Andrew's Fall Engagement Photos in Gantry Plaza State Park, Long Island City

A NYC Engagement Photographer’s Guide to an Quiet Waterfront Location

Fall in New York City brings cool temperatures (no sweating), golden leaves, and the perfect backdrop for engagement photos with context. Fall also brings the the perfect light, which makes for great photos. And when it comes to breathtaking skyline views, beautiful waterfront light, and a mix of lush foliage with a city view, Gantry Plaza State Park in Long Island City is one of my go-to locations for engagement sessions.

So, why Choose Gantry Plaza for Your Engagement Photos?

Manhattan Skyline Views

If you want iconic city photos without the crowds of Manhattan, Gantry Plaza is unbeatable. With sweeping views of the Empire State Building, Chrysler Building, and Midtown skyline, the backdrop is perfect

NYC Waterfront

The park’s piers and riverside boardwalks create a peaceful, open-sky feel—perfect for sunset sessions and early morning when the skyline glows and the light wraps beautifully around you. F

Fall Foliage Meets Urban Texture

Gantry Plaza offers the perfect balance—colorful fall leaves and city architecture. From tree-lined walkways to industrial gantries, you get diversity in your photos without ever leaving the park. In autumn, the golden tones pop against the steel and skyline.

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

Capturing a Madison Square Park Morning Couples Session

A Romantic Madison Square Park Engagement Session

As a NYC Proposal and Engagement Photographer, I’m always eager to work in locations that blend genuine NYC charm, history, and meaning—and Madison Square Park is just that. Early in the morning, when the streets are calm, the park glows with soft, even morning light, perfect for photography. For this couples session, we chose Madison Square Park for its proximity to Eleven Madison, a restaurant with a ton of meaning to this couple. It’s where they went to celebrate their many professional accomplishments, and it’s where they got engaged! Naturally, we included the front of the restaurant in their photos.

Why Madison Square Park is Perfect for Engagement Photos

The beauty of early morning here is unmatched. The soft, diffused light highlights the park’s greenery, the surrounding architecture, and the calmness of the neighborhood before the city fully wakes up—capturing that unmistakable NYC charm while keeping the moment peaceful and intimate.

Whether you’re celebrating your engagement, planning photos for save-the-dates, or simply wanting to preserve this exciting chapter of your story, Madison Square Park, Gramercy to the East, and Chelsea just to the West offer the perfect blend of timeless New York elegance and urban romance.

Capturing Iconic NYC Moments

For this proposal, we started with the big moment framed by the greenery of Gramercy Park. After she said yes, we transitioned into an engagement session nearby. One of the most iconic shots of the evening? The couple emerging from the classic New York City subway entrance, the golden light streaming behind them, and yellow cabs zipping by—it doesn’t get more “New York” than that.

Planning Your Gramercy Park - NYC Couples session

If you’re considering an engagement session - couples sessionn Gramercy Park, here are a few quick tips:

• Lighting is key and so are crowds — the park and surrounding streets glow beautifully in the morning light, and the park is the emptiest at this time of the day. While the late afternoon looks GREAT for lighting as well, the park is going to be busy and there will be a lot more people in your photos.

• Mix in city energy — capture yellow taxis, subway entrances, and brownstones for iconic NYC photos.

• Celebrate nearby — Gramercy and the Flatiron District are full of chic restaurants and cocktail bars, perfect for celebrating afterward.

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

A Calm Gantry Plaza Riverwalk Morning Engagement Session

As a NYC engagement - couples session photographer, I love locations that blend iconic uniquely New York City views with unique character—and Gantry Plaza Riverwalk in Long Island City does just that. Mark and Elana, chose the waterfront park for their engagement session, and it couldn’t have been a more perfect fit. From playful portraits in front of the historic Pepsi-Cola sign to romantic moments framed by the Manhattan skyline and East River, every shot captured their energy and connection against an unforgettable backdrop.

Why Gantry Plaza Riverwalk is Perfect for an Engagement Session

Gantry Plaza Riverwalk offers a mix of industrial charm and natural beauty, making it a versatile setting for engagement photos. Its spacious boardwalks, lush green spaces, and elevated piers provide endless opportunities for creativity while showcasing the best of NYC.

Couples love this location for:

• Iconic skyline views — The Manhattan skyline across the river delivers a cinematic, unmistakably New York backdrop.

• Landmark features — The Pepsi-Cola sign adds a fun, playful element to your session.

• Waterfront ambiance — With its piers, river views, and gentle breeze, the park creates a relaxed yet vibrant atmosphere for photos.

Capturing the Moment

I began by scouting angles along the Riverwalk that would showcase both the skyline and the couple’s interactions. The session started with a few shots near the Pepsi-Cola sign, adding character and a sense of place. Then we moved along the piers, capturing candid smiles, laughter, and the anticipation leading up to the proposal. Bright daylight highlighted their expressions and the vibrant colors of summer, producing crisp, lively images. We also included distant views of Long Island and the East River to give the gallery variety and depth.

Planning Your Gantry Plaza Proposal

• Schedule for mid-morning or early afternoon to take advantage of clean, bright daylight.

• Scout multiple vantage points — mix landmark shots with waterfront and skyline perspectives.

• Keep the session relaxed and natural — daylight proposals shine when couples feel free to move, laugh, and enjoy the moment.
  

