Proposal

Photographing an Upper East Side rooftop proposal

What made photographing this Upper East Side (UES) rooftop proposal so special were the details and the meaning behind it all. From the rose petals, to the champaign, to the ring, and our mini-engagement session in Carl Schurz Park along the East River, everything was so well thought out. This client chose to propose in a private and timeless fashion with nothing being overdone; no 3 foot “Will You Marry Me” letters or LED signs here!

Out of all the places we go as NYC’s leading Surprise Proposal Photographer, Carl Schurz is one of our favorite and least chosen spots. We often hear from Upper East Side couple’s this park has so much meaning to them and they love it for it’s private (zero tourists).

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

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Will's Upper East Side Proposal at Carl Schurz Park

In preparation of photographing Will’s surprise and secret marriage proposal at Carl Schurz Park on the Upper East Side, Will scoped out the perfect spot. Together, we discussed the time of the day, how he’d get her there, the best location to avoid crowds and to get capture the best lighting possible. Out of all the places we go as NYC’s leading Surprise Proposal Photographer, Carl Schurz is one of our favorite and least chosen spots. We often hear from Upper East Side couple’s this park has so much meaning to them and they love it for it’s private (zero tourists).

As New York City’s top proposal photographer we’ve developed countless tips and tricks to succesfully capture a surprise marriage proposal in NYC.

Lighting: Natural light can be your best friend. If the proposal is happening in the morning or late afternoon, you'll get beautiful, soft lighting. Overcast days can also be great for even lighting without harsh shadows.

  1. Discretion: Be as unobtrusive as possible to keep the surprise intact. Blend in like just another tourist with a camera. We don’t start photographing until they are clearly proposing, and then it’s GO TIME!

  2. Backup Plan: Have a backup plan for different weather conditions or unexpected changes. If it’s raining, we can either move the proposal up or back to avoid the weather. Or we can find an alternative location. Regardless of the situation, we’ll clearly communicate in advance.

  3. Lighting: Natural light can be your best friend. If the proposal is happening in the morning or late afternoon, you'll get beautiful, soft lighting. Overcast are also great for even lighting without harsh shadows.

Jonathan Heisler Photography is comprised of 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

An Evening Proposal at Gapstow Bridge - Central Park, NYC

When describing our style of photography I often use the words “timeless”, “photojournalism”, and “classic”. As secret marriage proposal photographers, we understand your proposal is not a photoshoot or a full on engagement session. We are simply capturing your proposal as it happens and the moments that follow. What’s unique about photographing a proposal is how real the emotion is and how wide of a spectrum the emotions are. Having photographed well over 2,500 NYC Proposals we’ve seen tears of joy, laughter, and excitement with every moment.

Gapstow Bridge in Central Park has it’s special times of the day. For tonight’s NYC proposal, this location in Central Park shined bright as the sun set. The plaza hotel and the Gapstow Bridge served as the perfect backdrops.

Jonathan Heisler Photography is comprised of 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

Nick's Surprise Proposal at Central Park's Gapstow Bridge

Gapstow Bridge is one of the busiest spots in all of Central Park because it’s at the southern tip of the park near the Plaza Hotel, a popular tourist destination. However, there are certain times of the day and week where this iconic spot can be all yours. For Nick’s mid-day proposal on a Friday, the park was all theirs.

Jonathan Heisler Photography is comprised of 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

Paul's Central Park Conservatory Garden | New York Proposal Photographer

Not many people, New Yorkers included, know about Central Park’s Conservatory Garden. Although the iconic landmarks like Bethesda Fountain, Bow Bridge, the model boat sailing pond, and the mall take the lime light, the Conservatory Garden is just as special. While it’s just a little bit further out of the way, it does keep the crowds away and it makes your proposal moment so much more special.

As a New York Engagement and Proposal Photographer our top ask is to provide clients with a private and timeless location within Central Park. While there are so many different and unique proposal ideas, every spot is unique for it’s own reason - Checkout our favorite Central Park proposal locations list!

Jonathan Heisler Photography is comprised of 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