It’s time to plan your engagement session!
PICK A LOCATION
— Locations that require a permit —
Planting Fields Arboretum State Historic Park
Old westbury gardens
Vanderbilt museum
NYIT de Seversky Mansion
Queens Botanical Garden
— Locations that don’t require a permit —
Sagamore Hill National Historic Site
MORGAN MEMORIAL PARK
Robert Moses BeACH
FLUSHING MEADOWS CORONA PARK
LONG BEACH
central park
TIMING is everything
why we shoot during “golden hour”
Golden hour refers to the period shortly before sunset, when the sun is lower on the horizon and produces a soft, warm, flattering glow. This natural light is ideal for portraits, creating gentle highlights, softer shadows, and a more beautiful, dimensional look, so this will be the time we will aim to do your engagement session.
For comparison, midday is generally the least favorable time for outdoor portraits. With the sun directly overhead, the light becomes harsh and creates strong, unflattering shadows across the face. The intense brightness can also make it difficult to keep your eyes comfortably open. During the summer months, midday temperatures can add another challenge, making sessions uncomfortable and often resulting in squinting, sweating, and less natural-looking expressions.
For the most flattering and comfortable experience, we recommend scheduling outdoor portrait sessions during golden hour whenever possible. This timing will of course differ depending on the season, and we’ll help you schedule the perfect time, keeping in mind the location, sunset and daylight savings time.
what you wear matters
coordinating outfits
Because you are the focus of every photograph, your clothing choices play an important role in the overall look and feel of your images. Thoughtfully coordinating your outfits can help create a cohesive, timeless appearance without making your photos feel overly matched.
We recommend avoiding competing patterns, overly busy prints, and clothing with prominent logos, text, or recognizable graphics, as these can draw attention away from you. If you’re looking for a simple, effortless approach, neutral and understated tones tend to photograph beautifully in a variety of environments.
Consider Your Footwear
Comfort is just as important as style, especially when your session location requires walking. Choose footwear that is appropriate for the setting and allows you to move comfortably throughout the session. For example, heels may not be the most practical choice for a beach session, while certain locations with uneven terrain may make dress shoes or other formal footwear difficult to navigate.
If you are wearing heels for a location that requires a lot of walking, consider bringing a comfortable pair of shoes to wear between locations. You can easily change back into your preferred footwear when it’s time for photographs.
Add Variety to Your Look
Small changes can create a surprising amount of variety in your final gallery. Consider bringing a sweater, jacket, or other layer that you can add later in the session. Accessories such as a hat, scarf, or jewelry can also create a completely different look. You can even make a subtle change to your hairstyle between looks. These simple adjustments allow you to create more visual variety while keeping your session relaxed and effortless.