Hiring a professional NYC proposal photographer ensures every smile, glance, and joyful moment is captured beautifully. Gantry Plaza Riverwalk offers a unique, vibrant, and unmistakably New York setting for a daytime proposal.

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

Early Morning West Village Engagement Session | NYC Engagement Photographer

As a NYC engagement photographer, there’s nothing quite like the quiet charm of the West Village at sunrise. The cobblestone streets, brownstone stoops, and treed corners are always photogenic—but in the early morning light, they become absolutely magical. That’s exactly why Jacqueline and Connor chose to schedule their engagement session at dawn, and the results couldn’t have been more timeless and romantic.

Jacqueline and Connor are planning a beautiful wedding and wanted their engagement photos to serve multiple purposes: for their save the date cards, their wedding website, wedding day table decor, and most importantly, to have meaningful memories they can cherish forever. With so many uses in mind, we planned a session that was natural, versatile, and authentically “them.”

Why Early Morning in the West Village?

The West Village is one of NYC’s most charming and historic neighborhoods. Early in the morning, before the city fully wakes up, it’s calm and intimate—perfect for a couple looking to capture real moments without the crowds. Soft golden light filtered through the trees and reflected off the brownstone façades, giving every image a gentle, romantic glow.

We started at a quiet tree-lined corner near Perry Street, then wandered toward the iconic Grove Court and the ivy-covered alleyways that give the neighborhood its storybook charm. Jacqueline wore a chic white dress, and Connor opted for a casual but polished look—perfectly coordinating without overdoing it.

Creating Images with Purpose

When your engagement photos are going to be used across your wedding materials, it’s important to think ahead about styling, orientation, and vibe. We created a mix of horizontal and vertical shots, some close-ups for print, and wider scenic frames for their website banner and table decor. From walking hand-in-hand down cobblestone streets to spontaneous laughter on a stoop, every image told a part of their story.

Planning Your Own West Village Engagement Session?

If you’re considering an engagement session in NYC, the West Village is a perfect choice for its timeless aesthetic and cozy charm. And if you're looking for photos that do more than just sit on your phone—ones that become part of your wedding celebration and your forever memories—an early morning shoot might be just what you need.

Looking for a NYC engagement photographer to capture your love story? Let’s create images that feel like you, in the city you love.

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 AN EVEN PHOTOGRAPHER IN NYC

Romantic NYC Engagement Session at the New York Public Library in Bryant Park

New York City offers countless stunning backdrops for engagement sessions, but few are as iconic and elegant as the New York Public Library in Bryant Park. As a NYC engagement photographer, I’m always excited when couples choose this landmark location—it combines classic architecture, romantic park vibes, and unrivaled charm that makes every frame timeless.

Why the NYPL in Bryant Park Is Perfect for Engagement Photos

Nestled in the heart of Midtown Manhattan, the New York Public Library (main branch at 42nd Street and 5th Avenue) is one of NYC’s most breathtaking architectural gems. From its grand marble steps and towering columns to the peaceful oasis of Bryant Park just steps away, the area offers a seamless blend of history, greenery, and metropolitan energy.

For recently engaged couples, this location tells a story of sophistication and romance. Whether you envision a formal look in front of the library’s stately facade or something more relaxed among the tree-lined paths of Bryant Park, this location delivers unmatched variety.

Book Your NYC Engagement Session

If you're recently engaged and dreaming of a classic, New York City-inspired engagement session, the New York Public Library and Bryant Park offer a picture-perfect setting. As a local NYC engagement photographer, I specialize in capturing love stories with personality, elegance, and a touch of editorial flair.

Let’s make magic together.

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

Celebrating 25 Years of Love: A Spring Anniversary Photo Session in Central Park

A Romantic Start at the Model Boat Pond

Love that lasts a lifetime deserves to be celebrated in a way that’s just as timeless. This beautiful couple, visiting from Georgia, chose the heart of Manhattan to mark their 25th wedding anniversary—and what better place than Central Park in the spring to honor such a milestone?

We began our anniversary couples session at the Conservatory Water—more affectionately known as the Model Boat Pond. This serene location is a springtime gem in Central Park, framed by blooming cherry blossom trees and gentle reflections on the water’s surface. The soft pink and white petals created a natural canopy.

Iconic Beauty at Bethesda Fountain and Terrace

From there, we wandered to one of Central Park’s most historic and cinematic locations: Bethesda Terrace and Fountain. With its grand staircases, intricate architecture, and sweeping views of The Lake, this area is a favorite among photographers for good reason.

As the light shifted in the late afternoon, it painted the sandstone columns and arches in a warm, golden hue. Bethesda Terrace offered the perfect blend of old-world romance and architectural beauty, making it an ideal setting for commemorating a love that has stood the test of time.

Capturing the Spirit of Spring in Central Park

Central Park in spring is nothing short of enchanting. From flowering trees and scenic bridges to tranquil waters and lush greenery, every corner offers a cinematic backdrop that feels both intimate and grand. We aimed to highlight some of the most iconic and picturesque locations in Central Park, blending candid emotion with sweeping landscapes to create a gallery of images that felt timeless, elegant, and uniquely them.

Planning Your Own Central Park Couples Session?

Spring is one of the best times of year for photography in NYC. With blooming flowers, warm light, and countless iconic backdrops, it’s the perfect setting for engagements, anniversaries, or just a romantic stroll with your partner.

Ready to capture your own story in Central Park? Let’s create something beautiful together.

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 An engagement and couples session PHOTOGRAPHER IN NYC