Katherine and Josh are New Yorkers to their cores. When it came time to plan their engagement session, they loved the idea of doing it in their home borough of Manhattan. These New York City engagement photos show just how much fun these two have together in the city where they feel most at home. Our adventure took us from a neighborhood bar to Central Park. We ended the night in the most New York way possible – with delicious slices of pizza. Check out the sweet, fun photos from this session.
We met up for these New York City engagement photos during the summer. As much as I love the city in the summer, it can definitely get too hot for formalwear outdoors. We decided to start the session at Katherine and Josh’s favorite bar. The bar was really accommodating and actually opened thirty minutes early for us.
Starting at the bar gave us an opportunity to take photos we weren’t going to get outside. Katherine and Josh could wear dressier clothes more comfortably. They also got to enjoy a glass of champagne. These two love champagne and even had a champagne tower at their wedding. It was fun to incorporate that element of their relationship into these New York City engagement photos.
While we were in the bar, I took some direct flash photos. This style of lighting has gotten more popular in recent years. It brings a glamorous energy to a photo session. Katherine and Josh look like celebrities in a magazine. Starting the session this way gave them time to get comfortable in front of the camera and added a lot of variety to the more typical engagement photos.
After finishing drinks at the bar, we explored the city without a specific endpoint in mind. I loved doing that because it gave me lots of opportunities to photograph Katherine and Josh in their element. Katherine is a school teacher, and Josh works in the music industry. The summer is their chance to relax together. They are both really fun and funny. These photos are very true to their relationship.
Before we knew it, we found ourselves in Central Park. Could any location be more Manhattan? I’m so glad we got to add this spot to the mix for these New York City engagement photos. We took some romantic photos with the skyline in the background.
Bethesda Terrace was one of the most interesting places we stopped for photos. The plaza is iconic for a reason. Just look at those amazing arches and stunning stonework. Since this is one of the more popular parts of Central Park, some passersby made it into the photo. I like how their presence reminds you of the fast pace and energy of the city.
I even mixed in a few film images at the park. The colors of the lush trees and historic architecture translate beautifully on film. It gives the photos a dreamy quality that’s so different from the digital direct flash photos from the start of the session. There’s always something happening. Still, Katherine and Josh manage to look like they only see each other.
This session ended the way any good New York City engagement photos would – with pizza. Katherine and Josh took me to one of their favorite spots. I took a few more direct flash photos to portray that in-the-moment feeling.
Katherine and Josh’s engagement photos are a great example of how you can incorporate your favorite places into your session. The most important thing is that your photos feel authentic to you. Feeling at home in the setting helps a lot. I’ve even photographed clients in their favorite hotels and at home. It’s all about creating photos that feel like you, not fitting a mold of what engagement photos are supposed to be.
Do you want more inspiration for engagement photos in New York City? Check out these blog posts with engagement sessions done in different parts of the city:
Are you interested in having me photograph your engagement? I’m a New Jersey wedding photographer, and I’d love to document this moment with true-to-you images. Inquire with me today!
As a wedding and elopement photographer based in New Jersey, I specialize in capturing enchanting moments that tell the unique love stories of my clients. I am dedicated to providing LGBTQIA+ friendly services and take pride in embracing and celebrating the diversity of all couples.