Gramercy Park Surprise Proposal

To be honest, I was hesitant to blog about this proposal because I know I’ll receive countless inquiries of “Can you get me a key?” and “Who do you know with a key?”, but Saturday’s springtime morning proposal in Gramercy Park was to special to not share. While we photograph proposals in all of New York City’s great parks (Central Park, Prospect Park, Bryant Park), Gramercy Park is just so special and unique because of it’s exclusivity and private grounds keeping team.

And no, I do not have a key to NYC’s most private park, Gramercy Park.

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

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Steppingstone Park Surprise Proposal | Long Island Proposal Photographer

Photographing Nathan’s secret proposal on Long Island was a great change of pace for our team of proposal photographers. While most of our proposals are in New York City, Manhattan and Brooklyn, we also photograph on Long Island. The sites might change, but the job is the same. Discretely photograph the proposal and the emotins that follow!

Today, we took the LIRR to Great Neck, NY where we visited Steppingstone Park. This discreet public park, which is only open to Great Neck residents, provided the perfect intimate backdrop for an afternoon summertime proposal.

Our way to photograph a secret proposal is as follows:

Important: Scout the Location: Before the proposal day, visit Steppingstone Park in Great Neck, NY to familiarize yourself with the area. Look for the best vantage points, lighting conditions, and possible obstacles to ensure you capture the moment perfectly. Things always happen day of, so we arrive early and we expect the unexpected!

1. Use a Telephoto Lens: To maintain a discreet distance while still getting close-up shots, use a zoom or a “telephoto lens”. This helps us capture the proposal without being intrusive.

2. Natural Lighting: Natural light can add a beautiful touch to your photographs. The worst time photograph is at noon! You’ll have harsh shadows and “not good colors”

3. Strike when the moment is right: Candid shots are precious, especially during a surprise proposal. We always keep our camera at our side and we don’t start photographing until you are clearly proposing. We don’t want to ruin your moment.

4. Capture Reactions: Candid shots are precious, especially during a surprise proposal. The surprise is on your partner, so that’s where we focus to start.

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

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David's Hoboken New Jersey Secret Sunset Proposal

Capturing the New York City skyline is always spectacular, no matter what side we are photographing it from. As New York City Proposal Photographers, we are typically are asked to photograph proposals along the East River facing Manhattan’s East Side; Williamsburg, DUMBO, Brooklyn Bridge Park. However, as of recently we have been photographing more and more secret surprise proposals in New Jersey along the Hudson River.

David chose an area along the Hudson River in Hoboken, NJ on the grounds of Stevens Institute of Technology. The couple had in fact met here years prior, so it had meaning. We coordinated his proposal with the sun set.

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

Central Park Conservatory Garden - Springtime Engagement Session

Photographing Brett and Elle’s engagement session up in the Conservatory Garden of Central Park NYC was a real treat. Not many people, New Yorkers included, know about this section of the park. Although the iconic landmarks like Bethesda Fountain, Bow Bridge, the model boat sailing pond, and the mall take the lime light, the Conservatory Garden is just as special to NYC. It’s just a little bit further out of the way.

I have photographed inn Central Park countless times, but the Conservatory Garden only a few times. I love discovering this part of Central Park every time I come up to 105 street. Not only is it picturesque and charming, but it also has some unique elements that made for the prettiest backdrops while we walked around, got to know each other, and created beautiful images for these two, and their pup.

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

Alex and Becca's Central Park Model Boat Pond Proposal

Hiring a Secret Proposal Photographer In NYC

After 3 years of dating, Alex had made the decision to solidify his relationship with Becca. Alex reached out to Jonathan Heisler Photography, New York City’s most experienced proposal photographer, to help plan and later photograph his proposal. Upon approaching us to photograph the moment, Alex was certain on how, where, and when he would propose to Becca.

To start their morning off, they’d walk through the Central Park Conservatory just like they do every weekend when they are together in Manhattan. Then, they’d make their way down to the Central Park Model Boat Pond to meet Becca’s sister for brunch.

Proposing in Central Park is a picture perfect New York moment.

Alex and I discussed all of the benefits of proposing first thing in the morning. To start, the lighting is amazing for photographs. Next, once you ask the big question you have the whole day to celebrate; grab brunch with friends and family, spend the day together, or go somewhere. On today’s proposal, Alex had invited both his family and Becca’s family to Central Park to discreetly watch as he proposed, and to later celebrate.

We are photographers who specialize in photographing surprise proposals, engagements, and weddings.

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A Central Park Picnic and a Proposal - Heriberto & Catherine's NYC Proposal

Finding a Proposal Photographer in NYC

Heriberto reached out to wanting a proposal photographer to help him and his soon-to-be fiancée, Catherine, remember their time living and exploring NYC. Heriberto wanted his photos to highlight the NYC skyline, Central Park, and the unique moments a one can have living in this great city.

About the couple….

He and Cathrine would be moving from New York to Boston next month, so Heriberto planned to make this surprise proposal as New York as possible. To make sure the moment went off without a hitch he need an experienced NYC Proposal Photographer to document the moment.

Central Park was his proposal location of choice. The couple had spent many sunny days hanging out in “The Great Lawn”, so he thought it would be the perfect spot for a picnic, and the big suprise.

“Satur-date in the park”

Heriberto and I planned out the day for his secret proposal. He and Cathrine would spend the morning in a rowboat near the Loeb Boathouse, and then pick up their Perfect Picnic basket just outside the park, and then walk to The Great Lawn where I, their secret proposal photographer, would be waiting for them.

Whether it’s hiding in bushes or in the night, an NYC Proposal Photographer stays out of sight!

I spotted the two when they entered the park and discreetly took photos before the big moment as they set their picnic up. When the time was right Heriberto pulled the ring out and got down on one knee and…..

Cathrine said yes! She was so surprised and excited. The two celebrated with Champagne before we roamed around for a mini-engagement shoot. It was quite the perfect sunny Saturday afternoon in Central Park.

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