Orbis Gala 2025 at the Rainbow Room

The 2025 Orbis Gala took place at the Rainbow Room at Rockefeller Center, raising funds for Orbis’s mission to deliver eye care and training around the world through its Flying Eye Hospital program. The evening combined purpose and elegance, with guests gathering high above the city for a night dedicated to global impact.

We began the evening photographing the step and repeat as guests arrived, followed by coverage of the cocktail hour, honoree presentations, and speeches throughout the night. As the sun set over Manhattan, the atmosphere of the Rainbow Room transformed — soft daylight gave way to the venue’s signature purple uplighting, creating a dramatic contrast against the 360° skyline view.

In addition to documenting key moments, we focused on candid interactions and small group portraits throughout the evening. From guests connecting during cocktails to the emotional moments on stage, our goal was to capture both the spirit and story of the night.

For every event — whether it’s a gala like this or a smaller corporate celebration — we work closely with clients to identify key people and moments in advance. That preparation ensures each gallery reflects both the energy of the evening and the people behind it.

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Lincoln Center Midday Proposal

Lincoln Center is one of those classic New York City locations that never loses its charm. With its open plaza, fountains, and the iconic backdrop of the Metropolitan Opera House, it’s the kind of place that feels elegant and timeless, especially on a warm October afternoon.

For this proposal, the couple arrived on the balcony during the ballet’s intermission. We carefully planned they’d enjoy the intermission and as everyone went back to the hall they’d stay back. As the balcony finally emptied out, he got down on one knee. It was a simple, confident moment - no elaborate setup, just genuine emotion and the energy of the city around them.

After the proposal, we took portraits around the area: in front of the reflecting pool, along the marble walkways, and near the steps of the theater. The light was perfect - bright, and full of that early-fall warmth that makes October in New York so photogenic.

Why Lincoln Center Is a Beautiful Spot for Proposals

Lincoln Center offers a mix of modern architecture, open light, and classic New York character. During midday, the sun reflects beautifully off the white stone and glass, creating a bright, elegant backdrop for photos.

It’s ideal for couples who want a clean, sophisticated city setting without the heavy crowds of Midtown. Whether you’re drawn to the fountain, the symmetry of the plaza, or the arts and culture surrounding it, Lincoln Center has a calm, timeless feel that works in every season.

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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Gapstow Bridge Golden Hour Proposal

Gapstow Bridge is one of Central Park’s most photographed spots, and for good reason. With its stone arch, view of the city skyline and iconic Plaza Hotel, and the reflection of trees in the water, it captures that perfect balance of nature and New York City, very “NYC Central Park”.

For this proposal, the timing was perfect. It was early fall, first thing in the morning (no crowds) ,and the light was golden—soft, warm, and just starting to rise high in the sky.

As the sunlight peaked above the city buildings Juan arrived to the Gapstow Bridge. After a few moments, he proposed. The moment was so simple, and genuine! With the park glowing in those first hints of autumn color I was really, really excited for what’s to come. After she said yes, they stayed for portraits around the bridge, the water, and the nearby paths. The golden light reflected off the leaves and water, giving every photo a soft, glowing tone that only happens this time of year.

Why Gapstow Bridge Is a Classic NYC Proposal Spot

Gapstow Bridge offers one of the most recognizable views in Central Park, combining the park’s natural beauty with the city skyline. During golden hour, the light filters through the trees and reflects across the pond, creating a warm, romantic atmosphere that’s ideal for proposals and portraits.

Its location near the southeast corner of the park makes it easy to access, yet it still feels quiet and secluded—especially in the early evening. Whether it’s a summer sunset or an early fall afternoon, Gapstow Bridge always delivers that timeless Central Park backdrop.

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Golden Hour Pier 25 Proposal

Pier 25 is one of those places that truly shines at golden hour. The light hits the Hudson River and the West side of Manhattan, the skyline starts to glow, and you can see the sun setting behind New Jersey while the towers of Lower Manhattan light up for the evening. For Will’s Proposal, everything came together perfectly. The couple arrived just as the sky turned into warm gold. With the One World Trade Center standing tall in the background and the water reflecting the last light of the day, Will got down on one knee.

