When it comes to family photography, there's something undeniably special about capturing moments in the comfort of your own home. Home is where memories are made, laughter is shared, and connections are felt most deeply. Recently, I photographed this happy family right in their Long Island home, and the experience was nothing short of heartwarming.

This particular family consisted of two adorable girls, their parents, and the grandparents, all of whom came together to create a picture perfect session that showcased the essence of family life. It was an intimate setting filled with genuine moments, and the photographs that emerged from this session truly reflect the love and bond that ties this family together.

Why home photography sessions with a professional are so, so good!

Comfort and Familiarity
One of the biggest advantages of having a family session at home is the sense of comfort and familiarity it brings. The children, especially, felt completely at ease in their own environment. There's no rush, no travel stress—just an opportunity to be themselves in the space where they feel most secure. This allows for more candid, natural interactions that truly capture the spirit of the family.

Whether it's the girls running through the living room, playing with their favorite toys, or sitting on the couch cuddled up with grandma and grandpa, the photographs taken in these spaces feel incredibly authentic. No stiff poses—just real, unscripted moments that tell the story of a family’s everyday life.

Generational Connections
Having the grandparents join the session added another layer of warmth and significance to the photos. It was a beautiful reminder of how family ties span generations. The joy on the girls' faces as they played with their grandparents or hugged them tightly was a testament to the special relationship between them. There’s something truly magical about capturing these moments, as they’re often the memories that last a lifetime.

Conference Photography: My take on how to be the best NYC Event Photographer

As a professional event photographer in New York City, capturing the essence of a full-day conference can be both exhilarating and challenging. Whether it’s a high-energy keynote address or an intimate breakout session, the key to successful conference photography lies in pre-event preparation, experience, technical know how, and adaptability.

For this conference, I had the privilege of photographing last year’s event featuring multiple speaker panels and breakout sessions, with a variety of formats ranging from small two-person discussions to larger panels with up to eight participants. This year, the event was more or less the same, but this format is often copy-pasted across clients. In this post, I’ll share my insights on how I photograph a full-day conference ensuring images that accurately represent the event and its key moments are captured.

Wide Shots vs. Candid Moments: Balancing the Big Picture and Details

While the large speaker panels require wide-angle shots to capture the entire stage, don’t forget the power of candid moments throughout the conference. These moments—whether it’s a speaker adjusting their microphone, a small group of attendees networking, or someone raising their hand to ask a question—bring an authentic touch to the gallery. I made sure to also keep my eyes peeled for moments of connection, like a smile shared between speakers or a deep conversation between attendees.

image delivery with efficiency and effectiveness

Quick turnarounds are often necessary in event photography, so I made sure to deliver a first batch of edited highlight photos same day to give the event organizers something to share on social media and for press use. The rest of the images were delivered within 7 days.

Zack's Manhattan Waterfront Proposal

New York City is renowned for its iconic landmarks and picturesque settings, making it a dream location for couples looking to propose, regardless of where you are from. If you're planning a surprise proposal and want to ensure that the moment is captured beautifully, hiring a professional proposal photographer is a must. Pier 64, located along the Hudson River in Tribeca, is one of the most scenic spots in the city, offering a blend of natural beauty and urban charm. The stunning backdrop of Manhattan’s skyline as the stage for your unforgettable moment is, well, unforgettable

In this blog, we’ll explore what makes a surprise proposal on Pier 64 the perfect setting and why hiring a professional photographer to document the event is the best way to preserve those precious memories.

Why Pier 64 is Perfect for a Surprise Proposal

Pier 64 offers a serene yet striking setting for any couple ready to take the next step in their relationship. This hidden gem in the heart of Tribeca has a combination of lush green spaces, wooden boardwalks, and panoramic views of the Hudson River. The area is part of Hudson River Park, providing a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle of city life while still being close to the heart of NYC.

• Breathtaking Views: The skyline of lower Manhattan and the Statue of Liberty make for an epic backdrop.

• Natural Beauty: The waterfront, gardens, and outdoor spaces provide a lush, romantic atmosphere.

• Tranquil Yet Accessible: Pier 64 isn’t overly crowded, giving you the perfect environment for an intimate moment without the distractions of mass crowds.

