Williamsburg Engagement Session : Ally & Danny : Brooklyn, New York
I met up with Ally and Danny on October 18th for an engagement session in Williamsburg in Brooklyn, New York.
One of the greatest things about photographing engagement sessions in New York City is the wide variety of locations available. In this case, Ally and Danny wanted a completely different feeling from their upcoming wedding at the Central Park Boathouse in the spring. So, for their engagement session, the neighborhood of Williamsburg brought a totally distinct vibe.
We met up at the new Williams Vale Hotel, where we shot upstairs in the bar, relaxed, grabbed drinks, and looked around for interesting picture opportunities while the late afternoon sun streamed in. You never know what kind of things might pop up—like a photo op waiting for an elevator.
The hotel’s landscaped deck was one flight up from the street and was the perfect place to hang out and grab some Master Dips for a mid-session bite before we ventured out into the neighborhood. It was the perfect opportunity to find some quiet and for Ally and Danny to take a moment to get comfortable without a bunch of people around.
As the light began to dissipate, we wandered past the Wythe Hotel, looking for interesting backdrops. It was such a nice fall afternoon, and we were able to watch the sun go down at East River State Park in great moods after such a productive session.
One of the reasons I like to shoot so late in the day is that the light keeps changing, creating different moods as we go along. It doesn’t take a lot of time to get unique and varied looks. I especially love that, as we get up to the edge of how much light we’re able to shoot in, the session takes on a quiet, intimate feeling, perfect for engagement shoots.
I’m always busy in the fall with engagement sessions—I think I photographed four this week—but it’s my favorite season of the year. I love the chance to get to know my couples before their upcoming wedding and to give them some more casual pictures for save the dates, wedding websites, and invitations.
Danny & Ally, thank you for asking me to be your engagement photographer. I truly enjoyed spending the evening out with you.
Vendors:
Coney Island Engagement : Isabelle & Jonathan : Brooklyn, NY
Coney Island New York City Engagement Brian Hatton Photography
Coney Island New York City Engagement Brian Hatton Photography
Coney Island New York City Engagement Brian Hatton Photography
Coney Island New York City Engagement Brian Hatton Photography
Coney Island New York City Engagement Brian Hatton Photography
Coney Island New York City Engagement Brian Hatton Photography
Coney Island New York City Engagement Brian Hatton Photography
Coney Island New York City Engagement Brian Hatton Photography
Coney Island New York City Engagement Brian Hatton Photography
Coney Island New York City Engagement Brian Hatton Photography
Coney Island New York City Engagement Brian Hatton Photography
Coney Island New York City Engagement Brian Hatton Photography
Coney Island New York City Engagement Brian Hatton Photography
I met up with Isabelle and Jonathan on July 10th for an engagement session out on Coney Island one windy, blustery afternoon. I want to give my couples the best possible weather for the engagement session. So, if it happens to be raining on the date we choose, I'm more than happy to reschedule. That was the case with Jonathan and Isabelle—this was the second date we aimed for. I’m glad we waited, because it was a beautiful July afternoon. The wind does present its own challenges when it comes to keeping hair under control, but some of my favorite images actually came from the times we were able to take advantage of this. I particularly liked the pictures of the two of them out by the pier as the sun went down. The serenity and soft colors that the late sky offers are such a nice complement to the horizon over the ocean. It's been a few years since I shot an engagement session out by Luna Park and its iconic Cyclone rollercoaster. It was so easy to get caught back up in the fun, positive energy of the park as families enjoyed the late afternoon by the beach. Coney Island is also a place of personal significance for Jonathan and Isabelle, since they live close by. I love when my couples have an added connection to their venues and locations. We began by walking along the boardwalk, past the famous Nathan’s Hotdogs. Then, we strolled through the amusement park and stopped to play some carnival games and hang out near some iconic attractions. Overall, the relaxed setting set the tone for the whole session, and we ended up having a blast while getting some great photographs. Jonathan & Isabelle, I'm looking forward to photographing your upcoming wedding and had a great time exploring Coney Island with you!
