By Elyse Hall Photography
There’s something about New York City in the fall that feels like a movie. The leaves turn gold, the air has that crisp bite, and every corner feels like it’s waiting to tell a story. On this particular trip, I had the joy of photographing an engagement session that reminded me exactly why I love being behind the camera — and why NYC has a piece of my heart.
Walking Through Central Park
We started the session in Central Park, one of my favorite places to photograph in the city. There’s such a mix of grandeur and intimacy there — sweeping arches at Bethesda Terrace, quiet tree-lined paths, the glow of light peeking through branches. As a documentary wedding photographer, I’m always looking for those little in-between moments. The way she reached for his hand as they walked, the way he leaned in to whisper something that made her laugh — those are the moments that stay with me.
What I love about Central Park is how it changes with every season. In the fall, the light is softer, the colors more vibrant, and the whole place feels alive. Shooting here allowed me to lean into both my editorial photographer side — framing the couple under the arches in a way that felt cinematic — and my more candid approach, letting them just wander and enjoy each other while I documented from a distance.
The West Village Magic
After Central Park, we headed downtown to the West Village. I adore this neighborhood. The cobblestone streets, the brownstones with ivy trailing up their sides, the cafés buzzing with life — it’s all so effortlessly romantic.
Here, the session shifted into more of a lifestyle wedding photographer vibe. Instead of guiding much, I let them simply be together. They leaned into each other on a stoop, paused to laugh on the sidewalk, and walked arm-in-arm down the street as if they were in their own little world. It’s in places like this that my style of candid wedding photography really shines. I don’t want everything to feel posed. I want the photos to feel like them.
Film Meets Digital
One of the things I love most about my work is weaving together both film and digital photography. Film has this depth and softness that feels painterly, almost nostalgic. Digital, on the other hand, gives me the flexibility to catch quick, fleeting moments. Together, they tell a story that feels complete.
During this session, I shot rolls of film in Central Park to capture the richness of the fall colors and the romance of the arches, while relying on digital to document the playful, spontaneous energy of the West Village. Blending the two mediums is something I’ve done for years, and it’s such a gift to create imagery that feels both timeless and fresh.
Why I Love Photographing in NYC
Even though I’m based in Arizona and often photograph as a Phoenix wedding photographer and Arizona wedding photographer, my heart pulls me back to New York again and again. There’s an energy here that’s unlike anywhere else. It’s fast-paced, a little chaotic, but at the same time, deeply romantic.
As a destination wedding photographer, I’ve worked in so many different cities, but NYC has this ability to make every love story feel bigger. Whether it’s an intimate elopement in Central Park, an editorial-style engagement session in the West Village, or a full wedding in one of the city’s historic hotels, there’s no shortage of inspiration here.
For me, photographing in New York feels like a blend of everything I love — the artistic, the emotional, the editorial, and the spontaneous. It’s a city that invites you to document both the grand and the intimate.
The Heart of It All
At the end of the day, what made this session so special wasn’t just the locations (though they were stunning). It was the couple. They laughed easily, moved together naturally, and let me in to witness their connection. As someone who identifies as an artistic wedding photographer, that’s what I’m always chasing — the honesty, the intimacy, the emotion.
Every time I photograph in New York, I walk away inspired. The city reminds me that photography isn’t just about pretty backdrops (though NYC certainly delivers those). It’s about telling a story that feels real.
Closing Reflection
Looking back at these photos, I’m reminded why I picked up a camera in the first place. To me, photography is about more than documentation. It’s about creating something that feels alive. New York has this way of magnifying that feeling — every corner holds a moment waiting to be captured, every season tells a new story.
Fall in NYC will always be one of my favorite times to photograph. It’s timeless, it’s cinematic, and it’s so full of life. And for couples who love the city the way I do, it’s the perfect backdrop to celebrate their love.
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