Engagement Photographer NYC
Pricing, Tips, and How to Choose the Right Photographer
Engagement Photographer NYC
In this guide, we'll explain how to find the right engagement photographer for you. Our goal is to simplify a process that could feel daunting and overwhelming into something simple and easy-to-understand!
By the end of this guide, you'll know:
- What to consider before choosing an engagement photographer
- The best spots for NYC engagement pictures (plus the best times of day to shoot)
- What to wear and what to bring to your shoot
- How much engagement photographers in NYC charge, and what you should expect to pay
Ready to get started?
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Things to take into consideration:
- Your engagement photos need to reflect what's most important to you. Are there particular locations that have special meaning to you? Do you have an animal or particular person (besides your partner) who you'd like to capture in some photos? Is there a particular style of photography or lighting you like? You don't just want generic photos – you want something that tells your story and shows your uniqueness.
- Your session should be enjoyable and fun! Some photographers have difficulty chatting with you and keeping the energy high during the shoot because they're too focused on the technical aspects (lighting, lenses, framing, etc.). Unfortunately working with a photographer like that can lead to less-than-desirable expressions – uncomfortable, awkward smiles, weird poses, etc. Be sure to work with a photographer who makes your shoot an enjoyable, positive experience! Here are a few tips on how to look confident in photos.
- The photographer should take your post-shoot needs into consideration. If a photo is taken too close, it might not be possible to use it later on save-the-date cards, your wedding website (if you decide to create one), or even decorations/guest book during the wedding itself. Your photographer must take these things into consideration throughout the engagement shoot.
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Spots We Recommend
New York offers tons of amazing locations for photoshoots, but the most important thing to consider is – are there any places that hold significance to you?
Where did the proposal take place? Where did you first meet? Consider shooting at at least one location that holds significant meaning to you, and then you can also consider some of the below recommended locations that work well for engagement sessions:
Where did the proposal take place? Where did you first meet? Consider shooting at at least one location that holds significant meaning to you, and then you can also consider some of the below recommended locations that work well for engagement sessions:
- Central Park: With its iconic skyline views, romantic bridges, and lush greenery, Central Park is a great choice for engagement photos. Some of the best spots in Central Park include Bow Bridge, Bethesda Fountain, and The Mall.
- Brooklyn Bridge: The Brooklyn Bridge offers stunning views of the Manhattan skyline and is a classic location for engagement photos. You can capture the iconic suspension cables or pose against the backdrop of the city skyline.
- The High Line: The High Line is an elevated park that offers unique views of the city and a variety of urban landscapes, including gardens, art installations, and modern architecture.
- Grand Central Terminal: The iconic Grand Central Terminal offers stunning Beaux-Arts architecture and a lively atmosphere. Capture the hustle and bustle of the commuters or take photos in the majestic Main Concourse.
- The Brooklyn Botanic Garden: The Brooklyn Botanic Garden offers a peaceful and picturesque setting for engagement photos. Choose from a variety of gardens, including the Japanese Hill-and-Pond Garden, the Rose Garden, and the Shakespeare Garden.
- Dumbo: This neighborhood in Brooklyn offers a variety of charming backdrops, including cobblestone streets, old warehouses, and the iconic Jane's Carousel.
- The New York Public Library: The New York Public Library (which is walking distance from our midtown studio) offers a grand and elegant backdrop for engagement photos. Pose on the steps of the library or inside the historic reading room.
- The Top of the Rock: The Top of the Rock observation deck (also just walking distance from our studio) offers stunning panoramic views of the city and is a great spot for engagement photos, especially at sunset.
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The Best Time of Day to Take Photos
The ideal time of day for taking engagement photos in NYC largely depends on what kind of aesthetic you're looking for, as well as the location. Here are some tips to keep in mind:
In general, we recommend avoiding direct sunlight or harsh overhead light, which can create unflattering shadows and highlights. Soft and diffused light (shaded areas, overcast days, or indoor locations with large windows) typically work best.
The best engagement photographers in NYC know where the light will look best, and some may opt to use reflectors or diffusers if needed to soften and bounce the light. Others may use a flash or artificial lighting to fill in shadows (or create dramatic effects).
Overall, the ideal time of day for engagement photos depends on the aesthetic you're going for, where the shoot is taking place, and the lighting conditions on site. However, with the right photographer, it's usually possible to capture beautiful and memorable engagement photos at any time of day.
- Early Morning: Early morning is great for engagement photos, especially if you want a serene and peaceful backdrop. The soft morning light can create a romantic and dreamy effect. However, this may require an early start and may not work for all locations.
- Late Afternoon/Early Evening: Late afternoon to early evening, also known as "golden hour," is a popular time for engagement photos. The warm, golden light can create a beautiful and flattering glow on your skin, as well as a dramatic effect on the city skyline. This time works best if you're looking for skyline photos and will have direct sun hitting your face. Keep in mind that it requires specific planning around sunset.
- Midday: Midday, between 11 am and 2 pm, can be challenging if you want skyline photos due to the harsh overhead sun, which can cast unflattering shadows and contrast. However, midday works just fine for indoor locations, shaded areas, or if you're going for an urban look.
- Nighttime: Nighttime shots can be stunning and quite dramatic, especially if you're shooting against the city skyline or in a well-lit location. However, nighttime requires more lighting equipment and may be limiting in terms of the types of photos you can achieve.