NYC Locations : Engagement Sessions : New York, NY
With so many locations in New York City for engagement photoshoots, we have plenty of options and flexibility for choosing that one perfect spot that best echoes a couple’s sensibilities. I wanted to tour through some options I receive a many requests for so you can see which one might be right for you.
Central Park is the most popular picks for an engagement session—and for good reason. I love the fact that there are so many ways to feature the park and the city that surrounds it. Over the course of an hour, we can go from a city street to Bow Bridge, with stops along the way filled with lush colors and iconic images like the Bethesda Fountain and Terrace. 
We call the area between the Brooklyn & Manhattan Bridge, DUMBO (Down Under the Manhattan Bridge Overpass), but for such a curious name, it really does provide sweeping views of Lower Manhattan, bridges, and cobblestone streets that are simply perfect for engagement shoots. It’s been bustling lately because of a boom in development and new ferry service in the area, but if you go early in the work week or in the morning, you’ll have it all to yourself. 
Carl Schurz Park on the Upper East Side is another one of those unknown hideaways frequented by locals but untouched by visiting tourists. The way the light sneaks through the buildings late in the day is a big draw for me as a photographer, as is the fact that the East River runs alongside the park. 
This is one of my favorite places in the city in general. With lofts, warehouses, converted industrial spaces, and little to no tourist attractions, the TriBeCa neighborhood feels almost isolated, yet rich in the feeling of Old New York. We can stand in the street for long stretches without having to run away from cars, and when the sun comes down, the alleys and narrow streets turn moody and romantic.
The West Village has become very popular for engagement sessions to capture that classic Sex and the City look. You can never get enough of the cobblestone or the front stoops of gorgeous town homes. Sweaters in the fall and crisp, collared shirts in the spring are always a good look here. 
With its infamous ironclad oasis, Gramercy Park can’t actually be entered, but it’s beautiful just outside the gates as well. Since it’s so quiet and exclusive, this is perfect if you don’t want a million eyes on you as you canoodle in front of a camera for an hour.
The redeveloped elevated trackway otherwise known as Highline Park, running from Meatpacking up to Hudson Yards, has been a staple location since it first opened and has become a major destination for out-of-towners. On weekends it can be a little busy, but on a blustery winter day, it’s absolutely perfect—just us and a few diehard joggers. 
Grand Central Terminal amazes me every time I enter it. There is something about the way the building is nestled between all those modern skyscrapers and whisks people away to the serenity of the burbs that makes it so enchanting. It’s famous the world over, so be prepared—everyone’s families always go crazy for photos in the space.
A lot of 20- and 30-somethings working the infamous 12-hour NYC work days in Midtown tend to have crash pads close to work. A lot of the high-rise buildings have stunning common areas, which are perfect for the end of any session. Obviously, we can’t just waltz into any of these places, but if you live in one, it’s a golden opportunity.
Some couples like to take photos at the spot of their first date or a favorite date location. It’s great to have an environment with a personal meaning, but be warned—you sometimes have to reserve the space on off hours or make other arrangements. For example, I met up with a couple at the Jane Hotel to shoot in their roof bar and get a few pictures in some of the dramatic spaces throughout the hotel. 
Finally, the hallowed grounds of the Brooklyn Botanic Garden during that magical week where the cherry blossoms are in full bloom is a must-have for many a couple. It takes a little planning, a permit, and an early morning session to avoid the crowds, but it’s well worth it.
No matter what spot you choose, one thing is always true: the more comfortable you feel and the deeper the personal connection to your surroundings, the better you’ll look in your pictures. It’s up to you to choose the place that best fits your personality—and there are truly so many to choose from.
High Line Park Engagement : Jovana & Brandon : New York, NY
Freezing temperatures didn't slow this couple down for this winter engagement session near the Hudson River in New York City.
