I loved capturing Kim and Dan’s engagement session. We started our session on a warm late fall afternoon on the Upper East Side near Central Park and ended the session in Jersey City for the sun set. Central Park is where they had many of their first dates, while Jersey City is where they signed for their first apartment together.
Proposing with an unobstructed view of the New York City skyline behind you is a view you won’t ever forget. It’s iconic. But how does one make that moment even grander, more private, more intimate, and more unforgettable? How about proposing on your very own chartered yacht as you sail around Manhattan. That’s just what Jake did for his NYC secret proposal.
Jonathan Heisler Photography is comprised of New York City photographers specializing in photographing private NYC proposals, as well as engagement sessions and weddings.
Austin chose Ladies Pavilion “Cove” on the West Side of Central Park for his proposal because of these factors:
The location offers views of Manhattan’s skyscrapers.
It has relative privacy compared to more popular areas.
Fall foliage is strong in that area—leaves turn color, adding visual depth.
Afternoon light offers softer shadows and good direction for photos.
We scheduled during a workday afternoon in autumn to avoid heavy foot traffic. The trees were showing rich fall colors, creating a vibrant backdrop. As light softened in the afternoon, we used shaded spots under trees and near pavilion architecture to reduce harsh contrasts.
At the moment of the proposal, Austin knelt at a spot that included skyline in the background and foliage framing from above. Multiple angles were used: wide shots showing the full setting, medium shots to include foliage and structure, and close-ups for emotional detail. The location’s combination of fall color, architectural framing, and soft light contributed to strong images without needing elaborate setup.
Fall foliage adds color contrast and texture to photos.
This spot balances nature and Cityscape; skyline is visible, but trees soften urban edges.
Afternoon light during fall tends to be less harsh; shadows more manageable.
The location is easier to access and less crowded during weekdays.
Structural elements (pavilion, stone, paths) provide framing options.
Choose a weekday afternoon in autumn when foliage is near peak.
Scout your route ahead, see where trees frame skyline and where light might be harsh.
Use clothing with colors that complement fall foliage (earth tones, warm colors).
Plan for shots at different distances (wide, medium, close) to vary the feel.
Work with a photographer experienced in managing changing light and shade.
Jonathan Heisler Photography is comprised of Professional New York City photographers specializing in photographing private NYC proposals, as well as engagement sessions and weddings.
As an Upper East Side Engagement Session Photographer I am able to photograph so many different looks and feels all within a few city blocks. On todays fall foliage engagement session, Jayson and Stephanie started their session along Park Avenue and ended it in Central Park.
NYC engagement photos are a dream for couples across the world. These photos set the standard for so many. Whether you take them in Central Park, in DUMBO Brooklyn with the Brooklyn Bridge, or atop a spectacular skyscraper, you’re sure to make memories called photographs. That’s because these special locations are iconic worldwide. And when captured by the right photographer, there’s no place more epic than New York City.
With so many different looks and feels in such a short trip, it can be difficult to choose a spot for your NYC engagement photo session. You may even want to do pictures at multiple locations.
Virginia’s Blue Ridge Mountains have it all when it comes to biking. The trails welcome riders of all levels and interests; paved greenways for beginners, expert-level mountain trails, black diamond single tracks, back country trails with hike a bike, kid-friendly trails, accessible trails for hand cycling, and gravel. For tonight’s shoot we chose Mill Mountain, a 1,300ft mountain situated directly over downtown Roanoke, VA.
Roanoke, Virginia has become known for their award-winning mountain biking trails, becoming one of just four states to have three IMBA-designated Ride Centers. Roanoke Ride Center has received a Silver Level Status, the only destination on the East Coast to achieve this ranking, and Richmond and Harrisonburg have both been recognized as Bronze Level mountain biking destinations.
Everyone says there are a perfect 8-10 weeks in New York City every year. The best of those weeks are late September to late October when the leaves start to change, the warm (not hot) weather is still lingering, the days are still long, and the tourists are still home before the holiday season. This sweet spot, makes NYC and its countless attractions the place to be and the place to make memories.
Every time Bridget and Michael visit Manhattan Central Park is on their list of places to visit. They never visit Central Park with any formal plans, but just to walk and take in the sights. However for today’s visit, Michael had something special planned.
Jonathan Heisler Photography is comprised of Professional New York City photographers specializing in photographing private NYC proposals, as well as engagement sessions and weddings.