Camilo's Ladies Pavilion Central Park Proposal

Camilo chose Ladies Pavilion “Cove” on the West Side of Central Park for his proposal. He picked this location for three main reasons: glimpses of Manhattan’s skyscrapers, privacy, and favorable lighting (afternoon light direction). The day was overcast in spring, which helped avoid harsh shadows and made light levels more consistent.

Why Ladies Pavilion Cove Is a Good Choice

• Offers urban views including parts of the Manhattan skyline while still being inside Central Park.

• The West Side location tends to be less crowded, especially on weekdays, giving more privacy.

• Afternoon or overcast conditions provide softer, more even lighting for clean photographs.

• The Pavilion itself adds architectural framing, and nearby angles allow variety with skyline, trees, and water.

Tips for Planning a Proposal at Ladies Pavilion Cove

• Plan for a weekday or off-peak hour to minimize crowds.

• Overcast afternoons are ideal for lighting; avoid harsh midday sun if possible.

• Scout vantage points ahead of time to include both the couple and the skyline in shots.

• Work with a photographer familiar with Central Park’s layout and lighting shifts.

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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PILOT Brooklyn Boat Proposal

Docked in Brooklyn Heights, Pilot is an outdoor, seasonal oyster bar aboard one of America's most prized wooden sailboats. This boat circumnavigated the world twice, it was the fastest wooden schooner in the world for several years, it served as a research vessel. And, it was where Amber and Hannah had their first kiss 6 years ago.

While we photograph surprise proposals all throughout New York City and have seen it all, we love to capture secret proposals in new places. Amber’s proposal aboard Pilot was just that. It’s views of Lower Manhattan, the Brooklyn Bridge, and downtown Brooklyn are just unrivaled, especially at golden hour when the light hits just right.

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

Spring Engagement Session at Gantry Plaza, Long Island City

As a NYC engagement photographer, few spots offer such a dramatic combination of city skyline and waterfront charm as Gantry Plaza State Park in Long Island City. On April 23rd, the park was alive with the fresh energy of spring — blooming trees, gentle breezes off the East River, and soft afternoon light reflecting on the water. It was the perfect setting for capturing a couple’s love story with the Manhattan skyline as a breathtaking backdrop.

Why Gantry Plaza is Perfect for Engagement Photos

Gantry Plaza is one of NYC’s hidden gems. Its wide piers and open spaces provide unobstructed views of the Empire State Building, One World Trade Center, and the East River, making every angle picture-perfect. The park’s industrial-chic gantries add character and a unique urban flair that balances beautifully with the natural beauty of the waterfront.

Couples choose Gantry Plaza for:

• Iconic skyline views — Manhattan’s towering buildings across the river make for cinematic shots.

• Waterfront ambiance — the gentle ripples of the East River add motion and tranquility.

• Open space and privacy — plenty of room to wander, laugh, and create candid moments without crowds.

Capturing the Moment

I love starting sessions here in the late afternoon, when the light softens and the skyline glows. On this day, the couple strolled along the pier, hand-in-hand, pausing to take in the view and laugh naturally. We moved between the gantries and the waterfront path, framing moments against the sparkling water and iconic skyline. By the time the sun was low, the golden light reflected off the river, creating those warm, cinematic images every couple dreams of.

Planning Your Gantry Plaza Engagement Session

If you’re thinking about Gantry Plaza for your engagement photos:

• Aim for late afternoon in spring or summer to catch golden hour over the skyline.

• Wear comfortable shoes for walking the piers and park paths.

• Scout the location with your photographer to maximize both scenic and intimate shots.
  
  

Whether you want sweeping skyline portraits or relaxed, candid moments by the water, hiring a professional NYC engagement photographer ensures every detail — light, angle, and timing — is captured beautifully.

Jonathan Heisler Photography is comprised of professional New York City photographers specializing in photographing private NYC proposals.

learn more about hiring a proposal photographer

Romantic Spring Engagement Session at Bow Bridge with San Remo Views

As a NYC engagement photographer, few places capture the magic of the city in spring quite like Central Park’s Bow Bridge. On April 23rd, the park was in full bloom, the cherry blossoms and fresh greenery creating a soft, romantic backdrop for this engagement session. With the iconic San Remo towers rising in the distance, this location offered the perfect blend of nature, architecture, and timeless New York charm.

Why Bow Bridge is Perfect for a Spring Engagement Session

Bow Bridge is one of Central Park’s most picturesque and historic spots. Built in the 1860s, its elegant cast-iron design sweeps gracefully over the lake, creating cinematic views in every direction. In spring, the surrounding trees burst into color—pink and white blossoms frame the skyline, and the gentle reflection of the San Remo shimmers across the water.

For couples who want a mix of romantic scenery and recognizable NYC landmarks, Bow Bridge offers:

• Unobstructed views of the San Remo — a stunning architectural icon of the Upper West Side.

• Seasonal beauty — spring flowers, budding trees, and golden afternoon light.

• Central location — easy to pair with other nearby photo spots like Bethesda Terrace or The Mall.

Capturing the Moment

We began the session with the couple walking hand-in-hand along the pathway toward Bow Bridge, surrounded by blooming trees. The afternoon light filtered softly through the branches, casting a warm glow on their faces. As they reached the center of the bridge, we paused to frame them perfectly against the San Remo in the distance.

From there, we explored nearby paths for a variety of angles—close-up, candid moments, and wide scenic shots showcasing the lake, bridge, and skyline. Every image had that quintessential "only in New York" feeling that makes Central Park such a beloved engagement location.

Planning Your Bow Bridge Engagement Photos

If you’re considering an engagement session at Bow Bridge, here are a few tips:

• Aim for midweek afternoons in spring for softer light and fewer crowds.

• Bring comfortable shoes for walking the park’s pathways.

• Plan multiple nearby spots to add variety to your gallery.

Whether you’re drawn to Central Park for its seasonal beauty or its iconic views, hiring a local NYC engagement photographer ensures your photos are thoughtfully composed, well-lit, and authentically you.

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Gramercy Park Surprise Proposal

To be honest, I was hesitant to blog about this proposal because I know I’ll receive countless inquiries of “Can you get me a key?” and “Who do you know with a key?”, but Saturday’s springtime morning proposal in Gramercy Park was to special to not share. While we photograph proposals in all of New York City’s great parks (Central Park, Prospect Park, Bryant Park), Gramercy Park is just so special and unique because of it’s exclusivity and private grounds keeping team.

And no, I do not have a key to NYC’s most private park, Gramercy Park.

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

As An NYC Corporate Event Photographer My Job Is All About Story Telling

As an NYC event photographer my job is to tell the story of my client's culture, their people, and what makes them unique. Photographing both the big moments and small moments, along with everything in between, is the way to properly photograph an event.