A Fall Proposal at the Ladies Pavilion

Late October in Central Park offers one of the most beautiful backdrops for a New York City proposal. The Ladies Pavilion, overlooking the lake, was surrounded by golden fall foliage as boats drifted across the water. On a crisp autumn day, with the trees at their peak color, he proposed on the rock just beside the Pavilion — a spot that perfectly captured the park’s timeless beauty.

Planning and Capturing the Surprise

This proposal was planned to combine a scenic fall setting and an iconic Central Park location. Daylight reflected softly off the lake, enhancing the vibrant reds and oranges of the surrounding trees. After the proposal, we explored nearby paths for portraits that highlighted both the couple’s excitement and the colorful autumn landscape. Their friends later joined to celebrate, and we captured joyful group portraits surrounded by the peak fall colors.

Why Choose the Ladies Pavilion for a Proposal

The Ladies Pavilion offers a classic Central Park scene with privacy, character, and an unbeatable view of the lake. In the fall, it’s especially stunning — surrounded by changing leaves, calm water, and the gentle sound of boats passing by. It’s an ideal choice for couples seeking a romantic and authentic New York City backdrop, free from the heavy crowds.

If you’re planning a proposal in Central Park or anywhere across New York City, I’d be delighted to help you plan and capture your special moment beautifully.

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

BOOK NOW!

A Morning Proposal at the Central Park Conservatory Garden

Late October in New York City means Central Park is bursting with color, and the Conservatory Garden is one of the best places to experience it. While the rest of the park is bustling with people, the Conservatory Garden on 102nd and 5th Ave is relatively quiet, especially in the morning. You’ll get privacy and a soft light filtering through the trees, bringing out the reds, yellows, and oranges of the fall foliage (same with the afternoon, but just with more people).

Planning and Capturing the Surprise

Al proposed amongst the garden’s vibrant pathways and an iconic Central Park light post. We coordinated and planned everything together, and Al executed perfectly!his proposal was carefully planned to take advantage of the garden’s natural beauty at its peak. After the proposal, we captured portraits throughout the garden, surrounded by the rich autumn colors.

To make the moment even more special, her parents joined in for the surprise. The emotional reunion and family portraits that followed added such a heartfelt touch to an already beautiful afternoon.

Why Choose the Central Park Conservatory Garden for a Proposal

For couples who love nature, color, and classic New York romance, the Conservatory Garden is a perfect proposal spot. Its formal design, seasonal blooms, and quiet atmosphere make it feel worlds away from the city — while still being right in the heart of Manhattan.

In late October, the garden’s fall foliage creates a breathtaking backdrop that’s both elegant and natural. Whether you’re planning an intimate moment for two or a surprise that includes family, the Conservatory Garden offers endless opportunities for meaningful photos and unforgettable memories.

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

BOOK NOW!

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 soft glow bouncing off historic brownstones, and the quiet hum of the city awakening in the background. For this family session, we wandered through the as the morning light rose, creating the perfect atmosphere for timeless portraits.

This young family wanted to capture the beauty of their everyday moments: 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 storybook corners.

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.

LEARN MORE ABOUT HIRING A PROPOSAL PHOTOGRAPHER IN NYC

Book now

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!

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.