In general, we recommend avoiding direct sunlight or harsh overhead light, which can create unflattering shadows and highlights. Soft and diffused light (shaded areas, overcast days, or indoor locations with large windows) typically work best.
The best engagement photographers in NYC know where the light will look best, and some may opt to use reflectors or diffusers if needed to soften and bounce the light. Others may use a flash or artificial lighting to fill in shadows (or create dramatic effects).
Overall, the ideal time of day for engagement photos depends on the aesthetic you're going for, where the shoot is taking place, and the lighting conditions on site. However, with the right photographer, it's usually possible to capture beautiful and memorable engagement photos at any time of day.
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What to Wear to an Engagement Photo in NYC
So, what do you wear to an engagement photo in NYC? Here are some tips:
If you want to dive deeper on all the intricacies of what to wear in photoshoots, check out our Ultimate Guide to What to Wear on Camera.
And if you're wondering what to bring, this guide we wrote on How to Prepare for a Photoshoot will give you some ideas.
- Be Yourself: Choose outfits that reflect your personal style and make you feel comfortable and confident.
- Match the Location and Season: Consider the location and season of your shoot and choose outfits that complement the environment and colors. For example, pastel colors and floral prints work well in a garden during springtime, whereas bold colors and graphic prints may work better in an urban setting or during winter.
- Coordinate with Your Partner: Try to create a cohesive look. You don't have to match exactly, but make sure the colors and styles you choose complement each other.
- Choose the Right Fabric: Choose fabrics that are comfortable and flattering, such as cotton, linen, or silk. Avoid fabrics that wrinkle easily or are too thick, as they can create unflattering lines.
- Accessorize: Choose accessories that complement your outfit and add a pop of color or texture. However, avoid too many accessories that may distract from the main focus - you and your partner.
- Avoid wearing clothing that won't work well: Logos, distracting patterns, and outfits that are too tight or baggy generally don't work well for photos.
- Wear comfortable shoes (or bring some with to wear in-between shots): You'll probably be doing a lot of walking throughout the shoot, so don't forget to pack something comfortable, especially if you're going to multiple locations!
If you want to dive deeper on all the intricacies of what to wear in photoshoots, check out our Ultimate Guide to What to Wear on Camera.
And if you're wondering what to bring, this guide we wrote on How to Prepare for a Photoshoot will give you some ideas.
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Engagement Photos NYC Prices
So how much do engagement photos cost in NYC? Well, prices can vary widely depending on location, photographer experience, and package offerings. Here are some guidelines to help you determine an expected budget for engagement photography:
In general, the average cost of engagement photography in NYC ranges from $300 to $1,500. However, prices can vary widely depending on the photographer's experience, location, and package offerings. Some photographers may charge as little as $300 for a basic package, while others may charge upwards of $3,000 for a premium package.
Factors that can affect the price of engagement photography include:
- Determine Your Priorities: First, decide on what's most important to you. Is it the photographer's experience? The style of photography? What kinds of tangible products you'll be getting afterwards (prints, save--the-date cards, etc.)? When it comes to a once-in-a-lifetime event like your wedding and engagement photos, it's generally a good idea to prioritize quality over price.
- Do Your Research: Research different photographers and their pricing and packages. Look for photographers whose style and personality resonate with you, and read reviews and view portfolios to get a sense of their work. Some photographers may even offer guarantees (if you're unhappy, you can request a reshoot or refund).
- Set a Realistic Budget: Keep in mind that high-quality engagement photography often comes with a higher price tag, but for an occasion as important as your wedding, it's often worth the investment.
In general, the average cost of engagement photography in NYC ranges from $300 to $1,500. However, prices can vary widely depending on the photographer's experience, location, and package offerings. Some photographers may charge as little as $300 for a basic package, while others may charge upwards of $3,000 for a premium package.
Factors that can affect the price of engagement photography include:
- Photographer experience and reputation
- Time and travel expenses
- Length of shoot & number of locations or outfit changes (each change of clothes adds significant time due to the need to find places to change)
- Editing and post-production time
- Prints, albums, and other products included in the package
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Our Engagement Shoots
If you're still looking for an engagement photographer, we'd love the opportunity to work with you!
With a rich history of 17 years and over 25,000 individual shoots (headshots, weddings, and more), our #1 goal is to create an enjoyable and memorable engagement photoshoot experience, leaving you with photos you'll treasure forever. We have over 300+ five-star reviews on Google, and it makes us smile ear to ear when our clients tell us that they have "never looked so good in pictures before."
Our #1 goal is to capture your love story in a way that feels authentic and unique to who you are as a couple.
Please email us at [email protected] to inquire.
We'll get back to you right away with our price list, along with answers to any questions you send. We look forward to hearing from you!
With a rich history of 17 years and over 25,000 individual shoots (headshots, weddings, and more), our #1 goal is to create an enjoyable and memorable engagement photoshoot experience, leaving you with photos you'll treasure forever. We have over 300+ five-star reviews on Google, and it makes us smile ear to ear when our clients tell us that they have "never looked so good in pictures before."
Our #1 goal is to capture your love story in a way that feels authentic and unique to who you are as a couple.
Please email us at [email protected] to inquire.
We'll get back to you right away with our price list, along with answers to any questions you send. We look forward to hearing from you!
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LGBTQ+ Friendly – We are an inclusive and accepting photography service, celebrating love in all its forms. We warmly welcome and support the LGBTQ+ community, and are committed to providing a safe and comfortable environment for all of our clients.
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