Photographing One Large Long Island Family

Family photography is unique, as it has so many different variables; the children’s age, family dynamics, location, and so on. Todays session was perfection. I photographed 5 sisters and their families in Sayville, NY. Today’s family session was a gift for their mother.

I broke the session out in to parts by first photographing each family. Then I captured the kids, cousins, parents, and sisters individually. Later, I brought everyone together. While most of the session was posed, I introduced time for candid photos. The candid photos really captured everyone being their true selves.

Interested in having your Long Island Family photographed? Please reach out here

Westchester Dietician Photoshoot

Chris' Sunrise Gantry Plaza Surprise Proposal

The Long Island City waterfront captures New York City perfectly because of its iconic New York City views; Empire State Building, 59th street bride, the UN and our famous NYC Sunset/SunriseWhat I like most about photographing surprise marriage proposals in Long Island City and Gantry Plaza State Park is how private and intimate this area is when compared to other parts of New York City.

Why Gantry Plaza is Perfect for a Fall Proposal

Tucked along the East River in Long Island City, Gantry Plaza State Park offers sweeping city views, peaceful waterfront paths, and seasonal charm that comes alive in the fall. The park blends industrial design, natural beauty, and urban energy—all wrapped in the warm colors of autumn.

Here’s what makes it so special:

Vibrant Fall Foliage

• In the fall, Gantry Plaza transforms with vibrant tones of red, orange, and gold, adding warmth and depth to every photo. The contrast between the colorful trees and the sleek Manhattan skyline creates a picture-perfect backdrop that feels uniquely New York.

Iconic Manhattan Views

• Few spots offer such clear, unobstructed views of midtown Manhattan, including landmarks like the Empire State Building and the Chrysler Building. During golden hour, the setting sun casts a warm glow across the river, lighting up the skyline—and your moment—in the most romantic way.

Industrial Elegance

• The historic gantries and the famous Pepsi-Cola sign bring a touch of New York’s industrial history to the park. These structures, surrounded by seasonal foliage, create a dramatic and cinematic look that’s perfect for proposal photography.

Peaceful Atmosphere

• Unlike other popular NYC proposal spots, Gantry Plaza in the fall feels quiet, relaxed, and uncrowded, especially during weekday evenings or early mornings. It’s an ideal setting for an intimate moment, away from the typical city chaos.

Let’s Capture Your Fall Proposal in NYC

Fall is one of the most romantic times of year to get engaged, and Gantry Plaza offers everything you could want: colorful scenery, skyline views, and an atmosphere that’s equal parts peaceful and powerful.

As a NYC proposal photographer, I’m here to help you plan the perfect moment—from choosing the right time and location to capturing your story with authenticity and heart.

Ready to propose with the Manhattan skyline and golden leaves behind you? Let’s make it happen.

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

Kevin's NYC Pharmacy Portraits

New York City portraits should incorporate NYC. What makes New York, New York is the energy and colors of the city, and it’s people. When photographing Kevin’s headshots photos I wanted color and I wanted to capture movement. This series of headshots around Bryant Park in midtown Manhattan was succesful in capturing Kevin’s personality, his healthcare profession, and his home of NYC!

Will's Rainy Central Park Surprise Proposal

There’s something poetic about a surprise proposal in the rain—when the world feels quiet, the air is fresh, and every drop adds atmosphere. On a cold, wet day in Central Park, Will’s proposal at Bow Bridge turned into something even more memorable than expected. The rain kept the crowds away, making the moment feel intimate, cinematic, and all theirs.

The Proposal Story

Though Bow Bridge is one of Central Park’s most iconic spots, it’s almost always busy—and under good weather, very crowded. But on this particular day, the rain created its own blessing: solitude. The park was mostly empty, the bridge slick with water, reflections dancing on cobblestones and pond surfaces alike.

Will and his partner walked under umbrellas, laughter mingling with the patter of rain. As they reached a vantage point overlooking the bridge and skyline, Will dropped to one knee. The city lights blurred softly through the drizzle. Despite the weather, or maybe because of it, everything felt more genuine: the surprise, the emotion, the beauty of that shared moment.

Afterwards, we took a few quick portraits—yes, with reflections and glistening surfaces—letting the rain become part of the frame. Those little details—the umbrella, the damp leaves, droplets on jackets—added texture and mood to their photos that clear skies just can’t replicate.

Why Bow Bridge in the Rain Is Special

• Atmospheric Beauty: Rain brings reflections, softened light, mood—elements that can elevate a photo from pretty to dramatic and emotional.

• Reduced Crowds: Bad weather often keeps people away, giving you more space, privacy, and flexibility with vantage points.

• Unique Visual Texture: Wet surfaces, umbrellas, muted colors—all of this creates visual interest and contrast that sunny days don’t always provide.

• Authentic Mood: There’s something real about embracing whatever weather comes. Weather that’s imperfect often makes moments feel more raw, memorable, and “yours.”

Tips for Proposing in Central Park (Especially in Rain or Overcast)

• Be prepared: bring umbrellas, waterproof gear, maybe a change of shoes.

• Embrace the weather: let it be part of the story—you don’t always need perfect conditions to get perfect moments.

• Choose viewpoints that handle reflections well—ponds, wet paths, shiny stones often help.

• Dress to complement the mood: layers, darker tones, or colors that pop against wet/dulled backgrounds.

• Work with a photographer ready for the unexpected: someone who embraces mood, can adjust for low light, and uses weather elements as creative tools.

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

Matt's Sunset Brooklyn Promenade Surprise Proposal

There’s nothing like golden hour along the Brooklyn Heights Promenade—the sky painted in warm tones, the Manhattan skyline glowing in the distance, and a perfect place to stop time for just one moment. That’s where Matt chose to propose to Amanda: early fall, sunset light, crisp breeze—all the elements aligned for a beautiful surprise.

Why the Brooklyn Heights Promenade Is a Stunning Proposal Location

• Broad, sweeping skyline views — From the Promenade, you get expansive views of Manhattan spread out over the East River. The Brooklyn and Manhattan Bridges, the tall skyscrapers, the riverside, all under warm evening light.

• Soft, romantic light at sunset — As the sun dips, the golden hour softens edges, warms skin tones, and creates a mood in every frame. Perfect for capturing candid joy.

• Comfortable weather, intimate setting — In early fall, there’s a sweet crispness in the air. It isn’t too cold yet. The light breeze adds texture without inconvenience. It felt private, even though the location is iconic.

• Easy access + iconic charm — The Promenade is accessible, well-known, and instantly romantic. It has all the visual drama without the awkward logistics.

Capturing Matt & Amanda’s Moment

Matt planned everything carefully. We timed the proposal to catch the sun just as it kisses the skyline and casts that golden glow across the river. I arrived a bit early to identify spot-on vantage points—places where the city, water, light, and Promenade elements would all come together beautifully.

As the light softened and the shadows lengthened, Matt led Amanda toward the railing, pausing for that perfect moment. He got down on one knee as the sky blushed evening hues. Her surprise. Their joy. The horizon is glowing behind them. Every frame carried emotion—big and small.

After she said yes, we wandered along the Promenade, capturing portraits with the skyline backdrop, laughter in motion, and quiet moments bathed in golden light. Because when the setting is right, even the simplest moments look cinematic.

Brooklyn Heights Promenade is one of those places that feels both grand and intimate. The view, the light, the city in soft focus behind you—it all adds up to memories that feel larger than life and personally meaningful.

If you’re considering a proposal in Brooklyn—somewhere with skyline, warmth, and authenticity—I’d love to help you plan every detail and capture the moment you’ll remember forever.

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