Creative : Central Park Engagement Photos

Central Park is iconic and located in the middle of Manhattan. It’s a place for bringing the pets (cats on leash included) on a walk, watch the trees change through the seasons, listen to live music from starving and underrated talented musicians (please tip), and the mecca for engagement photos.

Map of Central Park Engagement Photos

In the map below, these are the typical spots we can cover engagement photos within 90 minutes around Central Park. First, we started at the Loeb Boat House where the couple rented a rowboat for “The Notebook” style vibes. Next, we photographed near a willow tree with the iconic two towers and lake in the background. After, we walked over the Bethesda Terrace staircase and inside the beautiful terrace for dancing photos. The sun went down at the end of our shoot and we ended up at the Bow bridge for creative night portraits with off-camera flash, champagne shower and smoke bombs.

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Creative Engagement Photos Ideas

Photoshop Magic:

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This couple wanted a photo where they belonged in the live-action Disney film, Aladdin. So I had my assistant and the couple’s family member help hold up a white sheet and I had a tripod to capture multiple shots to composite onto a genie/lamp photo I bought rights to on Shutterstock. Check out the behind-the-scenes video below!

Smoke Bomb Photography:

This couple wanted a smoke bomb photo inspired all over Pinterest! To do this, the couple purchased colorful smoke bombs from Enola Gaye. I had to set up an off-camera flash with a tripod about 4 ft behind them directed on their backs. The purpose of this is to light up the smoke behind them. Without the light, you will not be able to see the detail of the smoke. The best part of smoke bomb photography, you can do this at ANY time of day! Be careful as it is fire and to use smoke bombs with gloves and away from dry brush! Water nearby to extinguish is key. Below you will find how I shot it and a cool gif from the creative smoke bomb photography session.

Wear multiple outfits for engagement photos

I allow my couples to change into multiple outfits during their engagement photos. I want them to have a variety of photos to look like multiple photoshoots. We move around a lot but a different outfit is always fun to change up the vibe of the photo session. I encourage at least one super fancy “extra” outfit and another outfit that’s more casual. Always up to them and whatever, they feel comfortable. Keep in mind, COLOR matters. I would never suggest someone wear all green if their photos are taken place in a lush park, like Central Park in the summertime. Learn more on how to prepare for engagement photos here. Below is a short preview clip on a client changing in the portable changing tent I have for engagement photo sessions 🙂