Next Steps ... Photographing Your NYC Proposal

Having photographed over 2,500 surprise marriage proposals in New York City, we’ve learned a lot about what makes a proposal perfect, beautiful, and stress-free. From lighting and crowds to how to get to “X” location at “Y” time without tipping anyone off—we’ve got you covered. Here is a quick guide to next steps once we are booked and some quick tips.

Step 1: Review the plan!

Double check all of the information on the agreement is still accurate! Ensure you know how to get to the spot. We sent a Google Map pin on the Google agreement, so you can easily navigate there.

IF YOU ARE NOT FROM NYC

CENTRAL PARK - Cars are not allowed in the park! Let Google Maps tell you where to go and how to get there; walking, subway, car. Plan your route using the “I am leaving at TIME” feature.

UBERS AND TAXIS: Allow time for traffic if you are taking a car. There is traffic and it’s going to be BAD traffic.

Walking: You’re going to have to walk to a lot of places. That’s just a fact.

Busy!: This is a city of 9 million + a BIGILLION more tourists. There are going to be people.

Step 2: Leading up to the day!

We’ll touch base week of, the day prior, and day of via text.

Step 3: Proposal Day! - We have a photo of you, you have a photo of us.

On the big day, your photographer arrives about 30 minutes early. We want to ensure we are 1) there before you and 2) the spot is good to go; lighting, crowds, and the view! We’ll send over a selfie that’s “marked up” (see below), so you know exactly who to look for and where /how to stand for the best angles. We emphasize catching authentic emotion; your partner’s reaction is always the priority. We move around as we capture.

When do you get your photos, and how many photos?

All photos captured are delivered edited, full resolution print ready, and without watermarks within 7 days. These are 100% your photos.

FAQs on how we capture a picture perfect surprise marriage proposal in NYC

  • FAQ #1 - Are your proposal photos staged? No — all the proposals you see are real, not posed.

  • FAQ #2 - Do you hide somewhere? Not exactly. We stay close nearby, camera ready, but not hidden in bushes. NYC has enough lurking cameras already.

  • FAQ #3 - When do you start photographing? Once you’re clearly proposing. We wait for that moment so the surprise stays intact.

  • FAQ #4 - Do you know what you look like to my partner? Yes. We’ll exchange photos with you so your partner doesn’t recognize us early on.

    Tips and tricks to being a ROCKSTAR NYC Proposal Photographer

  • TIP #1 Let us know what you’re wearing and text us when you’re 5minutes away, so we can ensure the spot is ready for you and not crowded.

  • TIP #2 The photographer will stand in the spot, so no one else is there. As you approach the spot, your photographer will walk out of the spot, and you’ll walk in to the spot.

  • TIP #3 Ask us to snap a candid photo of you two with your phone just before you propose. It helps loosen things up, gives you a fun keepsake, and nobody suspects—the real camera is already ready.

BOOK NOW!

Capturing An Iconic Space for Contemporary Art

A Night of Art and Inspiration at a NYC Tribeca art gallery

Almine Rech, a globally recognized contemporary art gallery, has made its mark in the art world with 10 locations spanning across major cultural hubs. On this occasion, we had the privilege of experiencing the Almine Rech gallery in Tribeca, NYC, for an unforgettable evening. With its minimalist aesthetic and expansive layout, the gallery provided the perfect backdrop for a night dedicated to visual exploration and creative discourse.

Guests immersed themselves in the dynamic atmosphere, engaging in discussions with fellow art enthusiasts, collectors, and even some of the featured artists. The open and welcoming ambiance of the space encouraged an appreciation for the intricate details and bold statements presented throughout the exhibition.

Experience the gallery for Yourself

For those passionate about contemporary art, a visit to Almine Rech is a must. Whether in Tribeca or one of their other global locations, the gallery offers a thoughtfully curated experience that blends artistic vision with cultural dialogue. The evening at Almine Rech Tribeca was a true celebration of contemporary art, creativity, and community.

The Art of Sushi Book Launch

When photographing the Art of Sushi book launch in New York City I wanted to captured the celebration of the craft, its tradition, and connection throughout the sushi community. The event brought together chefs, food enthusiasts, and friends of the author for an intimate night that combined the elegance of Japanese cuisine with the excitement of the author’s first book.

