NYC Couples Photoshoot: A Complete Guide
We all know that New York City is the place to be if you want to capture iconic, cinematic couples photos. As an NYC wedding photographer, I’m dishing out my favorite tips and tricks for the perfect NYC couples photoshoot.
Whether you’re engaged or just want memorable photos with you and yours, here’s all you need to know!
Picking the Right Location for an NYC Couples Photoshoot
For this couple’s photoshoot, a last-minute location change ended up working in our favor.
Our original plan had been to take photos in Wall Street. Upon scouting the area, I texted Arlene and Cayden with a new plan: to meet in TriBeCa. I was sure we’d be able to find more photogenic spots there.
The classic and cinematic Roxy Hotel ended up being the perfect backdrop for an iconic New York City photoshoot, capturing the essence of mid-twentieth-century Manhattan.
There was also a coffee shop attached to the hotel, which allowed us to get some casual coffee-sipping photos that this couple wanted!
A few other NYC photography locations that you can’t go wrong with are:
- New York Public Library (Bryant Park)
- Manhattan Bridge (DUMBO)
- The Beekman Hotel (Downtown NYC)
- Top of the Rock (Rockefeller Plaza)
- Bethesda Fountain and Terrace (Central Park)
- The Metropolitan Museum of Art (Central Park)
Every NYC Couples Photoshoot Needs Coordinated Outfits
This is a crucial part of the planning process for your NYC photoshoot. Outfits really set the tone for the photoshoot vibe (after location, of course).
Cayden’s striped suit and Arlene’s corseted dress created a vintage look that really brought that classic New York City vision to life.
Matching the vibe of the background is important, but also make sure you and your partner’s outfits match nicely.
Couples sometimes think that wearing the same colors is the best way to match. This often actually makes it harder to distinguish one another in the photo.
I recommend wearing outfits that complement each other in style and color, but do not necessarily match.
NYC is Busy: Finding a Less Crowded Time
New York City is bustling at all hours, but choosing the right time can really make a difference for your photos.
Thankfully, this is a city where people are used to seeing cameras in the streets, influencers recording themselves eating, and far more out-there things. It’s nothing anyone hasn’t seen before.
Nonetheless, finding a time when the streets are less crowded will REALLY save you a lot of time with getting the photos you want.
Best Times for a Photoshoot in NYC:
- Early mornings: We shot Arlene and Cayden’s session on a weekend morning around 8 AM, when the streets were a bit quieter.
- Weekdays: If shooting during the week, aim for pre-rush hour mornings or mid-afternoons.
Avoid peak tourist times, if you can.
Getting the Classic NYC Couples Crosswalk Photos
How can you do an NYC couple’s photoshoot without getting the classic crosswalk photo?!
Nothing screams “New York City” quite like these shots – especially if the location you choose doesn’t have skyline or skyscraper views.
Also, crosswalks are everywhere you look. No matter where you go, you’ll be able to get these photos!
Playing With Motion for Cinematic Photos
Photographers, bring your shutter speed down to anywhere from 1/30 sec to 1/10 sec and snap away!
The slower your shutter speed is, the longer your shutter is open, which allows the camera to capture more movement (resulting in the motion blur).
Doing motion blur photos during your NYC couples photoshoot has got to be obligatory. They add such a cinematic feel to the photoshoot. It feels like a snapshot from a movie scene!
Remember – not all couples photos need to be posed. Some of the best photos result from the couple just freely dancing, running around, or doing an activity together.
Interacting With Your Surroundings
The setting of your photos doesn’t just have to be the backdrop – be dynamic and interact with it.
While photographing Arlene and Cayden, I decided to place them in the revolving doors of the hotel. This resulted in some of my favorite photos from the session.
Don’t be afraid to play with your surroundings.
Whether it’s a door, a unique-looking chair, a step that someone can sit on… it will all make your photos look so much more unique and cinematic!
Find an NYC Photographer that Matches Your Vision
Finally, make sure that you find a photographer whose editing style aligns with your vision – this can really make a difference in how the photos come out!
I wanted to give these photos a cinematic, classic look since I thought that would fit best with the hotel’s ambience and the couple’s outfits.
To do so, I made sure to keep the dark colors dark while editing, but to bring out the vibrant glow of any light in the photos.
I hope you’ll take away some great insights from these NYC couples photoshoot tips. If you’re ready to capture your love story in the heart of NYC, don’t hesitate to contact me at hello@karlikhannaphotography.com and let’s begin planning your photoshoot!
