When it came time to plan Arshia and Madhav’s engagement photos together, they already had an idea of what they wanted. They wanted a mix of nature, everyday moments, and a beautifully iconic neighborhood like the West Village. An engagement session in the West Village had been at the top of their list from the start, but they also wanted to incorporate the natural beauty of Central Park and the energy that makes New York City unlike anywhere else.
We started at Sheep Meadow in Central Park, already planning to not spend too much time there, but Arshira made a last minute comment about how beautiful Bethesda terrace is and with us being just a few minute walk away and risk of losing light in the West Village, we decided to go for it. For couples planning engagement photos in New York City, factoring in walking and time on the train is huge when going to multiple locations.
From there, we hopped on the subway, a meaningful part of their everyday lives together. While many couples focus only on the destination, some of the most memorable moments happen when we go from one spot to the next. Riding the train adds a realness to photos for couples that live in the city. It’s such a part of daily life that it just feels normal.
We made our way downtown for their engagement session in the West Village.
I just love the West Village, don’t you? The brownstones, the trees all over the streets, quiet little corners away from the restaurants. It’s quite literally out of the movies.
One of the reasons I love photographing an engagement session in the West Village is that it allows couples to slow down and simply enjoy being together. There is something about wandering these historic streets, stopping at ivy covered corners, is both intimate and cinematic.
For couples looking for a mix of the iconic places with scenery and pretty neighborhoods, combining Central Park with an engagement session in the West Village creates the perfect balance. Kudos to them for knowing what they wanted and left it to me to create a vision board and timeline.
Let’s talk about some of the top questions couples are asking when it comes to their engagement session at the end of the post.
FAQs
WHAT SHOULD WE WEAR FOR ENGAGEMENT PHOTOS IN NYC? I love this question for the reason that it seems so simple, because the city is all about style and individuality, but also comfort. Yet, there is something about being in front of a camera that feels intimidating. I create a vision board for my couples to help with this once we’ve chosen the vibe of the session. Mainly because I want to match the neighborhood energy, BUT you can never go wrong with neutrals. If we’re sticking to one location, you can wear the uncomfortable shoes or at least bring them along in a bag. However, most of my couples choose shoes they still wear often. Also, dressing for the season is huge. Should there be a trench, scarf, pea coat, leather, something along those lines. For me, it’s location and then clothing.
HOW DO WE LOOK NATURAL IN PHOTOS? I get not wanting to feel awkward. I’m not huge on awkward prompts, but sometimes guiding that posing. Cinematic requires guidance and documentary allows you to be a fly on the wall and that means stepping back and watching your natural chemistry. I love picking locations that feel natural and comfortable. For some, that’s picking a time of day when it’s not busy as well. You can also never go wrong with movement and that fits perfectly in so many ways in the city.
HOW DO WE INCLUDE MEANINGFUL LOCATIONS IN OUR ENGAGEMENT SESSION? Think of your favorite neighborhoods that you like to explore or frequent. Do they include the subway to get there? When you get there, where do you go? Sometimes that’s just a coffee shop, restaurant, hobby you enjoy together, a pub or first date spot. It doesn’t have to be overly complicated and you can go to more than one location if you choose a longer session option.
WHAT NEIGHBORHOOD IS BEST FOR ENGAGEMENT PHOTOS IN NYC? I love so many, so this is tough for me, but I do love the West Village for it’s movie like charm. The Lower East Side in general. Whether it’s Nolita or Chinatown, it’s fun! But timing beware, because it get’s so busy and morning is usually best. I’m also such a sucker for DUMBO, Brooklyn Heights and Williamsburg/Greenpoint. It’s VERY Brooklyn with fun and funky places to go. DUMBO also gives you that Manhattan view without all of the buildings around you.