The moment was quiet and simple—just the two of them with the sound of the river and people passing by.

After the proposal, we captured portraits along the waterfront, using the skyline and sunset as a backdrop. The timing couldn’t have been better and nor could have the weather for an early October night here in New York City.

Why Pier 25 Is Perfect for a NYC Proposal

Pier 25 offers one of the best unobstructed skyline views in Lower Manhattan. It’s a quieter alternative to nearby Battery Park or the High Line, with open waterfront space and incredible light during golden hour.

Couples can enjoy both the Manhattan skyline and the sunset behind New Jersey—a rare combination that gives photos depth and warmth. Whether it’s an intimate proposal or a planned celebration with friends afterward, Pier 25 delivers that timeless New York atmosphere without the crowds.

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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A Unforgettable Governors Island Proposal at Collective Retreats | NYC Proposal Photographer

As a NYC proposal photographer, I’ve captured hundreds (a few thousand) proposals across every corner of the city—but few spots rival the magic of Governors Island at sunset, where there are no crowds and no unobstructed views. For Dhruv’s surprise proposal at Collective Retreats, we planned every detail carefully to make sure this early October moment unfolded flawlessly against one of the most scenic backdrops in New York City.

Planning the Perfect Governors Island Proposal

Governors Island is unlike any other proposal location in NYC—it’s peaceful, scenic, and feels like a world away from the city, even though it’s just an 8-minute ferry ride from Lower Manhattan. Dhruv and I coordinated the timing down to the minute. They’d spend the day on the island at the retreat, and I would arrive to their private cabin just before they’d come back for dinner.

We chose Collective Retreats, the island’s beautiful glamping-style resort, for its private, relaxed setting and incredible views of the Statue of Liberty. After a quick walkthrough earlier in the week, we decided to capture the big moment at Outlook Hill, one of the island’s highest points with a 360° panoramic view of Manhattan, New Jersey, New York Harbor, and Lady Liberty herself.

Why Governors Island is a Hidden Gem for Proposals

For couples looking for something unique yet quintessentially New York, Governors Island offers it all—privacy, skyline views, and a touch of adventure. The ferry ride adds to the excitement, the lighting is incredible near golden hour, and there are endless opportunities for stunning photographs.

Whether you’re planning a sunset proposal at Collective Retreats, a romantic picnic by the harbor, or a panoramic moment atop Outlook Hill, this destination feels like your own private slice of New York City.

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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Fundraiser at Tribeca 360° During UN General Assembly | New York Corporate Event Photography

As an NYC Corporate Event Photographer, I get to capture events of all different types, sizes, and purposes. Annual events like the Upwardly Global “Brighter Futures Together” Gala 2025, held at Tribeca 360° in New York City is an event I photograph every year. Seeing familiar faces is a warm feeling, but hearing the different stories of the night and experiencing each years’ different format is the real creative challenge, which I love. The day spanned from early gatherings through evening festivities, offering a a spectrum of light, emotion, and narrative to document.

Throughout the event, my team and I (2 photographers + myself) tracked every moment—from arrival with registration, the step and repeat, cocktail hour, and a mini- networking session to the elegant gala program full of awards, performances, and an a auction. Together, we worked to capture it all. The oscillation between spontaneous interactions and staged moments created a dynamic visual story—guests in conversation, laughter between speakers, as well as the energy of the room shifting as day became night.

Fast turnaround is always my promise. Within a short timeframe, clients received a curated gallery ideal for press, social media, internal communications, and future promotions. If you’re looking for a NYC corporate event photographer who brings storytelling, precision, and pace to your gala, fundraiser or full-day event, Jonathan Heisler delivers seamless coverage from morning to night. Contact me to book your next event in New York.

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