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

Chris’s Secret Gantry Plaza Proposal, Long Island City

GANTRY PLAZA, LONG ISLAND CITY IS THE PERFECT PLACE in nyc TO CAPTURE YOUR SURPRISE PROPOSAL with a view and privacy!

There’s something about a surprise proposal at Gantry Plaza State Park in Long Island City—it’s the blend of dramatic NYC skyline views and peaceful moments that aren’t obvious to most. Chris chose this spot for his secret proposal, and with the Empire State Building, 59th Street Bridge, and the United Nations in view, the setting couldn’t have been more iconic. But what made the moment even more special was how intimate it felt, despite being in one of the city’s most visible places.

The Proposal Story:
Chris planned everything carefully so that the proposal would feel genuine, heartfelt, and unforced. They arrived at Gantry shortly before sunset, with soft golden light stretching across the water and casting a glow on the cityscape behind them. As they walked along the waterfront promenade, Chris led his partner toward one of the piers overlooking the river. Surrounded by warm light and calm reflections, Chris knelt and asked the question—just the two of them (though with the city as their witness). The reaction, the surprise, the laughter, and tears—those emotional moments are what make photos like these timeless.

Why Gantry Plaza State Park is a Great Choice:

• Skyline & Water Views: You get clear lines of the Midtown skyline—Empire State Building, bridges, waterfront—so many iconic NYC elements in one frame.

• Golden Light Potential: Late afternoon into sunset gives dramatic soft lighting that flatters skin, buildings, and water.

• Relatively Private Vibes: Even in popular times, LIC tends to be less crowded than Manhattan hotspots. Parts of the park feel secluded, giving couples room for genuine moments.

• Great Variety: Gantry offers piers, benches, trees, and open sky—so you can switch spots easily for different looks (wide, medium, close-up) without moving far.

Tips for Planning a Secret Proposal Here:

• Choose a time near golden hour (sunset) to get that beautiful warm light and avoid harsh midday shadows.

• Visit midweek or just before the busiest evening hours to minimize crowd interference.

• Consider outfit choices that work well with the colors and contrast of the skyline + sunset—solid colors, layers, etc.

• Scout a few vantage points ahead of time (piers, benches, waterfront paths) so you can adjust if something doesn’t feel right.

• Bring a photographer who knows the area, understands light changes by the water, and can help with discreet positioning so the surprise stays intact.

Chris’s secret proposal at Gantry Plaza is a reminder of how much power the right place + time + feeling has. Even in a city full of iconic spots, it’s the moments of genuine surprise, connection, and love that resonate forever.

If you’re thinking about planning your own secret proposal in NYC—LIC, Gantry, Central Park, or anywhere meaningful—Jonathan Heisler Photography is here to help you create and capture an unforgettable memory.

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

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

Proposing In Long Island City's Gantry Plaza | Pierre and Allyson

With NYC skyline views, waterfront piers, and fewer late-night crowds, Gantry Plaza State Park is a strong choice for proposals at night. Pierre chose this location because it balances iconic city elements—Empire State Building, Midtown lights—with a quieter, more private atmosphere than many Manhattan locations.

The Proposal Story

Pierre and Allyson arrived at Gantry Plaza in the evening, after sunset. The city lights were on, the skyline visible, and the piers slightly less crowded. Pierre led Allyson to one of the waterfront piers that frame the skyline with the East River in front. At that vantage point, he proposed.

Photographs include wide views of the skyline, medium shots closer to frame their expressions, and closer portraits to capture emotion. Because lighting changed quickly (serving both ambient light and city lights), multiple angles were used to ensure both the couple and the background were well-exposed.

Why Gantry Plaza State Park Works Well for Night Proposals

• City skyline visibility — landmarks like the Empire State Building and Midtown lights are clearly visible, making for visually striking backgrounds.

• Waterfront reflections — at night, the calm water and lights reflect well, adding depth and visual interest.

• Less crowded at night — fewer people on the piers after dark allow more flexibility with framing and less pressure from bystanders.

• Multiple vantage points — piers, walkways, and gantries offer varied compositions (wide skyline shots, close intimacy) without needing to move far.

Tips for Planning a Night Proposal at Gantry Plaza

• Arrive 30-60 minutes before sunset to scout lighting, shadows, and reflection opportunities.

• Use locations that allow you to see both skyline lights and water reflections. Piers generally work well.

• Dress with layers—nights by the river can be chilly. Accessories like coats, scarves help both comfort and visual layering.

• Bring lighting considerations: city lights, existing lampposts etc. A photographer familiar with low light will help avoid over/ underexposure.

• Choose angles that balance light from the skyline with ambient light so the couple is properly lit without losing the city glow.

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

Gantry Plaza Long Island City - Sunset Proposal

Congrats Danielle and Nick!

The best Lic Marriage proposal photographer is one that comes prepared.

Nick chose Long Island City’s Gantry Plaza for his marriage proposal as the couple lives down the block and they spend most of their free time in the park, along the East River over looking Manhattan. The timing of the proposal couldn’t have been more perfect, as the sun set behind New York City on this early Fall evening.

long island city’s gantry plaza captures what makes nyc great. its view of manhattan is a favorite of mine. plus, its rarely busy.

Just as the sun was setting Nick popped the question and Danielle instantly said “YES!”. Prior the big night, I coordinated with Nick on the timing and location of his proposal. I knew I would be loosing lighting throughout the proposal and he wanted to take family photos afterwards as well. So, I brought a small flash.

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