When you search “engagement photos in NYC” on Pinterest, what’s the first thing you see? Probably the usual subway platform photos, charming brownstone streets, and the same iconic Manhattan spots over and over again. But there’s one NYC engagement session location I feel gets completely slept on – the Staten Island Ferry.

The Staten Island Ferry is free and operates 24/7 all year long. There are no tickets or booking required. For Julie and Josh’s engagement session, they had envisioned a romantic and cinematic feel for their photos. We did not want to do the typical NYC shots, so we opted for the ferry – which ended up being perfect. When we arrived at the terminal to board the 5PM ferry, it was packed. We decided to board the next ferry since the lighting was a bit brighter than we were planning for. While we waited, we started taking photos at The Battery, which was just right behind the terminal. This added a variety in their gallery with hints of spring and another skyline view.

The ferry boards every 30 minutes, so we got back to the terminal just in time for the 5:30PM ferry. The ferry was packed, but there was still plenty of space for us to take photos.

This was my first time photographing on the Staten Island Ferry, and it was everything a cinematic photographer could hope for. Waiting for the next ferry was the best choice, because the lighting was exactly where we wanted it to be – moody yet soft. It was windy as expected, which added so much character to Josh and Julie’s engagement session. Their energy was more on the calmer and more quiet side, but I could tell how much fun they have together and it showed in their photos.

The seagulls were also following us, which made our session even more dreamy. It really felt like Josh and Julie were in their own movie!

We also got a nice view of the Statue of Liberty.

Like I always do, as a documentary-style and cinematic NYC photographer, I leaned into their personalities and energy to prompt them into natural movements that prompted genuine connection. Timid does not mean stiff poses, especially when I can see and feel the energy of who I’m photographing. I prioritize creating a space where you feel seen, heard, and our time together feels just like hanging out with a familiar friend.

The lighting, the texture of the ferry, and the color palette of their outfits all complemented each other beautifully, creating a cohesive look. These elements all added up to make their photos feel romantic, intimate, and cinematic. The prompts I used were all intended to make them feel like they were just on a date, so they were more focused on each other and less focused on the camera. There were moments when I didn’t even have to prompt them because they naturally fell into what feels right for them in the moment, which is one thing I always tell the couples I’m working with. If something feels right in the moment, like a hug, kiss, or any tiny gesture of affection, do it. My prompts are there to gently guide you into a mood, an emotion, and not to micromanage every move for a photo. This is how you end up with photos that feel effortless and true to who you are.

Some of my favorite things to do to make a photo feel like a movie still is to frame my subject and shoot through windows.

Another way is to utilize props. Josh and Julie had a pretzel in their bag that we used for the last part of their engagement session. It was a perfect way to show add a hint of playfulness.

The most meaningful engagement sessions are never about perfectly recreating a Pinterest photo. They are about creating space for your personalities, your energy, and your relationship to naturally take shape within the environment around you. If you are dreaming of engagement photos that feel cinematic, emotionally immersive, and true to you, I would love to create something intentional together.

Reach out here to see if we’re a great fit and we can talk about all the details and how you are envisioning your engagement session to be.

Click here to see the Staten Island Ferry schedule.