Proposal photographer nyc

Our Guide to Planning and Photographing Your NYC Proposal

Having captured over 2,500+ surprise marriage proposals throughout New York City has proven invaluable with helping new clients plan their big moment. We know where, when, and how to propose when crowds, lighting, and the view are just some of your concerns. Even how to get your partner to “X” spot at “Y” time is a task we know how to handle.

Step 1

Let’s talk about it on the phone or over email. Once we get the details ironed out, I’ll put together an agreement summarizing your proposal plan; Date, Time, and Location with an “X” marks the spot. Along with the agreement, I will also ask for a photo of you both, so I know who to photograph.

Step 2: Once we receive all the necessary information we are confirmed!

As we get closer to your NYC Proposal date (Week of, Day prior, Morning of, and upon our arrival) we’ll text you confirming all the information for your proposal plan is still correct.

Step 3: The Day of Your NYC Proposal

Upon the photographer’s arrival, 30minutes ahead of you, your photographer will text over a marked up selfie (see below). This marked up selfie is crucial in helping you 1) know who to look for and 2) with where to stand, so we capture optimal photos. We always prioritize your partner’s reaction in our photos.

FAQs on how we capture a picture perfect surprise marriage proposal in NYC

  • FAQ #1 - All proposals on our website are real, and are NOT staged

  • FAQ #2 - NO - We do not hide in a bush! This is NYC and every tourists has a camera in their hand or at their side. We sit close by with our camera at our side and wait.

  • FAQ #3 - We don’t start photographing until you are clearly proposing - We don’t want to ruin the surprise.

  • FAQ #4 - We have a photo of you, and you have a photo of us - Your partner has no idea who we are!

    Tips and tricks to being a ROCKSTAR NYC Proposal Photographer

  • TIP #1 Let us know what you’re wearing and text us when you’re 5minutes away, so we can ensure spot is ready for you and not crowded.

  • TIP #2 The photographer will stand in the spot, so no one else is there. As you approach the spot, your photographer will walk out of the spot, and you’ll walk in to the spot.

  • TIP #3 Ask us for a photo of you both on your cellphone. We’ll help you pose, take the photo on your phone, and then you’ll propose. Don’t worry, out camera is at our side and we’ll quickly swap to the real camera.

When do you get your photos and how many photos?

Photographing an Upper East Side rooftop proposal

What made photographing this Upper East Side (UES) rooftop proposal so special were the details and the meaning behind it all. From the rose petals, to the champaign, to the ring, and our mini-engagement session in Carl Schurz Park along the East River, everything was so well thought out. This client chose to propose in a private and timeless fashion with nothing being overdone; no 3 foot “Will You Marry Me” letters or LED signs here!

Out of all the places we go as NYC’s leading Surprise Proposal Photographer, Carl Schurz is one of our favorite and least chosen spots. We often hear from Upper East Side couple’s this park has so much meaning to them and they love it for it’s private (zero tourists).

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 IN NYC

Will's Upper East Side Proposal at Carl Schurz Park

In preparation of photographing Will’s surprise and secret marriage proposal at Carl Schurz Park on the Upper East Side, Will scoped out the perfect spot. Together, we discussed the time of the day, how he’d get her there, the best location to avoid crowds and to get capture the best lighting possible. Out of all the places we go as NYC’s leading Surprise Proposal Photographer, Carl Schurz is one of our favorite and least chosen spots. We often hear from Upper East Side couple’s this park has so much meaning to them and they love it for it’s private (zero tourists).

As New York City’s top proposal photographer we’ve developed countless tips and tricks to succesfully capture a surprise marriage proposal in NYC.

Lighting: Natural light can be your best friend. If the proposal is happening in the morning or late afternoon, you'll get beautiful, soft lighting. Overcast days can also be great for even lighting without harsh shadows.

  1. Discretion: Be as unobtrusive as possible to keep the surprise intact. Blend in like just another tourist with a camera. We don’t start photographing until they are clearly proposing, and then it’s GO TIME!

  2. Backup Plan: Have a backup plan for different weather conditions or unexpected changes. If it’s raining, we can either move the proposal up or back to avoid the weather. Or we can find an alternative location. Regardless of the situation, we’ll clearly communicate in advance.

  3. Lighting: Natural light can be your best friend. If the proposal is happening in the morning or late afternoon, you'll get beautiful, soft lighting. Overcast are also great for even lighting without harsh shadows.

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 IN NYC

Caffe Panna Secret Proposal

What was so unique of Raunak’s proposal in Gramercy was his attention to detail and creativity. Caffe Panna is their favorite ice cream spot in their neighborhood of Gramercy, so it was a very fitting spot to propose. Raunak worked with the store to create a custom menu with their favorite flavors and a special message at the bottom, “Will You Marry Me”.

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

Jose's Proposal Atop The Edge at Hudson Yards

WHY YOU SHOULD PROPOSE AT Hudson Yard’s THE EDGE?

- Unobstructed views- Floor to sky glass walls, verses a waist high concrete wall at Empire State Building and crowds all over the place at Top of The rock. 

- Full view of the city - Unobstructed views of the Empire State Building, Rockefeller, and World Trade Center in the background. If you’re on the icon, how can you photograph it?

- Larger observation deck - It’s just not as crowded at The Edge, as it’s a large observation deck with plenty of space.

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

Melissa and Justin's Upper East Side Proposal

Photographing a NYC proposal at Carl Schurz on the Upper East Side has been on my to-do list for way too long.

When Justin reached out asking to secretly photographing his surprise proposal at his favorite park I was ecstatic. As an Upper East Sider, Carl Schurz Park is also my and my fiance’s favorite park. It’s private, has a great view looking down the East River, has a ton of green space, and holds some neat architectural features. For years, I’ve wanted to photograph either a proposal here or an engagement session, but the opportunity never arose. Well, I obviously said yes.

A PROFESSIONAL PROPOSAL PHOTOGRAPHER CAN EASILY CAPTURE YOUR SURPRISE

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 IN NYC