belafonte after her dance segment "Malena Belafonte's Boudoir"
Hosts Linette and Matthew Semino expressing their gratitude for everyone coming out to the fundraiser
Photo of guests mingling at the cocktail hour
Deliverables
Over 400 fully edited images, including:
- Pre-event artwork showcase
- Candid guest interactions and networking
- Rooftop portraits on the 31st floor
- Performances by Malena Belafonte, Sarafina Belafonte, and dance collaborator Chris
- Speeches by Lynette and Matthew Semino, David Belafonte, and Malena Belafonte
- Moments of giving, joy, and mission-driven energy
Why This Matters
For event coordinators, foundations, and mission-driven organizations, the true value of an event extends far beyond the evening itself. It lives in the relationships built, the stories shared, and the trust cultivated in the room. But without the right visuals, that impact fades quickly.
This is where strategic event photography becomes indispensable.
When executed intentionally, photography doesn’t just document an event—it amplifies it. It reinforces the brand narrative, celebrates donor and partner engagement, and generates months of content that fuels fundraising, PR, and community-building.
For the Belafonte Family Foundation’s VIP fundraiser, every frame was carefully crafted to honor legacy while building future credibility. We weren’t just capturing faces—we were preserving a story of generational impact, equity, and cultural leadership.
The images now serve as a tool for:
- Stewarding donor relationships
- Securing future partnerships and sponsorships
- Attracting media coverage
- Equipping teams with visual content for newsletters, annual reports, and social media
In the nonprofit and philanthropic world, perception builds power.
And power—when visualized with care—builds momentum.
Photo of guests by the bar
Results & Impact
The images were used to support ongoing marketing and donor engagement efforts by the Belafonte Family Foundation.
They strengthened public perception of the hosts, captured intergenerational legacy in action, and visually elevated the Foundation’s message of social justice and cultural empowerment. The seamless event presence of JFP Studios contributed directly to the event’s warm, inclusive atmosphere.
Performers and Notable Guests
- Malena Belafonte – Acclaimed ballroom dancer known for her aerial performances.
- Shari Belafonte – Actress and daughter of Harry Belafonte.
- David Belafonte – Producer and son of Harry Belafonte.
- Sarafina Belafonte – Granddaughter of Harry Belafonte.
- Amadeus Belafonte – Grandson of Harry Belafonte.
- Diana Mahrach – Prominent fashion designer known for her couture creations.
- Nabys Vielman – Celebrated fashion designer recognized for his innovative designs.
- Consuelo Vanderbilt Costin – Singer, songwriter, and entrepreneur; descendant of the Vanderbilt family.
- Pamela Morgan – Renowned chef, author, and lifestyle expert known for her culinary events and expertise.
Planning a high-impact event?
Let Your Legacy Be Seen
Whether you’re hosting a high-profile fundraiser or an intimate donor event, your mission deserves to be remembered—and visually respected.
Partner with JFP Studios to capture the moments that build trust, tell your story, and drive your cause forward.
Book a free media planning consultation with JFP Studios to map out your next event the right way.
