NYC Engagement Photos

Close your eyes for a second and picture this; you and your fiance just got engaged and you’re running around NYC, a city brimming with iconic landmarks, amazing food and tons of hidden gems that will make your photos truly unique. But with so many options on things to do, it can be overwhelming and you think to yourself- where do you even start? As someone who works in NYC as well as photograph couples around the city, I understand! From outfit choices, picking the perfect spots to what time of day is best but no need to fret, I’ve got your back!

Here are three helpful tips to make sure your NYC engagement photos come out just the way you want and totally you.

CHoosing a location(s) that feel like you
First things first- NYC has an endless amount of photo ops. Between the Brooklyn Bridge, Central Park, West Village… the list goes on and on! But before you list the obvious choices, lets think real quick: what places actually feel like you and your partner? Local bar/restaurant where you guys had your first date or just the park where you both like to set up a blanket and talk about life? Some place with special meaning? If yes, then list those places and keep them close because we’ll be deciding between those.
For example, if you both are more into romantics, Central Park’s got a few Pinterest worthy hidden gems like Bow Bridge or Bethesda Terrace (both depending on what time of day). If you want that real NYC city grit then opt for some subway transportation or catching a taxi to make your way towards DUMBO in Brooklyn. I was today years old as I type this that DUMBO means Down Under the Manhattan Bridge Overpass, mindblown!! It has the perfect amount of cobblestone streets, industrial buildings and Manhattan skyline views to die for! NYC also has Top of the Rock or One World Observatory for a more “above the clouds with an epic skyline view of NYC” type of vibe. Can’t forget about The High Line that runs through Chelsea, offering a mix of greenery, public art and some cool cityscapes. We also have the West Village which is perfect for the more laidback, quiet couples who still want that charm and intimacy of NYC without the knit and grit of it. Quiet streets, hidden corners and someones brownstone steps to take portraits at? Yeah, I love that. Lastly, for my art loving couples, another option can be a museum, say something like the Metropolitan Museum of Art or the MOMA, which offer a different NYC perspective without running around the streets.

2. Dress the part- What’s your style?

Your engagement photos should feel authentic to who you are as a couple, and that includes the outfits. What’re you gonna wear? Feeling the more formal and elegant look or something casual and comfy? Think about the aesthetic of how you want your photos to come out. Consider how your outfits will compliment the locations, for example, the West Village goes for a more cozy and stylish look. Casual, comfy and laid-back sounds like coffee and park vibes while formal, elegant and chic sounds like a museum date and a pit stop to your favorite bar for a quick drink.

Or you can be like Solmari and pack up 3 outfits for each location to give it that unique vibe for each outfit. It really all comes down to what you want out of the day and how you want your photos to look. Then theres the obvious, dress accordingly to the weather because we also want to be comfortable while we stroll through NYC, right?

3. Don’t overload on locations

It’s tempting to wanna hit up all these iconic spots, but sometimes less is more. You don’t want to end up tired by the third location if you plan for multiple more than two. Putting your focus on one or two locations will give you more time to get all the shots you want and be able to let the creativity flow between yourself and the photographer. Think about the time you have, one hour wont fit two locations but a two to three hour session will get all those creative ideas out at multiple locations. Keep in mind the distance between each location, transportation and time of day with planning your engagement session through NYC.

I hope these tips help you get pumped and ready for your NYC engagement photoshoot! At the end of the day, this is all about capturing the love between you and your partner no matter the location and I’m here to make sure you both have a fun and effortless experience. Resulting in images and a story that is authentically you. If you’re all decided on planning your session with me or even if you just have a few questions, don’t hesitate to reach out. Let’s create something magical together- click the “I’M READY” button below to book your consultation. We’ll talk about all your goals and what your dream engagement session is gonna look like. Chat soon!

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