A Romantic Surprise Proposal in Fort Tryon Park | NYC Proposal Photographer

Fort Tryon Park (location here) is one of New York City’s most scenic, intimate, and serene proposal locations. On a cool Friday morning in August, I captured Derek’s surprise proposal at a spot in the park that held significance to their relationship. Derek’s plan was to spend the day uptown visiting The MET Cloisters and Fort Tryon Park. The MET Cloisters unfortunately does not allow posed photo sessions (professional photographers), but Fort Tryon Park next door does!

The proposal unfolded up near the flag pole in a spot that did not have the most flattering natural light, but with experience and the right adjustments, I made it work. Lighting challenges are common in NYC proposal photography, but knowing how to adapt is what allows genuine emotions and authentic moments to happen!

A mini-engagement session to follow

Post proposal, we then made our way to the Billings Arcade, one of Fort Tryon Park’s hidden gems. This stone archway below the main gardens offers a dramatic, old-world aesthetic that contrasts beautifully with the softer, natural surroundings above. It’s a location that adds variety and depth to engagement photos, allowing couples to walk away with a diverse gallery of images from one park.

Capturing surprise proposals in Fort Tryon Park is always a joy. From intimate proposal spots to sweeping Hudson River views and architectural gems like the Billings Arcade, this uptown Manhattan park is a dream for couples who want their engagement story documented in a meaningful and beautiful way.

If you’re planning a NYC surprise proposal, working with an experienced proposal photographer ensures that no matter the lighting, crowds, or timing, your moment is captured with care and creativity.

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

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Why Choose a Professional NYC Graduation Photographer?

Hiring a seasoned NYC graduation photographer ensures you get more than snapshots—you get a curated experience that highlights your personality, accomplishments, and the essence of New York City. From scouting the perfect lighting to guiding you with flattering poses, a professional photographer makes your graduation photoshoot stress-free and worth while.

As a NYC professional graduation photographer, I specialize in creating timeless portraits that celebrate your achievements in iconic New York City settings. Recently, I had the pleasure of photographing Lena’s graduation from NYU Law School, capturing her energy across the streets of the West Village, the historic NYU Law School campus, and the vibrant Green of Washington Square Park was a ton of fun.

Tips for Your NYU Graduation Photoshoot

1. Plan Your Outfit(s): A classic cap-and-gown look paired with an easy outfit change adds variety (jacket vs no jacket, different shoes).

2. Timing Is Everything: Aim for early morning or late afternoon light to avoid harsh shadows, and crowds.

3. Embrace the Environment: Use NYC’s architectural gems and natural greenery for diverse backdrops.

4. Personalize Your Session: Bring meaningful props—diploma, law books, or even a pet—to tell your story.

Book Your Session Today!

Ready to celebrate your graduation with stunning professional photos? As a dedicated professional graduation photographer in NYC, I’ll guide you through every step—from location scouting, to selecting the right time of the day for lighting and crowds, to helping you pose.

A Portrait with Altitude: Photographing Leadership at JFK Airport

As a professional portrait photographer in New York City, I’m always seeking locations that blend visual impact with authentic storytelling. Recently, I had the unique opportunity to photograph Margarita, the Head of Parking Services for the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey. The images will be used for a transportation magazine. The rooftop of the Terminal 5 parking garage at JFK Airport — a location few would consider or think of considering.

Why Terminal 5’s Parking Garage?

At first glance, a parking structure might seem an unlikely spot for an executive portrait session. But JFK’s Terminal 5 rooftop offers more than just concrete and cars. With sweeping views of runways, planes in motion, and the iconic JetBlue terminal architecture in the background, the location gave us a striking blend of industrial edge and aviation energy — the perfect visual metaphor for leadership in motion.

