Jane's Carousel DUMBO Proposal at Sunset

Omar chose a very special place for his surprise proposal. He worked with Celestine DUMBO to use their back patio on the one night of the week they are closed for his secret Brooklyn Bridge proposal. This private space allowed Omar to decorate and be out of site. The cover of the restaurant also gave him a reason to get dressed up nicely, a place to go, and a reason to be there at a set time without raising suspicion.

Why This Location Works Well

  • The combination of Jane’s Carousel, Brooklyn Bridge Park, and the Brooklyn Bridge in view offers iconic NYC landmarks in the background, which makes photos instantly recognizable.

  • Using a private patio (Celestine DUMBO) that’s closed to the public gave Omar control over privacy and décor, reducing surprises and crowd interference.

  • Sunset light adds warmth and softer shadows, improving skin tones and giving a dramatic glow to skyline elements.

  • The juxtaposition of architectural elements (bridge, buildings), the carousel, water views, and twinkling city lights brings visual variety to the photos.

Tips for Planning a Proposal Here

  • Pick a restaurant or venue with private or semi-private space if possible; it offers better control.

  • Time the proposal around sunset for warm light and softer contrast.

  • Scout angles in advance—carousel, bridge, skyline—and plan where both wide shots and close-ups will work best.

  • Decorate minimally but meaningfully so the environment enhances the moment without overwhelming it.

  • Coordinate with your photographer ahead of time so they know when and where to position for both natural and city lights.

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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An Afternoon Proposal in Brooklyn Bridge Park

Deciding where to propose in New York City - Think about this…

I always recommend choosing a place with meaning. Perhaps it’s your favorite spot in a park, that place you went on your first date, or where you made one of your best memories. For Justin, the hilltop overlooking Lower Manhattan and the Manhattan Bridge was that spot.

Proposing in Brooklyn Bridge Park at Sunset is the best place to propose in Brooklyn

DUMBO and the area around the Brooklyn Bridge Park facing West is a great option for a sunset proposal and photography session. The lighting in DUMBO provides a ton of spots and angles to photograph as the warm sun sets. This part of Brooklyn has so much character in the look and feel of the buildings, the Brooklyn Bridge, and the park that your photos will be guaranteed unique.

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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Early Fall Morning Family Sessions In Central Park are the best.

As a New York family photographer I’ve worked all over place, from Long Island’s beaches to upstate NY’s vineyards and lakes, and from the Upper East Side to Prospect Park. With my experience I’ve been able to successfully help families plan their own unique family photo sessions by offering real recommendations, not ones pulled off of Google. I understand the factors that come in to play when planning and photographing family photos; the children’s ages, the family’s personality, the look and feel you want to achieve, likes/dislikes, where are we photographing, the time of year, and the time of day we are photographing.

Living in NYC offers countless opportunities. However, one of my favorite locations for outdoor photography time and time again is Central Park. I’ve worked as a Central Park family photographer in every season and every weather condition imaginable. Each location within the park, each time of the day, each time of the week, and each time of the year offers its very own unique look and feel.

Late September Evening DUMBO Proposal

DUMBO and the area around Brooklyn Bridge Park, facing west, is a great choice for a sunset proposal. Brooklyn Bridge Park is not only well-maintained and not terribly busy, but iconic for its views of lower Manhattan, the World Trade Center, and, of course, the Brooklyn Bridge. The lighting in Brooklyn in the late afternoon provides a ton of locations and angles to photograph as the warm sun sets. This part of Brooklyn has so much character in its look and feel of the buildings, the Brooklyn Bridge, and the park that your photos will be guaranteed to be unique.

Why This Location Works Well

  • The view includes major NYC landmarks like the Brooklyn Bridge, the World Trade Center, and the lower Manhattan skyline, which make images feel instantly recognizable.

  • Brooklyn Bridge Park facing west gets good late afternoon/sunset light, which produces warm tones and softer shadows.

  • The park is maintained and clean; features like walkways, piers, and architectural elements add variety in backgrounds.

  • Because it’s in DUMBO, there is a combination of urban texture (brick, steel, industrial architecture) and natural elements (water, sky) that contribute to visual interest.

  • It tends to be less crowded in late September evenings compared to peak summer, helping with privacy and flexibility.

Tips for Planning a DUMBO Sunset Proposal

  • Time your proposal so you arrive at or slightly before sunset—this gives you warm light and a window for both wide and close-up shots.

  • Scout the area in advance: identify piers, viewpoints, and walkways that frame the skyline well.

  • Dress in colors that pop against the skyline and water—solid, complementary tones work best.

  • Be ready to move: there are many vantage points, so having flexibility helps if one area gets blocked by people or lighting shifts.

  • Work with a photographer who knows how to handle both natural light and city lights—bridges, windows, and reflections can all affect exposure.

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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Leaders on Purpose

Leaders on Purpose 2022 is an event focussed around the UN General Assembly. This year’s event featured panel discussions, 1-1 on conversations, audience Q&As, and speakers. The 2 day event at the Javits Center in NYC took place both during the day and at night through New York City.

I photograph events of all sizes and with varying restrictions; no flash, no moving during the presentation, and only photograph the first few minutes. During speeches I can either be a fly on the wall or I can quietly walk around capturing reaction photos and new perspectives of the event. It’s up to you.

Jacob and Ashley's West Village Engagement Session

The most asked question: “Where should we take our engagement photos?”

My go to answer is pick a place with meaning and significance to you both. If you spent every Sunday getting to know one another in Central Park, then let’s photograph your NYC Engagement photos in Central Park. Or pick a place that matches your look and feel. For Jacob and Ashley, the West Village and the Meat Packing District checked all of the boxes.

NYC provides so many different looks and feels within a short distance. You can walk in those heels during your engagement session and conquer.

On today’s engagement session, we started off in the Meatpacking District, walked along the High Line, and then wound up in the West Village. We captured the cobblestone streets, great architecture, design, and some of New York City’s most iconic views.

Knowing your couple, allows you to know their style.

Having photographed their surprise proposal last Spring on Pier 17, I had gotten to know Jacob and Ashley’s style; simple and down to earth. We chose the Meatpacking District Manhattan for it’s timeless look, and then we coordinated on outfits. Ashely wanted something that would pop amongst the grays of the city and the grey of the day, and she totally rocked it. Jacob, wanted comfortable, but a little more fun. He also wanted to compliment his fiance. Success!