Steppingstone Park Surprise Proposal | Long Island Proposal Photographer

Photographing Nathan’s secret proposal on Long Island was a great change of pace for our team of proposal photographers. While most of our proposals are in New York City, Manhattan and Brooklyn, we also photograph on Long Island. The sites might change, but the job is the same. Discretely photograph the proposal and the emotins that follow!

Today, we took the LIRR to Great Neck, NY where we visited Steppingstone Park. This discreet public park, which is only open to Great Neck residents, provided the perfect intimate backdrop for an afternoon summertime proposal.

Our way to photograph a secret proposal is as follows:

Important: Scout the Location: Before the proposal day, visit Steppingstone Park in Great Neck, NY to familiarize yourself with the area. Look for the best vantage points, lighting conditions, and possible obstacles to ensure you capture the moment perfectly. Things always happen day of, so we arrive early and we expect the unexpected!

  1. Use a Telephoto Lens: To maintain a discreet distance while still getting close-up shots, use a zoom or a “telephoto lens”. This helps us capture the proposal without being intrusive.

  2. Natural Lighting: Natural light can add a beautiful touch to your photographs. The worst time photograph is at noon! You’ll have harsh shadows and “not good colors”

  3. Strike when the moment is right: Candid shots are precious, especially during a surprise proposal. We always keep our camera at our side and we don’t start photographing until you are clearly proposing. We don’t want to ruin your moment.

  4. Capture Reactions: Candid shots are precious, especially during a surprise proposal. The surprise is on your partner, so that’s where we focus to start.

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

Qasim's DUMBO Brooklyn Bridge Park Proposal

Qasim had a plan of when, where, and how he was going to propose in New York City. “Brooklyn Bridge Park Sunday morning before the crowds” he said, and I replied “that is a plan!”. Proposing in the morning has so many benefits, especially in busy NYC. If your privacy conscious and are looking to avoid crowds for your proposal, then I recommend proposing in the morning for the following reasons.

  • Get it done and have the rest of the day to celebrate! Plan a post proposal brunch and then call your family/friends to share the news.

  • Beat the crowds - Most NY’ers and tourists alike don’t really start their day until noon, and hat’s when all the good spots start to get busy. Beat the rush and propose before noon.

  • Lighting - The morning has GREAT light and lets us photograph in places we could not otherwise.

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

BOOK NOW!

David's Hoboken New Jersey Secret Sunset Proposal

Capturing the New York City skyline is always spectacular, no matter what side we are photographing it from. As New York City Proposal Photographers, we are typically are asked to photograph proposals along the East River facing Manhattan’s East Side; Williamsburg, DUMBO, Brooklyn Bridge Park. However, as of recently we have been photographing more and more secret surprise proposals in New Jersey along the Hudson River.

David chose an area along the Hudson River in Hoboken, NJ on the grounds of Stevens Institute of Technology. The couple had in fact met here years prior, so it had meaning. We coordinated his proposal with the sun set.

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

Pranav's Hoboken Sunset Marriage Proposal

Why should you propose in Hoboken, NJ or Jersey City? If you’re from New Jersey the Hoboken Waterfront can be a great day trip destination with its’ unobstructed views of Manhattan, which are unrivaled. This area is never busy, unlike Brooklyn Bridge Park or Gantry Plaza in Long Island City. There are never tourists here either. The view is always clear and no matter which way you face you are guaranteed to get an amazing view of the NYC skyline.

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

Brenden's Springtime Central Park Proposal

Spring in New York City has a way of resetting everything—light, color, hope. For Brenden and Sarah, their surprise proposal just past Bow Bridge in Central Park captured that seasonal magic. With soft greenery budding, gentle light filtering through the trees, and the quiet charm of a less-traveled corner, it was a moment that felt both iconic and deeply personal.

The Proposal Story

We arrived during golden hour, when the daylight leans warm and shadows grow long. Brenden led Sarah to a spot just past Bow Bridge—one of my favorite nooks in the park, because it combines classic Central Park charm with extra privacy. As they rounded a bend past trees and natural arches, Brenden dropped to one knee. The light kissed their faces, the budding foliage framed them, and though the city lay beyond the trees, the moment felt like their own.

After the proposal, we took time strolling along nearby paths, taking portraits in the light—wide shots that included the skyline beyond, intimate close-ups under tree canopies, and medium frames that highlighted the spring colors and peacefulness of the surroundings. The contrast between the iconic Bow Bridge area and the quieter spots around it made for a rich visual story.

Why This Spot Works Beautifully

  • Spring light & color: Budding trees, soft green tones, and warm golden hour make skin glow and foliage pop.

  • Blend of iconic + private: Bow Bridge is well known, but spots just past it offer views and emotion without the crowd pressure.

  • Natural framing: Trees, branches, arches—these help to frame the couple and create depth in photos.

  • Flexible space: You can move between open views and shaded walkways without going far, which helps with compositional variety.

Tips for Planning Your Bow Bridge Spring Proposal

  • Aim for late afternoon / golden hour, when light softens and your options for compositions multiply.

  • Choose a weekday or off-peak time to find those quieter moments in the park.

  • Dress for the season—lighter layers, something that complements spring greens and softer tones.

  • Scout your route a little in advance so you know which paths frame the skyline, which lead through foliage, etc.

  • Bring a photographer comfortable moving between shade and light and capturing candid moments—the magic often comes in natural gestures and unplanned little details.

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

BOOK NOW!

Central Park Conservatory Garden - Springtime Engagement Session

Photographing Brett and Elle’s engagement session up in the Conservatory Garden of Central Park NYC was a real treat. Not many people, New Yorkers included, know about this section of the park. Although the iconic landmarks like Bethesda Fountain, Bow Bridge, the model boat sailing pond, and the mall take the lime light, the Conservatory Garden is just as special to NYC. It’s just a little bit further out of the way.

I have photographed inn Central Park countless times, but the Conservatory Garden only a few times. I love discovering this part of Central Park every time I come up to 105 street. Not only is it picturesque and charming, but it also has some unique elements that made for the prettiest backdrops while we walked around, got to know each other, and created beautiful images for these two, and their pup.

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