Andrew's Fall Engagement Photos in Gantry Plaza State Park, Long Island City

A NYC Engagement Photographer’s Guide to an Quiet Waterfront Location

Fall in New York City brings cool temperatures (no sweating), golden leaves, and the perfect backdrop for engagement photos with context. Fall also brings the the perfect light, which makes for great photos. And when it comes to breathtaking skyline views, beautiful waterfront light, and a mix of lush foliage with a city view, Gantry Plaza State Park in Long Island City is one of my go-to locations for engagement sessions.

So, why Choose Gantry Plaza for Your Engagement Photos?

Manhattan Skyline Views

If you want iconic city photos without the crowds of Manhattan, Gantry Plaza is unbeatable. With sweeping views of the Empire State Building, Chrysler Building, and Midtown skyline, the backdrop is perfect

NYC Waterfront

The park’s piers and riverside boardwalks create a peaceful, open-sky feel—perfect for sunset sessions and early morning when the skyline glows and the light wraps beautifully around you. F

Fall Foliage Meets Urban Texture

Gantry Plaza offers the perfect balance—colorful fall leaves and city architecture. From tree-lined walkways to industrial gantries, you get diversity in your photos without ever leaving the park. In autumn, the golden tones pop against the steel and skyline.

Jonathan Heisler Photography is comprised of Professional New York City photographers specializing in photographing private NYC proposals, as well as engagement sessions and weddings.

LEARN MORE ABOUT HIRING A PROPOSAL PHOTOGRAPHER IN NYC

Patrick's Long Island City Engagement Session at Sunset

The Long Island City waterfront captures New York City perfectly with its iconic skyline views of the Empire State Building, the 59th Street Bridge, the United Nations, and, of course, the famous NYC sunsets and sunrises. What I love most about photographing in Long Island City and Gantry Plaza State Park is how private and intimate this area feels compared to other parts of New York City. Somehow, the tourists haven’t quite figured this spot out yet—which makes it the perfect hidden gem for proposals and engagement sessions.

Tonight’s engagement session with Patrick and Sam during golden hour could not have been any better. As the sun set over the East River, the soft golden light lit up the skyline and created the most beautiful backdrop. Between the calm atmosphere of the park and those unforgettable city views, it was the perfect evening to capture their love.

Why is Gantry Plaza State Park a good place for proposals and engagement sessions?

Gantry Plaza State Park is one of the most underrated photo spots in New York City. The park offers unobstructed skyline views, open green spaces, and a quieter, more intimate atmosphere compared to more crowded Manhattan locations. During sunset, the light reflects beautifully off the water and skyscrapers, creating a warm and romantic glow. It’s ideal for couples looking for a mix of natural beauty and the classic NYC skyline—without the heavy crowds.

Jonathan Heisler Photography is comprised of Professional New York City photographers specializing in photographing private NYC proposals, as well as engagement sessions and weddings.

LEARN MORE ABOUT HIRING A PROPOSAL PHOTOGRAPHER IN NYC

A Golden Hour LIC Gantry Plaza Proposal

Gantry Plaza, Long Island City, is the perfect backdrop to capture a surprise proposal—with its sweeping New York City skyline and surprisingly peaceful vibes. There are a few spots in the city where you can see the Empire State Building, the United Nations, and the 59th Street Bridge all at once—and at Gantry Plaza, you get that view without the crush of tourists.

The Long Island City waterfront captures New York City perfectly because of those iconic skyline moments and golden hour magic. What I love most about shooting proposal sessions at Gantry Plaza State Park is how intimate it feels—despite the sweeping views. During golden hour, light softens everything: buildings glow, water shimmers, and the city seems to quiet just enough for real moments to shine.

Tips for Planning a Gantry Plaza Proposal

If you’re considering popping the question at Gantry Plaza, here are a few tips to make your moment unforgettable:

• Timing is everything — Sunset offers soft, flattering light and a dramatic skyline backdrop.

• Scout the spot — There are multiple piers, garden paths, and hidden corners to choose from—each with its own view and character.

• Hire a photographer — Proposals fly by; having someone there to capture the raw emotions means you can relive the moment forever.

• Celebrate nearby — After, LIC has cozy restaurants and rooftop bars to toast your moment with views still in your heart.

Why Gantry Plaza State Park is a Great Choice

Gantry Plaza State Park is often underrated, but it offers a mix of attributes that make proposals here feel special:

• Panoramic Skyline Views — You get multiple iconic NYC landmarks in view, making for instantly recognizable photos.

• Privacy + Calm — Compared to Midtown hotspots, LIC tends to be less crowded, especially during golden hour.

• Versatility in Light & Angles — Waterfront paths, piers, and garden spots give lots of options depending on your style and the light.

• Romantic Ambience — The combination of water, sunset glow, and open sky gives a cinematic feel without needing elaborate setups.

Ready to plan your unforgettable moment with the Manhattan skyline behind you? Let’s talk.

Jonathan Heisler Photography is comprised of Professional New York City photographers specializing in photographing private NYC proposals, as well as engagement sessions and weddings.

learn more about hiring a proposal photographer

Joseph's Surprise Proposal at Gantry Plaza Proposal in Long Island City

Joseph planned a surprise proposal at Gantry Plaza State Park in Long Island City. He chose this location for its skyline views and waterfront setting. The Empire State Building, the United Nations, and the bridges are visible, which provide strong visual elements in the background. Gantry Plaza also offers more privacy compared to many Manhattan locations.

