Central Park Proposal - Patrick and Maggie

Congrats on your engagement Patrick and Maggie!

A “picture perfect quintessential New York City Fall proposal” is how I’d describe photographing Patrick’s proposal to Maggie in Central Park. Patrick was confident in knowing where and how he’d propose. Choosing Central Park’s Model Boat Pond first thing in the morning on a Saturday was ideal for lighting, foliage, and limited crowds.

Proposing in central park during the fall is one of the perfect places to propose in nyc

Just on time Patrick and Maggie approached the pond like we discussed. Maggie didn’t suspect a thing. They took in the views and watched the sailboats whisk around the pond. Then, Patrick got down on one knee and it was clear Maggie was in shock.

As a proposal photographer with years of experience, i still get excited every time i photograph a proposal. Photographing each proposal feels like a new and unique experience.

Post proposal, their family and friends rushed in for hugs and a proper champagne celebration. Once emotions settled, I photographed a mini-engagement style shoot with the newly engaged couple around the pond. We switched up the look by dressing down (jackets off).

Pier 26 NYC Marriage Proposal - Robert and Dani

Congrats to New York City’s newest engaged couple, Robert and Dani!

proposal photographer or weather man?

After a long and cold rainy Fall day, photographing a secret marriage proposal in Lower Manhattan on Pier 26 on the Hudson River was what I needed to brighten the gloomy day. I discreetly photographed Robert and Dani from a fairly close distance prior Robert asking Dani to marry him. Then, when Robert got down on one knee I walked closer.

Photographing proposals in NYC just never gets old!

Post proposal we did a mini-engagement shoot. Just as my shutter snapped the last photo of the session the sky opened up, and it started raining once again.

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.

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Hay Rock Trail Hike - Appalachian Trail Roanoke, Virginia

Quick Saturday morning hike just outside of Roanoke, Virginia to explore part of the Appalachian Trail. This section is referred to as the Hay Rock Trail. Hiking the Hay Rock Trail is 7.8 miles roundtrip from the parking lot and climbs 1500+ feet. The trail offers views overlooking Carvins Cove Natural Preserve and beyond to Roanoke City (Mill Mountain Star, Roanoke-Blacksburg Regional Airport, and downtown Roanoke).

Again we brought wonder dog Arya, a 1.5 year old standard sized Wire-haired Dachshund. This was Ary’s second hike of the week and she crushed it. At the end of the week Arya had conquered 18 miles of hiking and climbed over 2900ft.

McAfee's Knob Sunrise Morning Hike

An early morning sunrise hike on the Appalachian Trail just outside of Roanoke, Virginia in the Blue Ridge Mountains to capture the sunrise at McAfee's Knob. McAfee's Knob is the most photographed location on the Appalachian Trail. Hiking McAfee's Knob is not hard at all. The hike offers two ways up to the top; a fire road of compact dirt and small rocks, and a more rugged trail with roots, big stone steps, and some mud.

blue ridge mountains photography

Hiking with a camera takes some effort. You want to bring your best camera, all of your lenses, a filter or two, and a tripod, but then you realize your hike is 5,8,12,15 mile round trip hike. Packing light when hiking is key. When camping or hiking my outdoor camera setup consists of 1 camera body and 1 lens.

Hiking with a tripod

Although a tripod would’ve been nice on this early morning sunrise hike, it would’ve been heavy and cumbersome to carry. Instead of carrying a tripod for slow exposure shots I always:

  • Find a rock to balance my camera on

  • Increase my ISO

  • Photograph slightly under exposed and increase exposure or shadows in post production