Final Thoughts

As a NYC-based portrait photographer, I’m grateful for opportunities that get me out of the studio, away from the norm, and celebrate the extraordinary. It’s way I love my job, and it’s why I consider this job the best job in the world! This shoot atop JFK Terminal 5 was one of those moments — blending aviation, architecture, and leadership presence into a portrait session that was truly above the ordinary.

If you’re looking for executive portraits in NYC that tell your story with authenticity and vision, let’s talk. I specialize in environmental portraits that go beyond the surface to capture who you are and what you lead.

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

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Sati Uniti Tribeca Showroom Event with Eleonora Srugo

The Sati Uniti team hosted a special evening in their new Tribeca showroom, celebrating Italian craftsmanship and modern kitchen design. The event featured guest speaker Eleonora Srugo, known from Netflix’s Selling New York, who joined the President of Sati Uniti for a conversation on design, trends versus timeless luxury, and what continues to make New York such an iconic city.

While photographing the event, my focus was on capturing guests as they moved through the space — exploring the kitchen displays, talking design, and interacting with the fixtures themselves. The atmosphere felt relaxed and genuine, with conversations happening naturally among beautifully designed interiors. I photographed candid moments, coordinated group portraits, and posed shots with Eleonora and the Sati Uniti team.

Events like this, whether a small speaker session or a large-scale gala, share the same goal: documenting people having a good time. My approach stays consistent — capture the energy, the faces, and the moments that tell the story of the evening.

If you’re hosting a corporate event, showroom launch, or panel discussion in New York City, I provide professional coverage that blends candid storytelling with polished composition.

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Graduation Photos at Fordham University | A Milestone of an Achievement

Graduating from college is one of life’s most exciting milestones. It marks the end of a transformative journey and the beginning of bold new opportunities. As a NYC graduation photographer, I love capturing this unique chapter in a graduate’s life—filled with pride, excitement, and reflection.

Recently, I had the honor of photographing a college graduate who wanted to mark the moment with something truly special. We started our session at the beautiful Fordham University campus in the Bronx and then made our way down to Central Park, capturing timeless portraits at the iconic Bethesda Fountain. The combination of these two locations created a graduation gallery filled with history, elegance, and New York City charm.

Why Fordham University Is a Picture-Perfect Graduation Spot

With its rich history, collegiate architecture, and lush green spaces, Fordham University’s Rose Hill campus in the Bronx offers one of the most beautiful and timeless settings for graduation photography in New York City.

Tips for a Great Graduation Photo Session

Want to make the most of your Fordham graduation shoot? Here are a few quick tips:

• Book in advance - Spring weekends on campus get busy—schedule your shoot early to lock in the best light and time.

• Invite friends or family - A few group shots with the people who supported you can make your gallery even more special.

• Celebrate the details - Don’t forget to photograph your class ring, your decorated cap, and that joyful toss at the end.

Jonathan Heisler is a Professional New York City Photographer specializing in Graduation Senior Photos, Family Sessions, and Headshots / Portraits.

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Graduation Photos at Manhattan University in the Bronx | A Celebration of Success

Graduating college is a monumental milestone—and what better way to capture this incredible achievement than with a beautiful photo session on the campus where it all happened? Recently, I had the pleasure of photographing a radiant graduate at Manhattan University (formerly Manhattan College), located in the heart of the Bronx. Over our 1 hour long session, we captured a diverse collection of images full of genuine character and professionalism, which are evergreen. These photos are timeless and tasteful.

Why Manhattan University is the Perfect Backdrop for Graduation Photos

Manhattan University's campus offers a unique blend of historic charm and modern collegiate energy. From classic red brick buildings and manicured gardens to open quads and ivy-covered walls, every corner of the campus is a picture-perfect setting for graduation photography.

For this shoot, we explored several iconic spots across campus. The late afternoon light gave everything a warm, celebratory tone—perfect for highlighting our graduate’s joy and accomplishments.

Jonathan Heisler is a Professional New York City Photographer specializing in Graduation Senior Photos, Family Sessions, and Headshots / Portraits.

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