NYC proposal photographer

Will's Upper East Side Proposal at Carl Schurz Park

In preparation of photographing Will’s surprise and secret marriage proposal at Carl Schurz Park on the Upper East Side, Will scoped out the perfect spot. Together, we discussed the time of the day, how he’d get her there, the best location to avoid crowds and to get capture the best lighting possible. Out of all the places we go as NYC’s leading Surprise Proposal Photographer, Carl Schurz is one of our favorite and least chosen spots. We often hear from Upper East Side couple’s this park has so much meaning to them and they love it for it’s private (zero tourists).

As New York City’s top proposal photographer we’ve developed countless tips and tricks to succesfully capture a surprise marriage proposal in NYC.

Lighting: Natural light can be your best friend. If the proposal is happening in the morning or late afternoon, you'll get beautiful, soft lighting. Overcast days can also be great for even lighting without harsh shadows.

  1. Discretion: Be as unobtrusive as possible to keep the surprise intact. Blend in like just another tourist with a camera. We don’t start photographing until they are clearly proposing, and then it’s GO TIME!

  2. Backup Plan: Have a backup plan for different weather conditions or unexpected changes. If it’s raining, we can either move the proposal up or back to avoid the weather. Or we can find an alternative location. Regardless of the situation, we’ll clearly communicate in advance.

  3. Lighting: Natural light can be your best friend. If the proposal is happening in the morning or late afternoon, you'll get beautiful, soft lighting. Overcast are also great for even lighting without harsh shadows.

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

An Evening Proposal at Gapstow Bridge - Central Park, NYC

When describing our style of photography I often use the words “timeless”, “photojournalism”, and “classic”. As secret marriage proposal photographers, we understand your proposal is not a photoshoot or a full on engagement session. We are simply capturing your proposal as it happens and the moments that follow. What’s unique about photographing a proposal is how real the emotion is and how wide of a spectrum the emotions are. Having photographed well over 2,500 NYC Proposals we’ve seen tears of joy, laughter, and excitement with every moment.

Gapstow Bridge in Central Park has it’s special times of the day. For tonight’s NYC proposal, this location in Central Park shined bright as the sun set. The plaza hotel and the Gapstow Bridge served as the perfect backdrops.

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

Nick's Surprise Proposal at Central Park's Gapstow Bridge

Gapstow Bridge is one of the busiest spots in all of Central Park because it’s at the southern tip of the park near the Plaza Hotel, a popular tourist destination. However, there are certain times of the day and week where this iconic spot can be all yours. For Nick’s mid-day proposal on a Friday, the park was all theirs.

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

Jeremy's Surprise Engagement atop Outlook Hill on Governors Island

Photographing a surprise proposal on Governors Island is memorable experience Unlike many parts of Manhattan, Brooklyn, and Long Island city where there are tourists everywhere, Governors Island is quiet. Why? Because a ferry is the only way to get to Governors Island and that keeps people away. The views on the island are well worth a quick ferry ride, especially if this is where you are going to propose.

Here are a few tips to make sure your secret NYC marriage proposal on Governors Island is captured perfectly by your professional photographer or friend:

  1. Plan ahead: Work with a professional proposal photographer to iron out of the the logistics of the proposal in advance. This includes deciding on the exact location, time of day, ferry times, and any special requests or details you would like captured.

  2. Be discreet: It's important to blend in. We are just another tourists admiring the sites of NYC!

  3. Capture the emotion: The moment is way more than just a photo of someone on their knee.

  4. Have fun: Engagements are a happy and exciting occasion, so don't forget to enjoy the moment

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

Ibrahim's NYC Harbor Yacht Proposal

Finding a truly unique location for your proposal can be difficult in the city that has it all, and has 9 million people around you. Nothing is more grand, more private, more intimate, and more unforgettably unique / special than proposing on a private sailboat / yacht at sunset with the New York City skyline immediately behind you. Ibrahim’s proposal one evening after work this past July was special.

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

Thomas's Surprise Pier 45 Manhattan Proposal

Pier 45 on Manhattan’s West side is just West of the quintessential West Village. It’s views are unique compared to the other NYC piers, as it’s slightly more North than Pier 25 (another favorite location), but it has no restaurants on it’s West End. This West Side Pier has a perfect unobstructed view facing South (World Trade Center) and North (Empire State Building and Hudson Yards).

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