NYC Proposal Photographer

Peyton's Proposal atop Central Park's Cat Rock

Cat’s Rock sits above the Central Park Wollman ice skating rink. This proposal location provides a view of “Billionaire Row” and it’s very conveniently located in the southern part of Central Park, near Gapstow Bridge. I suggest this spot to many clients when they ask about proposing in Central Park and capturing a view of NYC. While the daytime is a great time for photos at Cat’s Rock, dusk as the city lights come lets this spot shine!

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

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

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

Capturing Devin's Pier 25 Proposal along the Hudson River

There are so many unique places to propose in NYC that share where you are, especially in Lower Manhattan and along the waterfront of Hudson River Park. There’s so much cool architecture in this part of the city and endless amazing views (Statue of Liberty, World Trade Center, the Empire State Building looking uptown)!

Devin chose Pier 25 in Hudson River Park for his proposal for these exact reasons, and it was the perfect location for his NYC proposal and the many photos we captured together.

As they walked down Pier 25, hand in hand, Beth had no idea what was in store for her. The rain had stopped, leaving the air warm. They enjoyed the view of the Hudson River and the towering World Trade Center. As they stopped at the end of the pier to take a selfie, that's when it happened.

Beth turned around to find her boyfriend down on one knee, holding out a diamond ring. She gasped in disbelief as he asked her to marry him, tears streaming down her face.

I captured the moment from a slight distance, standing behind them and capturing their emotions as they shared this incredible moment together. I then approached them, congratulating them on their engagement and introducing myself as their photographer. They were thrilled to have photos of their special moment, with the World Trade Center rising majestically in the background and surrounded by the New York City 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

Ethan's Transmitter Park Greenpoint Brooklyn Marriage Proposal

Morning proposals are some of our favorites for sure. However, nothing beats photographing a secret morning proposal in Greenpoint Brooklyn with the NYC skyline behind a great couple couple. Ethan’s proposal in Transmitter Park Saturday morning could not have gone any better. The couple was out for their normal morning walk before getting coffee. They took their normal route, stopped at their favorite coffee shop, and on the way back took in the view.

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

Kalil's Madison Square Park Morning Proposal in New York City

Should I Propose In The Morning Or Afternoon?

Proposing in the morning has so many great benefits, especially in New York City. My top reasons to propose in the morning are as follows:

  • 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. That’s when all the good spots start to get busy.

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

I know not everyone is a morning person, however the best way to get your partner out and about is by promising a coffee and a pastry. Real New Yorkers can’t say no to a good pastry and a coffee. Walk the park or that special place with a coffee in one hand and your partners hand in the other. I know it may be a bit cliche, but nothing beats a morning coffee and an empty city. Your partner will forget about the early wakeup when you ask the big question.

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