NYC Engagement Photos at the NYBG

Darie & Sam actually live in Philly, but lived in New York for quite awhile and wanted to highlight this part of their life with their nyc engagement photos! Their wedding later this year in July is also taking place in Brooklyn, so it made sense for us to visit the New York Botanic Garden for their day-in-the-life engagement session (especially because wedding day will be much more urban-focused).

I approach engagement sessions a little differently in that they are generally activity-based, rather than a “pick a spot and pose here” setup. It’s much more about getting to know each other, getting comfortable in what it feels like to be documented in a purely candid documentary approach, and overall to time capsule who you actually are as a couple right now, before you’re all dolled up on wedding day. It’s extremely important to me to be able to genuinely photograph who you are, what you like to do, and how you are as a couple on a regular basis during this life chapter, because ultimately, it’s what I want you to be able to look back on in the years to come (not a “photoshoot” that was cool to share on social media for a week).

Frequently Asked Questions About NYC Engagement Photos

How long should an engagement session last?
My documentary engagement sessions typically last between 2–4 hours. That gives us enough time to move naturally through your favorite neighborhood, stop for coffee, ride the subway, or simply spend an afternoon together without feeling rushed. This is more about a day out together doing something you genuinely love, than an opportunity to “take photos”.

What should we wear?
Wear something that feels like you. Whether that’s vintage denim, a perfectly tailored blazer, sneakers you’ve worn for years, or your favorite leather jacket, comfort always photographs better than trends. That said, I also always encourage you to also wear something that you can sit, stand, run, and walk around in so that you’re not limited in comfortability day of, and while you should feel like yourself, this is also a fun opportunity to wear something you otherwise can’t wear anywhere else (“Where am I ever going to wear that outfit?!” might mean today is the day!).

Do you help us choose locations?
Generally, not really. That’s because this outing can only really feel genuine if it’s planned by you, based around the people, places, and activities you both love. It should feel meaningful instead of chosen for aesthetic, and from there, I’ll help build our time around an intentional re-telling of our time together.

Do you travel for engagement photos?
Yes! Although I’m based in the mountain west primarily, I frequently travel and photograph couples throughout New York City and the entire east coast very frequently. Day-in-the-life engagement photos are quoted with travel, or we can meet up based around another city I’m visiting on my schedule, too!