A surprise proposal is a once-in-a-lifetime event, and having the right photographer there to document every second is essential. A professional photographer brings more than just technical skill; they have the expertise to anticipate the moment, blend seamlessly into the environment, and capture the emotions in a way that truly tells your love story.

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

Finding a Headshot Photographer in New York City

As a NYC headshot photographer, I have clients of all different backgrounds with all different goals. Sometimes our headshot photos are used for LinkedIn profile photographs, other times for company website sites and branding, and print/digital magazines. Whether you call it a headshot session or a portrait session, we transform businesses values in to compelling visuals. When finding a Headshot Photographer in the New York City tri-state area understand the following:

• What are your goals for these photos and how will you use these images not only now, but in the future (LinkedIn, Social Media, Presentations)

• Does the photographer’s style match your brand, who you are

• How many images do you receive and are you given image rights (we deliver all images with full rights - These are 100% your photos)

Roosevelt Island Proposal Photography

If you're planning to propose in New York City, you may immediately think of the iconic spots like Central Park, the Empire State Building, or the Brooklyn Bridge Park. While these locations are beautiful and well-known, they can also be crowded and lack the intimacy that such an important moment deserves. For those seeking a more secluded yet stunning setting, and an experience along the way, Roosevelt Island offers the perfect solution—a hidden gem that combines breathtaking views, a cool experience (the overhead tram getting there provides amazing views) and a relaxed atmosphere. Read below about why you should consider planning a secret proposal on Roosevelt Island, NYC below!

why you should consider planning a secret proposal on Roosevelt Island, NYC

1. Unbeatable Views of Manhattan

Roosevelt Island sits just off the East River, nestled between the boroughs of Manhattan and Queens. From this vantage point, you’ll get panoramic views of the iconic Manhattan skyline. The backdrop of the Empire State Building, and the shimmering lights of the city at sunset or nightfall will make your proposal even more magical.

2. Seclusion in the Heart of the City

While Manhattan and Brooklyn can often feel overwhelmingly busy, Roosevelt Island provides a quiet escape from the hustle and bustle. This relatively small island offers a peaceful and intimate environment, perfect for a private proposal. You can avoid the crowds that typically swarm NYC’s more popular landmarks and share a quiet moment with your partner in one of the many picturesque spots on the island.

3. Romantic Spots for Your Proposal

Roosevelt Island is full of picturesque locations that provide a romantic setting for your proposal. Consider these standout spots:

• Four Freedoms Park: Located at the southern tip of the island, this park is a serene oasis with beautifully manicured gardens, paths, and statues. The park is dedicated to Franklin D. Roosevelt and celebrates the four essential freedoms—freedom of speech, freedom of worship, freedom from want, and freedom from fear. The park’s open spaces and dramatic views of the Manhattan skyline make it an ideal spot for a meaningful proposal.

• The Roosevelt Island Tramway: For an unforgettable proposal, take your partner on a ride on the Roosevelt Island Tramway, which offers spectacular aerial views of the city. Propose while floating above the city, with the skyline as your backdrop—this is a moment both of you will never forget.

• The Promenade: This long path stretches along the edge of Roosevelt Island, offering amazing views of the river and the surrounding skyline. It’s a quieter spot for a proposal, with benches and peaceful green spaces where you can stop and enjoy the view before popping the big question.

4. Accessible and Convenient

Roosevelt Island is easily accessible from Manhattan and Queens, making it a convenient choice for a proposal location. You can reach the island via the Roosevelt Island Tramway (which offers a unique experience), the subway (via the F train), or even by ferry. Whether you’re a local New Yorker or visiting from out of town, Roosevelt Island is just a short journey from the heart of Manhattan—making it a perfect spot for a proposal that combines convenience with intimacy.

Sam's Domino Park Williamsburg Brooklyn Sunset Proposal

I was so excited to share my favorite photos from Sam and Ruby’s surprise proposal in Williamsburg, Brooklyn! I love when new client’s reach out super excited because we photographed their friend’s surprise NYC marriage proposal. As New York City’s leading secret marriage proposal photographer, we are taken to the city’s top destinations, sometimes public and other times private. Domino Park along the East River waterfront is just one of those special places; minimal tourists, amazing view, and a ton of awesome places nearby to explore.

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