The Best Engagement Proposal Photographer in NYC: Capturing a Sunset Moment on Roosevelt Island

If you're looking for the perfect spot for an engagement proposal in New York City, Roosevelt Island should be at the top of your list. Nestled between Manhattan and Queens, this peaceful oasis offers stunning views of the city skyline, the iconic Empire State Building, the architecturally beautiful 59th street bridge, and the UN. It’s no wonder why Joshuva chose this spot to surprise his partner with a breathtaking sunset proposal, with the Panorama Hotel and Bar providing the perfect disguise for going to Roosevelt Island.

As one of NYC’s premier marriage proposal photographers, it’s an honor to capture such beautiful moments that will last a lifetime. Let’s take a closer look at how we captured Joshuva's unforgettable proposal and why Roosevelt Island is the perfect place for an engagement to remember.

A Sunset Proposal to Remember

Joshuva’s proposal took place just as the sun began to set, casting a warm golden glow over the East River. As the sun dipped behind the skyline, Joshuva dropped to one knee, and the moment finally happened after weeks of secretly planning.

Roosevelt Island’s scenic beauty and unique vantage points make it a top choice for couples looking for an intimate yet dramatic setting. Whether you’re envisioning a quiet, romantic moment or a grand proposal with a stunning view, this location offers both.

As your dedicated NYC marriage proposal photographer, I specialize in documenting these fleeting, emotional moments so you can relive them forever. From the nervous excitement before the big moment to the joyful celebration after the proposal, every emotion is captured with precision.

Jonathan Heisler Photography is comprised of New York City photographers specializing in photographing private NYC proposals, as well as engagement sessions and weddings.

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Greg's Carl Schurz Park Upper East Side Surprise Proposal

Capturing the Perfect Moment: Greg’s Afternoon Proposal at Carl Schurz Park on Manhattan’s Upper East Side

When Greg decided to propose to his partner, he knew he wanted the moment to be as unique and memorable as their story. After careful consideration, he chose Carl Schurz Park on Manhattan's Upper East Side for the special occasion. While Central Park is often considered the go-to spot for proposals in New York City, Carl Schurz Park offers a quieter, more intimate alternative that can elevate your engagement photography to another level. If you live on the Upper East Side you must have visited Carl Schurz atleast once.

In this blog post, we'll walk you through the beauty of Carl Schurz Park, why it's an ideal location for a proposal, and the unforgettable experience of photographing Greg's afternoon engagement.

While Central Park has earned its iconic status as a proposal hotspot, Carl Schurz Park offers its own set of unique advantages that make it a hidden gem for couples looking for something more serene and personal.

  1. Tranquil, Less Crowded Setting Central Park, while stunning, is often bustling with tourists, joggers, and photographers. For a more private and peaceful atmosphere, Carl Schurz Park provides a quieter setting on the Upper East Side, with fewer crowds, which allows for a more intimate experience. The serene environment makes it easier to connect with your partner and focus on the moment without distractions.

  2. Stunning Views of the East River and Roosevelt Island One of the standout features of Carl Schurz Park is its breathtaking views of the East River. The park offers panoramic vistas of Roosevelt Island, the Queensboro Bridge, and the Manhattan skyline, creating a picturesque backdrop that perfectly complements the beauty of the proposal. Whether you're near the water’s edge or nestled in one of the park’s lush green spaces, the scenery adds a dramatic flair to your photos.

  3. Diverse Photo Opportunities The park's design, which includes tree-lined paths, blooming gardens, and elegant statues, provides a range of picturesque backdrops for engagement photos. From the iconic Gracie Mansion (the official residence of the Mayor of New York City) to the tranquil riverside, the location offers a variety of scenic spots that will make your engagement photos look as though they belong in a storybook.

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

A quintessential Fall Proposal on the Bow Bridge | Central Park Proposal Photographer

When it comes to proposing to the love of your life, the setting plays a crucial role in making the moment unforgettable. And if you're looking for a truly magical place to pop the question, there’s no better spot than Central Park in New York City, particularly the iconic Bow Bridge. This picturesque location offers a stunning backdrop, and with the help of a professional photographer, you can capture the intimacy and romance of your secret proposal for a lifetime of memories. For Rashib’s afternoon proposal the fall foliage and colors could not have been more perfect.

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 a Real Long Island Family at Home | Posed and Candid Moments Make the Session Succesful!

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.