NYC locations for your love story photoshoot

Planning a love story photoshoot can be really intimidating – what should you wear, what is the best time and day, and where is the best place for the shoot? These are just a few questions that will probably pop up in your mind during the preparation stage. But don't rush to worry and panic because all of these questions can be easily solved with the help of your photographer. Soon, I'll share an article on how I work with my clients to help them solve any issues, but today let's talk about the best places for a couple's photoshoot – whether it's an engagement session, an elopement, or just a fun date captured on camera.

1. Civic Center Neighborhood

One of my favorite spots to shoot at is the City Hall surroundings. The Civic Center area is rich in beautiful French and Italian Renaissance revival architecture. Its proximity to City Hall makes this area very convenient and attractive for elopement photoshoots. However, I would definitely recommend considering this area for any type of shoot. Not only does the exquisite architecture benefit this neighborhood, but the absence of tourist crowds also makes the photoshoot process much more pleasant and intimate.

Bonus: as a finishing touch, you can go down to the City Hall subway station to take some unique, movie-like shots.

2. Dumbo

I won't lie when I say this is one of the most popular requests among my clients – right after the Brooklyn Bridge, which we'll discuss later. Dumbo offers a variety of fantastic spots, such as views of the Manhattan skyline, the Brooklyn and Manhattan Bridges, small beautiful gardens, and authentic cobblestone streets. In other words, Dumbo is a perfect place for an engagement photoshoot, offering a wide range of different shots.

Hidden gem: surprisingly, I rarely (if ever) see photographers taking pictures at the small yet very beautiful Jardin River Garden, located right next to The River Cafe. This place is definitely worth your attention!

3. Brooklyn Bridge

Another popular destination among my couples is the Brooklyn Bridge, and it hardly needs any explanation. Its Neo-Gothic style and breathtaking view of Manhattan speak for themselves. However, there's a slight problem with this location: crowds. If you don't want your photos filled with tourists, my advice is to either avoid this destination from Friday to Sunday or shoot early in the morning. Despite the effort, the Brooklyn Bridge is always worth it!

4. Brooklyn Heights

I'm sure you've heard of the fantastic view of the Financial District from the Brooklyn Heights Promenade and how fascinating it looks at sunset...

...but don't forget about the cozy Brooklyn Heights brownstones! This is a perfect place for an engagement photoshoot or a fun date love story. Brooklyn Heights shares a West Village vibe but has a significant advantage – it's much calmer and less crowded.

5. Central Park

The lungs of Manhattan – Central Park – rivals Dumbo in the number of locations it offers. Here, you can find beautiful landscapes with skyscrapers in the background, secluded gazebos, hidden spots with views of the towers, beautiful Bethesda Terrace, Bow Bridge, and many other cozy corners to capture your love story.

Bonus: when you're finished with Central Park locations, depending on which side you're on, you can take a walk through the charming streets of the Upper East or West Side. If you've finished near Columbus Circle (which is also a beautiful place to take some pictures), you can take a 10-minute walk to the Alwyn Court – a spectacular building designed in the French Renaissance style.

6. Last but not least – city backdrop

I've already mentioned Brooklyn Heights and Upper East Side's cozy blocks, but I wanted to highlight this as a separate point – you don't always need a specific background with bridges, city skylines, or Bethesda Terrace arches. In the end, your feelings are the best backdrop for any shoot you might have, and it's the only thing that truly matters.