One of the most important things to me when taking engagement photos is capturing the essence of a couple’s love story in a unique and meaningful way. One of my absolute favorite places in the world to do that is New York City. Today I’m going to share my insights on how to plan an unforgettable engagement session that perfectly captures the magic of your love in the big city. 

Choose the Perfect Location:
New York City offers a plethora of picturesque locations that can serve as the backdrop for your engagement session. Consider iconic spots like Central Park, Brooklyn Bridge, The Upper West Side, The Met, or even the colorful streets of Chinatown. Each location provides a unique atmosphere and breathtaking views that will add a distinctive touch to your photos. My favorite way to capture sessions in NYC is by choosing two locations and traveling via subway or a taxi between them to add to the experience. At the end of the day, it’s most important to choose locations you feel the most connected to and where you can be yourselves. Not sure where you want to take photos or have never been to New York before? No worries! I have a guide that goes over 40+ different location options and I’d love to help you plan the perfect session. 

Timing is Everything:
In my opinion, the best time to take photos in New York City is in the morning, just after sunrise. You want to allow for the sun to have risen over the buildings but avoid as much foot traffic as possible! Obviously there are many factors to this and NYC is one of the busiest cities in the world so there’s only so much you can do to avoid other people- but as an experienced photographer in NYC I know how to move and pose you throughout busy spaces without being in the way or making it awkward for you or those around us. 

Wardrobe Choices:
Coordinate your outfits to complement each other while showcasing your personalities. New York City is all about fashion, so don’t be afraid to incorporate an extra touch of style into your wardrobe. Consider the location’s aesthetics when choosing colors and textures – whether it’s the greenery of Central Park or the high-end, simple styles in Manhattan. For more advice on what to wear to your engagement session, check out this blog post:  WHAT TO WEAR FOR YOUR ENGAGEMENT OR COUPLES PHOTOS: OUTFIT INSPO FOR YOUR SESSION

Add a Personal Touch:
Infuse your engagement session with personal elements that reflect your relationship. Bring along meaningful props, such as items that represent shared hobbies or memories. If you have a favorite café or landmark in the city, consider incorporating it into your session to make the experience even more special.

Plan for Candid Moments:
While posed shots are a love of mine, some of the most memorable photos often come from candid moments. I’ll work with you to create a space where I can capture the unscripted laughter, stolen glances, and genuine emotions that make your connection unique.

Embrace the City’s Energy:
New York City is a bustling hub of energy, which is why it is one of my favorite places to capture engagement sessions. I typically make a blueprint for our time together but otherwise like to keep the timeline as loose as possible so that we can walk around our locations and get inspired by our surroundings. You never know what you may come across in NYC! I love to capture shots of you both enjoying a street performance, running across city streets, or even sharing a moment in a cozy corner of a bustling café.

Conclusion:

Planning an engagement session in New York City is an exciting opportunity to create timeless and romantic memories. By carefully selecting locations, considering the timing, and infusing your personalities into the session, you can ensure that your photos tell the unique story of your love against the backdrop of one of the world’s most iconic cities. Contact me today if you’d like to start planning the details of your engagement photo session in NYC!