Morning Proposal at Liberty State Park

Liberty State Park offers one of the most striking views of Manhattan — and on an October morning, it feels even more special. Around 10 a.m., the soft yellow sunlight stretched across the Hudson River, gently lighting the skyline and giving the city a warm golden glow.

Dylan proposed with the Manhattan skyline rising just behind them — the One World Trade Center gleaming in the morning light. The simplicity of the setting made the moment feel timeless: just the two of them, the river, and the city they love in the distance.

Planning and Capturing the Surprise

This proposal was planned for mid-morning, when Liberty State Park is at its calmest and the light is at its most flattering. The soft sunlight created a dreamy, romantic tone — ideal for photos with the skyline as the main focus.

After the proposal, we captured portraits along the waterfront, using the panoramic view of Manhattan as a backdrop. Every frame showcased the city’s energy while keeping the couple at the center of the story — peaceful, genuine, and full of joy.

Why Choose Liberty State Park for a Proposal

For couples who want the iconic New York skyline without the crowds, Liberty State Park is the perfect choice. The open space, skyline reflections, and natural light make it one of the most photogenic waterfronts near the city.

Whether it’s an early morning moment like Dylan’s or a sunset proposal, Liberty State Park offers unobstructed views of Lower Manhattan and a calm, romantic atmosphere. It’s the kind of place where simplicity meets beauty — and every proposal feels effortlessly special.

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 Morning Family Session in the West Village

The West Village in the morning is special for so many different reasons— the way the sun filters through old city streets, the historic brownstones, and the quiet hum of the city awakening in the background. For this family session, we wandered through the West Village as the morning sun rose, creating the perfect atmosphere for timeless portraits.

This family wanted to capture the beauty and simplicity of their everyday moments with candid moments with slight direction: their two little girls, one just a few months old and the other a playful toddler. We started with relaxed shots on the stoop of a classic West Village townhouse before exploring the neighborhood’s vignettes.

Capturing New York’s Quiet Charm

The session wasn’t about posing — it was about connection. The girls’ laughter, the parents’ shared smiles, the rhythm of the city in the background — all came together to tell their story. Between the cobblestones and the golden sunlight, each photo reflected the warmth of a family growing together in one of New York’s most iconic neighborhoods.

Book Your Lifestyle Family Session
If you love the charm of New York’s neighborhoods, an afternoon session in the West Village is the perfect way to capture your family’s story. I’ll help you preserve these beautiful, fleeting moments — the ones you’ll want to remember for years to come.

A Morning Proposal at the New York Public Library | NYC Proposal Photographer

As a New York City proposal photographer, I love mornings like this. The front steps of the NYPL — framed by its iconic marble lions, Patience and Fortitude — offer a romantic yet classic New York setting. Add in the nearby trees of Bryant Park, and you have a blend of architectural grandeur and greenery that captures the heart of Manhattan.

Planning and capturing the Surprise.

Brent reached out a few weeks in advance, sharing his vision for a meaningful yet simple moment that would be private and yet in the heart of NYC. Together, we coordinated the timing, location, logistics, and “the story”. Early mornings are ideal for proposals in NYC if privacy is a top priority of yours. It’s also a fantastic time of the day for lighting..

Why Choose the NYPL and Bryant Park for a Proposal

For couples considering a proposal in New York City, the New York Public Library offers a timeless look, a iconic NYC destination, and minimal crowds. It’s also a fantastic Plan B if the weather does not cooperate with your outdoor proposal (see inside examples here). The surrounding Bryant Park provides variety — tree-lined paths, fountains, and a cozy atmosphere that complements the library’s architecture perfectly.

Whether you’re planning a morning, afternoon, or evening proposal, this area offers endless opportunities for stunning, story-driven photography. If you’re thinking about proposing in NYC, whether it’s at the New York Public Library, Bryant Park, or somewhere else special, I’d love to help you plan and capture it beautifully.

📍 Location: New York Public Library & Bryant Park, Midtown Manhattan
🕰️ Time: Early Morning

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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Capturing Fall Graduation Photos at Columbia University

Hiring an experience, professional photographer ensures you get more than just snapshots and a few lucky photos —you get a professional, top tier NYC experience that highlights your personality, accomplishments, and the essence of New York City in every photos. Having captured countless NYC graduation photos since 2012, I have firsthand experience scouting the perfect locations, the do’s and do not’s of posing, and knowing proper lighting. Hiring a professional photographer makes your graduation photoshoot stress-free and worth while.

I specialize in creating timeless portraits that celebrate your achievements in iconic New York City settings. Recently, I had the pleasure of photographing Hana’s Fall 2025 graduation from Columbia University. Capturing a grad session in the fall present a lot of unique opportunities; fall foliage, fall lighting, and 0 competition with others on their graduation shoot.

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.

  • All of the photos I capture are 100% yours! The # of photos you receive is related to how responsive you are to taking photos.

    Most photographers only deliver their top 20-30 photos, and then they up charge for the rest. They do this, so they don’t have to edit everything. I give you everything edited, and full-resolution. I want you to have it all!


  • I require a 50% deposit and signed contract to secure your grad session on my calendar.

  • YES! This aint my first rodeo and most likely this is your first time working with a photographer. The most common feedback I hear is how much my client's appreciate my direction and prior experience!

Where to Propose in Central Park Without Crowds - Bridge #27

Bridge #27 sits tucked away at the southern edge of the Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis Reservoir far from the heavy traffic of Bow Bridge or Bethesda Terrace. While other iconic Central Park bridges dominate your instagram feed, this lesser-known location wins for privacy, a view, and storytelling—all critical for an intimate proposal in New York City’s most popular park. Bridge #27 is not about proposing in the the most famous spot—it’s about creating the best experience and timeless images.

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

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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.