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

Jack's Sunday Morning Central Park Marriage Proposal

Jack chose the Ladies Pavilion in Central Park’s West Side for a Sunday morning proposal. The location offers views that mix nature and the midtown skyline. It’s close to the West Side of Manhattan, yet you still get scenery with the boat lake, water, and trees. Compared to many southern parts of Central Park, it tends to be more private at that time of day.

The Proposal Story

The proposal happened early on a Sunday when there were relatively few people around. The morning light was soft, and the surroundings were calm. Jack led his partner toward the Ladies Pavilion. As they arrived, he proposed with a view of the skyline behind them and water nearby. Photos were taken from both wide angles (to capture the skyline backdrop) and tighter shots (to capture Jack’s partner’s reaction). Because the location was chosen carefully, we had room to move around without obstructions from crowds or background distractions.

Why Ladies Pavilion Is a Strong Proposal Location

• Combination of city skyline + natural elements: You get trees, water, and midtown in view, which offers visual contrast and strong composition.

• Relatively quieter during early mornings: Fewer people means more flexibility and less distraction.

• Accessible yet feels secluded: The path in from the West Side is short, and once you’re at the Pavilion, it doesn’t feel as congested as many famous southern Central Park spots.

• Character & framing: The Pavilion’s structure and nearby water (boat lake) help add depth to the images (foreground, mid-ground, background).

Tips for Planning a Ladies Pavilion Proposal

• Pick early morning (especially weekends) for softer light and lower foot traffic.

• Scout the path in advance so you know where to position for skyline view + water.

• Use wide shots for the setting and close shots for emotions—both are needed.

• Dress in colors that stand out against greenery and water; avoid overly busy patterns that distract.

• Work with a photographer who’s familiar with Central Park’s layout so you can maximize vantage points and light.

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

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

Award Dinner Headshot - Young Voices

At a recent honoree fundraiser in New York City, I had the privilege of photographing professionals, students, and honorees—all with unique stories, outfits, and personalities. My goal was simple: to capture headshots that reveal not just how people look, but how they feel—confident, ready, and true to themselves.

Instead of sticking only to traditional backdrops, this session embraced both classic and environmental settings. Some shots were taken indoors against clean, neutral backgrounds—great for formal portraits. Others used NYC’s streets and architecture to add character and context to each person’s photo. Variety in posing, lighting, and location helped bring out authenticity.

We experimented with different looks: seated portraits, standing poses, relaxed smiles, and serious expressions. I encouraged participants to bring outfits they love—something that reflects who they are. By offering options and switching looks, I helped ensure that after the shoot, each honoree had a headshot that felt like them.

Why Headshots Matter:

• Headshots are often the first impression—whether for bio pages, social media, press releases, or event programs.

• They help convey professionalism, warmth, and credibility.

• In a fundraising/honoree setting, showing individuals in their moment of recognition adds emotional power.

• A well-shot headshot makes people feel seen, confident, and prepared to shine in whatever comes next.

Tips for a Successful Headshot Session at Events:

• Wardrobe & Style: Bring at least 2 outfits—one formal, one more casual. Choose colors you feel good in. Avoid huge logos or patterns that distract.

• Lighting: Make use of natural light when possible. Indoor lighting works, but soft, even light tends to flatter more.

• Locations Matter: Neutral backgrounds are classic, but environmental backdrops (city streets, structures, architecture) add personality.

• Poses & Expressions: Try different moods—serious, smiling, candid. Slight changes in posture or tilt can make big differences.

• Mind the Time & Flow: For fundraisers, schedule time blocks so people aren’t rushed. Group photos should have quick transitions to respect everyone’s schedule.

Every person deserves a headshot that makes them feel confident and authentic. Whether you're being honored, fundraising, or simply looking for a new professional portrait, Jonathan Heisler Photography is here to help you look & feel your best. Ready for your headshot moment? Let’s chat.

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

There’s something special about stealing a moment when the world around you is bustling—yet time slows down for just two people. That’s exactly how Nick’s surprise proposal at Gapstow Bridge in Central Park unfolded: a Friday midday, soft light filtering through the leaves, and an iconic New York City backdrop without the usual crowds.

Why Gapstow Bridge is Such an Exceptional Proposal Spot

• Iconic Ambience & Views: Gapstow Bridge rests at the southern edge of Central Park, with sweeping views of the pond, the trees, and the Plaza Hotel just beyond. It’s a quintessential NYC scene: nature and architecture in perfect harmony.

• Light & Timing Matter: Though Gapstow is popular, there are windows—like weekday midday moments—where it feels more intimate. The sun at midday casts a clean, soft glow that highlights faces beautifully without harsh shadows.

• Quiet Even Amidst the City: Being in Central Park, yet right near one of its quieter edges, provides privacy and emotional focus. For Nick, proposing during a less crowded time meant the moment felt deeply personal.

Capturing the Moment: Details & Emotion

Arriving in advance allowed me to pick spots on the Gapstow Bridge where light plays beautifully across the water and stone. Nick led his partner across, under the arch of the bridge, with the city’s skyline peeking through the trees in the background.

As she turned, there he was—on one knee—under that natural frame of city and nature mixed. The moment was silent for a beat: her surprised joy, his steady smile, the sunlight dancing off the pond. After she said yes, we explored nearby pathways, soaking in candid laughter, soft embraces, and portraits bathed in the calm light of that midday hour.

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

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