Jill Steinberg
Jill Steinberg is a distinguished multimedia photographer and arts leader, renowned for capturing the dynamic essence of live performances across opera, theater, dance, jazz, and orchestral music. Since beginning her photography career at age 57, Jill has traveled extensively, documenting performances in prestigious venues worldwide, including National Sawdust in Brooklyn, Teatro Manzoni in Milan, Disney Hall in Los Angeles, The Onassis Library in Athens, The Kennedy Center, The Ford Amphitheater in LA and the Barbican Centre. Her work, celebrated for its candid, expressive quality, has been featured in The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, Time Out New York, Time Out Amsterdam, BOMB, and on NASA’s website, earning her recognition as a leading visual chronicler of the performing arts. Beyond her photography, Jill is a passionate advocate for emerging artists and interdisciplinary collaboration. She serves as the Board President of National Sawdust, a nonprofit venue dedicated to music discovery, mentorship, and audience development, and as Board Chair of VisionIntoArt, which produces and commissions innovative, impact multimedia art projects. Through VisionIntoArt, Jill supports a wide range of impact‑driven initiatives; projects such as Sensorium Ex — a 2025 opera that pushes artistic boundaries by exploring disability, nonverbal communication, and artificial intelligence with inclusive casting and AI‑based voice technology. Learn more about Sensorium Ex. Jill is also a member and official photographer of the Up Until Now Collective, an organization committed to inclusive and equitable artistic creation. Jill was formerly on the Boards of OPERA America and Heartbeat Opera. Jill believes in supporting organizations that elevate artistic innovation and make a positive impact on society. Jill’s dedication to the arts is matched by her commitment to community and mentorship. She has championed countless artists through her photography and board leadership, helping shape platforms that foster creativity, experimentation, and collaboration. As a founding donor to the National Opera Center and an active supporter of interdisciplinary art projects, Jill continues to use her talents and leadership to amplify diverse voices in the arts, bridging artistry, innovation, and audience engagement on a global scale. You can see her work on Flickr https://www.flickr.com/photos/51552109@N04/albums/with/72177720330511191
• Marquis Who’s Who Honored Listee
• Temple University – BA, Fine Art
• Published in The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, Time Out New York, Time Out Amsterdam, BOMB, and NASA’s website
• She has two acclaimed photo books, "Invisible Revealed" and "Contemplations", both available for purchase on National Sawdust’s website. These purchases are tax-deductible, and all proceeds directly support the VIA IMPACT Lab at National Sawdust.
• NASA requested to use one of her photos from The Hubble Cantata on their website Hubble's Cultural ImpactNASA Science (.gov)https://science.nasa.gov › hubble › impacts-and-benefits
• Recognized for capturing iconic performers including Philip Glass, Terry Riley, Jeffrey Zeigler, Jessye Norman, Du Yun, Anthony Roth Costanzo, Laurie Anderson
• Former Board Member, OPERA America
• Board Chair, VisionIntoArt
• Board President, National Sawdust
• Member, Up Until Now Collective
• Former Board Member, Heartbeat Opera
• Founding donor, National Opera Center
• Advocate for emerging artists and interdisciplinary art collaborations
• Founding donor, National Sawdust
• Photographer, National Sawdust
• Photographer, VisionIntoArt
• Photographer, Up Until Now Collective
• Photographer, Sister Sylvester
• Donor, VIA Impact Lab at National Sawdust
What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to staying open to opportunities, perseverance, and embracing a late-career transition with confidence. Starting photography at age 57, I learned that mindset and self-belief are critical, and that building meaningful relationships with artists and collaborators is fulfilling and keeps me young.
What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
20 years ago, when I was outside taking photos of my then 7 1/2 year old granddaughter her neighbor came out and asked if I was a photographer. I responded "No, I'm her grandmother". Margot turned to me and said "No Nana, you need to think of yourself as a photographer." I heard her and her advice lead to a paradigm shift which gave me the confidence to say yes when my son Bruce asked me to photography a performance he was lighting for the composer Paola Prestini at The Chelsea Museum. That was the start of my photography career.
What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
Stay open and receptive to new opportunities. Don't wear blinders as opportunities will bounce off Say "Yes" to new experiences, try it once and see how you like it It could be a one time thing or it can take you down an exciting new path ... bold steps can lead to extraordinary outcomes.
What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
One of the biggest opportunities in my field is fostering platforms that support emerging artists and inclusive interdisciplinary collaboration. One of the biggest challenges is funding these platforms.
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
Trust, mentorship, inclusivity, and advocacy are values I hold dear. I believe the Arts are a bridge to bring people from all walks of life together. I believe in supporting artists and giving back to the arts community, whether through board leadership, photography, or charitable initiatives.