As New York & Hudson Valley elopement photographers, we have had the pleasure of capturing the love and raw emotion of many couples who have chosen to exchange their vows in this bustling, vibrant city. Whether it’s a small, intimate gathering or a celebration with friends and family, elopement photos in New York offer a unique and unforgettable experience for couples.

Top Tips for Candid Elopement Photos in New York

Here are some tips and insights from my experience as a New York elopement photographer for capturing stunning candid photos that truly capture the essence of your special day. As Beacon-based elopement photographers, we know that capturing stunning candid photos of a couple’s special day takes more than just technical skill. In order to truly capture the raw emotions and genuine moments of an elopement, it’s important to develop a rapport with the couple and understand their unique love story.

Choose a Unique and Scenic Location for Your Love Story

One of the most important aspects of any elopement is the location. After all, this is where you will exchange your vows and begin your new life together. In New York, there are endless options for beautiful and unique elopement locations, from the iconic Central Park and Brooklyn Bridge to the trendy High Line and historical landmarks.

Where to Take Elopement Photography in New York City

When choosing a location for your elopement, consider what reflects your personality and style as a couple. Do you love the city’s energy and excitement, or prefer a more intimate and secluded setting? Are you drawn to the natural beauty of parks and gardens, or do you crave the architectural and cultural wonders of the city?

Best Spots to Elope in the Big Apple

As New York elopement photographers, we have had the opportunity to shoot in many of the city’s most popular and scenic locations. We can offer personalized recommendations and tips for finding hidden gems and off-the-beaten-path locations that will provide a more authentic and intimate experience for your elopement.

Get to Know Your New York Elopement Photographer

In order to capture truly candid and natural-looking photos, it is essential to get to know the couple beforehand. This will not only help me understand their vision and preferences for their elopement photos, but it will also allow me to develop a rapport and familiarity with the couple. This will make them feel more comfortable and relaxed in front of the camera, resulting in more genuine and authentic photos.

Start Communication with Your Vendor Team Early

We always recommend conducting a pre-elopement consultation and engagement shoot with the couple. This not only gives me an opportunity to learn more about their love story and what makes their relationship special, but it also allows the couple to get comfortable with me and my photography style.

Develop a Rapport Ahead of Your Elopement Celebration

Developing a rapport with the couple before the big day can make all the difference in capturing natural and candid elopement photos. As the photographer, it’s important to take the time to understand the couple’s love story and what makes their relationship special. This can be done through pre-elopement consultations and engagement shoots.

Understand Each Other’s Styles

During these meetings, it’s important for New York elopement photographers to listen to the couple’s vision and preferences, and offer guidance and suggestions based on their needs. This will not only help you understand their style and desires, but also build trust and comfort between you and the couple.

Capture Candid Elopement Photos in New York

Candid photography is crucial in capturing an elopement’s genuine emotions and moments. As the photographer, it’s important to position yourself in a way that allows you to capture natural-looking photos without interrupting the flow of the day.

Build Trust in Your Photographer, and Vice Versa

Using composition and lighting techniques can also enhance the candidness of the photos. For example, using a shallow depth of field to blur the background and draw attention to the couple’s expressions or using natural light to create a soft and romantic atmosphere. It’s also important for us as elopement photographers to be unobtrusive. We let the couple interact and express their emotions without interference. This will result in photos that truly capture the magic of the day.

Candid, Authentic Elopement Photos in New York

In conclusion, eloping in Brooklyn or Manhattan can be a magical and unforgettable experience. To capture the beauty and romance of your special day, it’s important to consider hiring an experienced elopement photographer who knows the city and can help you plan your photo shoot. Some key tips for capturing stunning candid photos include choosing a beautiful and iconic location, such as Central Park or the Brooklyn Bridge, and capturing candid moments as they happen naturally. With the right photographer and a little planning, you can ensure that your elopement photos will be a treasured keepsake for years to come.