Guests ate sushi, watched as chefs demonstrated their mastery, rolling and plating pieces with precision. I focused on capturing the small but meaningful details — the textures of fresh ingredients, and the guests’ expressions as they interacted with the book, the vendors, and one another . Between the close-up shots of the food and the candid reactions in the crowd, the event offered a perfect big moments and small ones alike.

As the evening went on, guests enjoyed tasting the sushi, sharing conversations, and flipping through their copies of The Art of Sushi. I took a mix of candid and posed photos, including small group portraits with the author and chefs. The low evening light and minimalist setup made the images feel warm, authentic, and refined — the kind of timeless look I aim for in every event gallery.

If you’re planning a New York City corporate or book launch event, I offer storytelling photography that captures both the experience and the emotion behind it. Contact Jonathan Heisler for coverage that’s personal, polished, and perfectly attuned to your brand or occasion.

LEARN MORE ABOUT HIRING An Event photographer IN NYC

A Night of Impact: Parkinson’s Foundation Fundraiser

An Evening RAISING FUNDS FOR A WORTHY CAUSE

The venue, Peak with Priceless at The Edge Hudson Yarks, provided a spectacular setting for the evening. With floor-to-ceiling windows showcasing panoramic views of the city, guests were treated to an elegant atmosphere that perfectly complemented the foundation’s inspiring mission. Every dollar raised contributes to funding groundbreaking research, improving care for patients, and advancing education efforts to support those living with the disease.

A Community United for Change

The success of the event highlighted the power of community and generosity. Everyone in attendance shared a common goal: to bring hope and progress to those battling Parkinson’s. Special guest speakers, including leading researchers and advocates, emphasized the importance of continued support and the impact of donations on accelerating advancements in treatment.

Supporting the Parkinson’s Foundation

The Parkinson’s Foundation is dedicated to making life better for the millions of people affected by Parkinson’s. By funding innovative research and providing essential resources, the foundation plays a crucial role in improving patient outcomes and quality of life.

How You Can Get Involved

If you missed this inspiring event, there are still plenty of ways to support the Parkinson’s Foundation. Consider making a donation, joining a local event, or spreading awareness through social media. Every contribution, big or small, helps drive progress in the fight against Parkinson’s disease.

The fundraiser at Peak with Priceless was a true testament to the strength and dedication of the Parkinson’s community. With continued support, we move closer to a future without Parkinson’s. Let’s keep the momentum going and make a lasting impact together.

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Capturing Updated Headshot Photos for an NYC Management Consulting Firm

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

On today’s session, we were with an NYC Management Consulting Firm. In today’s digital-first world, a company’s online presence is more important than ever. From LinkedIn profiles and company websites to press releases and marketing materials, professional headshots help establish a cohesive and polished brand image. Investing in uniform office headshots ensures your company presents a strong, unified identity to clients, partners, and prospective employees.

Jonathan Heisler is a Professional New York City Photographer specializing in Headshots / Portraits.

LEARN MORE ABOUT HIRING THIS NYC PROFESSIONAL PHOTOGRAPHER

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Capturing Connection and Clean Beauty: Thayers x Walmart x Nina Pool Activation Event in NYC

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Thayers: Nature-Backed Skincare Meets Modern Wellness

As a seasoned NYC corporate event photographer, I specialize in documenting brand activations that blend authenticity with strategic storytelling. Recently, I had the privilege of photographing the Thayers × Walmart × Nina Pool activation event in New Jersey, an experience centered around clean skincare and community engagement.

Held at a vibrant retail location, the event attracted beauty enthusiasts eager to connect with influencer Nina Pool and explore Thayers' natural skincare products. My approach combined candid moments with styled product displays, ensuring that each shot reflected the event's energy and the brand's commitment to clean beauty.

Why Professional Event Photography Matters:

  • Authentic Storytelling: Capturing genuine interactions helps convey the brand's message and values.

  • High-Quality Visuals: Professional images enhance marketing materials and social media content.

  • Brand Consistency: Ensures that all visuals align with the brand's identity and aesthetic.

  • Engagement Boost: Well-composed images can increase audience engagement and reach.

If you're planning a brand activation or corporate event in NYC, I offer photography services that capture both the grand moments and the subtle details, providing you with a visual narrative that resonates with your audience.