I’m frequently asked where we should do engagement sessions around New York City. My goal is to make portraits that reflect you and your partner, and the first step to this is picking a location you’re comfortable and familiar with. I always like to recommend choosing a spot that has some kind of personal element to you and your partner so that it’s easier for the two of you to have some fun together. Below is a list of ideas (and photos!) to get those gears turning on where you might want to have your session.
Brooklyn Bridge Park
Dumbo + Brooklyn Bridge Park is by far my most requested engagement session location. It’s got it all: Bridges galore (including one of the most iconic photo spots in all of New York City), a waterfront, a historical carousel (YES we can take photos on it!) and loads of awesome graffiti for us to pick from? Sign me up. I’ll even take you up to my super secret rooftop for a one-of-a-kind view of the Brooklyn Bridge (not pictured, because it’s a freakin secret!!).
Your favorite bar or restaurant
This is one of my favorites! I love bringing elements into your engagement session that are unique to you and your partner, and this is one of those things that we can easily add in. Most locations will let us just pop in for a few photos during business hours if we order a drink or two, but I recommend calling ahead just to make sure they’re cool with it (sometimes they’ll even let us in a little before opening so we can take advantage of the empty space!). This can be the spot where you had your first date, or somewhere that’s just special to the two of you.
Central Park
You know it! This place is full of locations for us to photograph the two of you being lovebirds and is beautiful any time of year. From Gapstow Bridge to Bethesda Terrace to the Gardens on the North end, if you’re looking for foliage or greenery with a little bit of a city edge, I’ve got you. And if you guys love to picnic, bring a picnic set and let’s crack some champagne on the great lawn (shh..)! While a sunny, golden day is always incredible, I LOVE Central Park on a grungy day because it means we have the whole park to ourselves (#goals).
Small note: I do not photograph with the Central Park horses. I wish they were living out their days on pastures with lots of grass and room to stretch their legs with their friends.
Your College Campus
Did you and your partner meet in college, or just go to the same one? Have a favorite part of said campus? Let’s go!
Your neighborhood or home
This is one of my favorite options. In home sessions are a really cool way to get some intimate portraits of you and your partner because we’re already in the place that you feel most comfortable (and maybe you have some pets that also want to be included in your session!). While apartments that have a lot of natural light photograph best, definitely don’t be deterred if you have a darker space. We can make light happen.
Liberty State Park
Located just over the river in Jersey City, Liberty State Park is an often forgot about location with an incredible view of the Manhattan skyline. Liberty State Park is home to rolling hills, a beautiful waterfront promenade, an old school train station (with trains to boot!), cobblestone and a marina. And the crowds? MINIMAL.
Domino Park
Domino Park is a really beautiful industrial park on the Williamsburg Waterfront. We can spend your entire session here, soaking in the gorgeous sunset against the industrial..things (what are they? I don’t know!), or we can start elsewhere in Williamsburg and finish up here for your showstopper sunset. Plus, there’s usually a Mister Softee truck parked at the entrance.
Other places I love that are not listed above but I still want to mention:
New York City is FILLED with incredible landscapes and locations for your engagement session. If none of the above float your boat or spark other ideas, consider locations like the following, and remember that I’m always here to help brainstorm ideas with you! Brooklyn (or New York!) Botanical Gardens, Prospect Park, Flatiron, the West Village, Literally any NYC street, South Street Seaport and Battery Park (Do you love sunsets? Battery Park is for you!), CitiField or Yankee Stadium, The Oculus, Coney Island, The Rockaways, Gantry Plaza.
