Photographing Tei and Neil on the streets of Midtown Manhattan was one of those sessions that made me fall in love with photographing couples in New York City. There is so much movement, history, emotion, and little in-between moments everywhere you look. We had initially planned on having our session at NYPL (New York Public Library), Bryant Park, and Grand Central Terminal, but ended up having to skip Bryant Park because it was closed to prepare for their holiday market.
We started our session at NYPL, and the architecture alone brings such a timeless, cinematic feeling to photos. Even though it was busy, we were still able to create images that felt intimate like it was just the two of them in their own world. Tei and Neil have such a calm, grounded energy together, and I wanted the photos to reflect that softness and steadiness. While my photography is inspired by nostalgia, my work is rooted in connection. I’m always paying attention to how a couple naturally interacts: how they stand close, how they laugh, how they settle into each other, and I guide in a way that brings out what’s already there instead of forcing moments that don’t fit.
Tei and Neil are also from the Philippines and speak Tagalog, so we instantly had a connection. We talked about the time they immigrated to the U.S., their kids, and their relationship… they’ve been together for 22 years! It also happened to be Tei’s birthday when we had our session, which made it even more special.
After NYPL, we walked over to Grand Central Terminal for the second half of their session. The energy there is completely different. It was louder and faster, so I shifted my prompts to be more playful and carefree while still keeping the romance present. And the contrast worked beautifully. The motion, the crowds, and the historic architecture added layers of story and nostalgia that made the images feel alive.
Photographing couples in New York City will always feel like magic to me. Between the historic buildings, busy streets, skyscrapers, and cultures, there’s texture everywhere. Locations like the New York Public Library and Grand Central Terminal are incredible for engagement and couples photography, but the real key is patience, awareness, and learning how to let the environment become part of the story instead of fighting it.
Because at the end of the day, it’s not just about the location; it’s about the connection unfolding inside it.
If you are dreaming about a nostalgic and emotive city session, I’d love to hear more about you and your vision. Let’s work together.
