Mia & John’s New York Public Library Engagement Session on Film
There’s something endlessly romantic about New York City — the energy, the light, the way every corner feels like a story waiting to be told. Mia and John’s engagement session at the New York Public Library was one of those perfect New York days that remind me why I love what I do.
The afternoon light poured through the library’s tall windows, wrapping everything in a soft golden glow. It felt cinematic — timeless, elegant, and effortlessly them. We wandered through the marble halls, laughed our way up the grand staircase, and paused to soak in the stillness between the chaos of the city just outside. These are the kinds of moments I love most — the quiet in-betweens that feel real and full of meaning.
As a documentary-style photographer, I focus on capturing what’s true — the glances, laughter, and small gestures that make your love story yours. Shooting on film adds an extra layer of nostalgia that digital just can’t replicate. There’s a texture and emotion to it — a softness that makes every frame feel like a memory you can hold.
Why the New York Public Library is Perfect for Engagement Photos
The New York Public Library is truly one of the most iconic and romantic backdrops in the city. The grand architecture, sweeping staircases, and sunlit reading rooms make it feel like something straight out of a 90s rom-com (and honestly, isn’t that the dream?).
I love how this location gives room for both the elegant and the spontaneous — we’ll take those timeless portraits in front of the columns, then sneak a few playful shots in the side hallways when no one’s looking. The natural light here is unmatched, especially in the afternoon when the sun filters through the massive windows, creating that soft, ethereal glow that makes film come alive.
If you’re considering a New York Public Library engagement session, I always recommend scheduling around this light. It changes everything — every detail feels more romantic, more cinematic, more you.
Tips for Planning Your NYC Engagement Session
If you’re planning your engagement session in New York City, here are a few tips I’ve picked up along the way:
Chase the light. Early morning and late afternoon are your best friends. The light is gentle, flattering, and it brings that warm, dreamy tone to every image.
Keep it real. The best photos happen when you’re just being yourselves — laughing, exploring, and forgetting the camera’s there.
Consider film. Film photography adds a layer of timelessness and depth that makes your photos feel both nostalgic and elevated.
Dress for you. Choose outfits that make you feel confident and comfortable — ones that fit your personality and complement the setting.
Explore iconic NYC spots. Alongside the library, Central Park, the Brooklyn Bridge, and the West Village all make for incredible engagement photo locations.
Think about the season. Spring cherry blossoms in Central Park, crisp fall light downtown — New York transforms with the seasons, and your photos will too.Capturing Authentic Moments on Film
Capturing Authentic Moments on Film
For Mia and John’s session, I shot on my Hasselblad 500C, my favorite camera for film photography. There’s a certain magic in the way a medium format film camera captures texture and tone. Details are enhanced, and the lighting becomes dreamy.
What I love most about documentary-style photography is how it lets the real moments shine. The laughter between poses, the quiet look before a kiss, the way your hands naturally find each other — those are the images that tell your story best.
Film preserves those moments with a warmth and richness that feels timeless. It’s not just about how it looks — it’s about how it feels. When you look back at your photos, I want you to remember the energy of the day, the light, the laughter — not just the way you looked, but the way you felt.
Why Choose a Documentary-Style Engagement Session
Choosing a documentary-style engagement session in NYC means you get to be fully present. No stiff posing or forced smiles — just the two of you, being yourselves, in one of the most beautiful cities in the world.
The New York Public Library is perfect for this kind of storytelling. It’s grand and cinematic, yet somehow intimate. There’s room for both sweeping, dramatic portraits and quiet, candid moments that feel completely your own.
Your photos should reflect you — your connection, your laughter, your rhythm. That’s what I aim to capture: images that feel honest, alive, and timeless.
Let’s Capture Your NYC Engagement!
If you’re dreaming of an NYC engagement session, whether at the New York Public Library or another spot that feels meaningful to you, I’d love to be part of it.
I photograph love stories on film and in a documentary style, focusing on the real moments — the ones that tell your story in the most beautiful, natural way.
[Click here to fill out my inquiry form] and I’ll be in touch within 24–48 hours. Let’s plan a session that feels like you — effortless, romantic, and full of that New York magic.
