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

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

Steven + Rebekah Engagement Party | Session 73 UES

Just the other week I photographed Steven’s proposal to Rebekah outside of the Plaza Hotel and two weeks later we meet again for their engagement party. They chose Session 73 for their party as it’s one of their favorite hangout spots. The couple and their friends live on the Upper East Side of Manhattan as well.