The Proposal Story

Joseph arrived with his partner shortly before sunset. The light was soft, and reflections on the water were becoming more pronounced. We proceeded to a pier overlooking the East River. As the city lights began to turn on, Joseph knelt and popped the question. The moment was captured from wide angles to include both skyline and reflections, and from closer frames to record expressions. Few bystanders were nearby, which allowed for more freedom in framing and time to take multiple shots without rushing.

Why Gantry Plaza State Park Is a Good Choice

• It provides unobstructed views of major NYC landmarks (Empire State Building, UN, bridges), giving proposals a strong visual identity.

• The waterfront offers water reflections which add depth to photos especially around golden hour or when lighting is changing.

• The park has multiple vantage points (piers, walkways, gantries) that allow flexibility in composition.

• Compared to many Manhattan proposal spots, Gantry has less foot traffic especially later in the day, enabling more private moments.

Tips for Planning a Gantry Plaza Proposal

• Time your proposal for late afternoon or early evening—when natural light is softer and skyline lights start to come on.

• Arrive a little early to scout the spot, account for lighting, water reflections, and possible crowd patterns.

• Select a vantage point that includes both skyline and water; piers often work well.

• Dress in colors that contrast with the skyline and water for better subject separation (avoid colors that blend into the background).

• Work with a photographer who knows LIC/Gantry → someone experienced with waterfront light and reflections.

Jonathan Heisler Photography is comprised of New York City photographers specializing in photographing private NYC proposals, as well as engagement sessions and weddings.

learn more about hiring a proposal photographer

Pascal's Spring Proposal at Gantry Plaza LIC

Pascal planned a surprise proposal at Gantry Plaza State Park in Long Island City during spring. He and his partner were visiting from Germany, and this was their first time coming to Gantry. To make sure everything went smoothly, Pascal and I prepared in advance — I sent him a map showing the route, marked where his partner would walk, and showed examples of where their proposal moment could happen.

The Proposal Story

We met at Gantry Plaza before sunset. With daylight still good and spring foliage starting to show, the walk along the waterfront was calm. Pascal waited for the right spot — a pier with a view of the skyline and water. When his partner arrived, he proposed. Photographs included wide shots showing the skyline and river, medium frames to focus on the couple, and close-ups to capture emotion. Because we planned the location ahead, we had time to choose angles and prepare without rushing.

Why Gantry Plaza State Park Is a Good Proposal Location

• Offers clear views of major NYC skyline landmarks (Empire State Building, United Nations, etc.)

• Waterfront setting allows for reflections in the water, adding depth to images

• Multiple vantage points (piers, walkways, gantries) give flexibility to move depending on light and composition

• More privacy compared to many Manhattan spots, especially in spring evenings before crowds peak

Tips for Planning a Gantry Spring Proposal

• Plan ahead: look at maps, pick your route, decide where the proposal moment will be, especially if your partner hasn’t seen the location before

• Time the proposal close to golden hour (late afternoon / just before sunset) so light is soft and flattering

• Arrive early to check light, explore possible spots, and avoid surprise obstacles

• Dress in season-appropriate attire and colors that work well with skyline + waterfront backdrops

• Use a photographer experienced with waterfront light and reflections

learn more about hiring a proposal photographer

Mike and Amanda - Long Island Gantry Plaza NYC Proposal

Mike planned a secret proposal for Amanda at Gantry Plaza State Park in Long Island City. He chose this location because of its strong skyline views, waterfront piers, and more privacy compared to many Midtown spots.

Together, Mike and I scouted the area in advance and tracked weather. He planned the proposal while balancing work and commuting, arranging all the logistics beforehand. The day of, I arrived early to pick vantage points and confirm lighting and framing.

As Mike and Amanda approached one of the piers, I asked a few nearby people to step aside so the view would be clean. Mike proposed out by the pier with skyline and water in the frame. After the proposal, we moved through nearby locations for mini engagement portraits—changing angles, removing or adding jacket layers, capturing expressions, and using the Long Island sign in the background (a meaningful detail for them).

Why Gantry Plaza Works Well for a Proposal

• Clear skyline views (Midtown, bridges, waterfront) make photos instantly recognisable.

• The waterfront provides reflective surfaces that add depth and variety to images.

• Gantry has piers and open walkways that allow multiple composition options (wide shots, close-ups).

• Better privacy than many Manhattan locations, especially during off-peak times.

• Meaningful details (like the Long Island sign) can be integrated into the photos if relevant to the couple.

Tips for Planning a Gantry Plaza Surprise Proposal

• Scout ahead of time: identify the pier or vantage point, test light, check if skyline is visible from that spot.

• Arrive early so you can set up quietly and manage crowd flow.

• Plan backup options in case weather or lighting change (cloud cover, glare, etc.).

• Use layers: jackets, accessories—these help change looks for portraits post-proposal.

• Work with a photographer who knows Gantry Plaza: familiarity with angles, light reflecting off water, how to avoid unwanted background clutter is helpful.

learn more about hiring a proposal photographer