Photographing an editorial shoot - KPMG

When I was in high school I only knew two types of professional photographers, Wedding Photographers and Photo Journalist (news photographers or sports photographers), but what does an 18 year old kid know. The world of professional photograph is so, so much more.

Editorial photographers operate within a unique niche of photography which combines so many different skillsets and styles. The moments we capture are planned, stylized, and yet somewhat candid. On today’s session, we had loose brand guidelines and a very long shot list of items we needed to capture. To summarize, our main goal was to capture the newly renovated NYC office space with people, without people, and the people of the KPMG Ignition team collaborating with one another.

Dean's Williamsburg Brooklyn Rooftop Proposal

Dean chose a tasteful and perfectly timed way to propose atop the Wythe Hotel in Williamsburg Brooklyn. He rented one of the hotels best rooms with a magnificent view of the Manhattan skyline.

Why the Wythe Hotel Rooftop Is a Perfect Proposal Spot

• Spectacular Manhattan Skyline Views — From the rooftop at Wythe, you see sweeping Manhattan vistas. The Empire State, lower Manhattan skyscrapers, the East River, all framed in one view. It’s dramatic, romantic, and ideal for photos with impact.

• Rooftop Ambience + Privacy — Compared to public parks or busy bridges, a hotel rooftop offers more control over the moment: fewer interruptions, cleaner lines of sight, and a more curated setting that feels both elevated and personal.

• Golden Light Opportunities — The height and orientation of Wythe’s rooftop make it especially good at dusk. As the sun sets, light casts across the cityscape beautifully—softening edges, creating golden tones, and giving romantic warmth to every shot.

• Stylish, Urban Vibe — Williamsburg itself mixes gritty charm and modernity. The Wythe Hotel rooftop strikes that perfect balance: upscale enough to feel special; still full of texture, character, and edge that speaks of NYC.

Capturing Dean’s Proposal: Details & Moments

Dean planned carefully. He booked one of Wythe Hotel’s best rooms—positioned to give views right over the city. I scouted ahead to find angles that would maximize both view and light, especially as sunset approached.

As dusk set in and the sky softened, Dean asked. The moment landed against a backdrop of glowing city lights and fading day. Afterwards, we walked around the rooftop edge, capturing reflections, silhouette shots, and candid reactions. The architecture, the skyline, and the emotional punch all came together in images that feel cinematic and real.

If you’re considering proposing in Williamsburg—especially somewhere elevated like the Wythe Hotel rooftop—and you want that moment captured with elegance, heart, and cinematic beauty, let’s connect.

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

Photographing Upwardly Global's Annual Gala and Fundraiser

Our team of professional NYC Event Photographers have extensive experience covering Award Ceremonies and Galas, Conferences, Fundraisers, and so, so much more. We bring a unique mix of technical expertise and a friendly, yet professional down-to-earth working style to every assignment. Our deliverables incorporate posed photos, candid moments, and wide environment photos showcasing your venue and engaged audience.

When photographing tonight’s fundraiser with an auction, we made sure to capture the energy of the guests and the amazing venue, Tribeca 360, with its unrivaled views of Lower Manhattan and Midtown.

Photographing a Discussion and Conference at the NYTimes Center

Our strategy around event photography: Have an unobtrusive presence and document the story of the event. It’s that simple. You focus on running your event and we’ll make sure it’s photographed from all the different perspectives with quality images that are beyond useable; galas, dinners, awards, conference, panel discussions, activations, and much, much, more.

What separates us apart from other New York City photographers is our background in event marketing and public relations, prior to becoming a full-time professional NYC photographer. We bring a unique mix of technical expertise and a friendly, yet professional down-to-earth working style to every assignment. Our deliverables incorporate wide environment photos showcasing your venue and engaged audience, posed group shots, close up detail photos (vendor items / displays / handouts), candids, and numerous creative point of view photos offering new perspectives.

Alex’s Sunset Central Park Proposal at Bow Bridge

Bow Bridge in Central Park isn’t just one of the most romantic spots in NYC—it’s a promise of elegance, dreamy light, and unforgettable moments. On a beautiful evening, Alex chose this iconic spot as the setting for his proposal. As the sun began to dip, the sky painted with gold and pink, the bridge framed the skyline, and everything felt just right.

The Proposal Story:
Alex and his partner strolled through the park, seemingly on a typical evening walk. But the plan was anything but ordinary. When they reached Bow Bridge, with its graceful arch reflected in the pond below, Alex dropped to one knee. The setting sun colored the sky, the trees cast gentle shadows, and the water mirrored the moment—golden light mixing with love and surprise.

While the park was active with visitors, that moment on Bow Bridge felt secluded—as if the city paused for just them. After the proposal, they lingered—walking, sharing soft laughs, stealing looks, and allowing themselves to soak up every second. The surrounding ambiance: the swaying trees, soft light, and ambient city sound created a perfect backdrop.

Why Bow Bridge at Sunset Works Beautifully:

• Golden Hour Light: Sunset gives warm tones, softer contrasts, and a beautiful glow around both people and surroundings.

• Iconic Views: The classic design of Bow Bridge + views of the skyline + reflections in the water = photos that tell a story.

• Atmosphere & Mood: Evening light, fewer harsh shadows, and a more romantic, intimate feel.

• Balance: It’s accessible but feels like a private moment once you’re on the bridge.

Tips for Planning a Proposal at Bow Bridge:

• Aim for sunset or just before sunset, light is magical, and the crowds often thin a bit.

• If possible, pick a weekday or time when light is fading but it’s not too late.

• Dress for the light: colors that pop, layers in case it gets chilly, and shoes that allow you to move confidently on the bridge.

• Keep it simple and true to you—let the surroundings help set the mood.

• Work with a photographer who knows the bridge’s vantage points well—reflections, angles, and lighting change fast around sunset.

Alex’s proposal at Bow Bridge is a reminder that NYC offers endless beauty if you choose the right moment. Sunset, soft light, a classic bridge, and love—that’s a recipe for memories that last.

If you’re planning a proposal in Central Park, Bow Bridge, or anywhere that feels special, Jonathan Heisler Photography would love to help you capture the magic and make it perfectly yours.

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

Photographing an Upper East Side rooftop proposal

What made photographing this Upper East Side (UES) rooftop proposal so special were the details and the meaning behind it all. From the rose petals, to the champaign, to the ring, and our mini-engagement session in Carl Schurz Park along the East River, everything was so well thought out. This client chose to propose in a private and timeless fashion with nothing being overdone; no 3 foot “Will You Marry Me” letters or LED signs here!

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).

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