Holiday season Is in full Swing

I have had the most wonderful year, and I hope you have too. I’ve been taking more family photos than ever, and my heart is full. Thank you all for entrusting me in your heirloom pictures.

Here are some recent holiday family pictures I’ve taken: Rockefeller Center, Bryant Park, and even a golf course in Los Angeles with furry babies. I really want to do another Hanukkah family portrait, across from (and in front of) the Plaza Hotel at Grand Army Plaza where the World’s Largest Menorah will shine bright.

There’s still time to take holiday pictures, edit, and print them up in cards or framed prints. If you’re a New Yorker, you know how we do, last minute and fast. Message me to book, but don’t wait.

View fullsize

View fullsize

View fullsize

View fullsize

View fullsize

View fullsize

View fullsize

View fullsize

View fullsize

View fullsize

View fullsize

View fullsize

View fullsize

View fullsize

View fullsize

View fullsize

Family portraits, an art in and of itself

I used to specialize in weddings, editorial portraits, and headshots and I still definitely do those, but family photography has naturally risen to the top. I have been doing portrait photography and it’s grown through referrals. For many years I photographed the Hamilton Park Montessori school— I called photo days Blossoms because we shot during peak flowering tree season. Now, I’ve moved to Manhattan and the possibilities are truly endless. I understand the importance of family pictures, not just when your babies are small, but as they grow older as well.

Thank you for a Wonderful Year, and Happy holidays, everyone!

Graduation photography in Central Park NYC — natural, cinematic grad portraits with iconic locations and seasonal color.

Seasonal Portrait Tips

Grad photos for every season

The majority of pictures I take for grads are on their graduation day, or the same week. This makes perfect sense, since the excitement is palpable, the gown is pressed and ready to go, and friends and family are present. In a sense, it’s sort of an event photography session.

But a lot of other people choose fall, because their grad photos are due to yearbooks, and it’s just that back-to-school time of year that screams academia.

Whatever the season, follow these guidelines, choose relaxed over fussy. If the fake eyelashes will bother you, skip them. If the cap doesn’t suit you, just take a couple with it and then ditch it for the rest of the session. As for every photo shoot, make sure to talk to your photographer for the best light. For me, it depends on the location and season. I can make it work no matter what time of day and no matter what location.

Best Central Park Locations for Graduation Photos

Graduation portraits in Central Park combine natural scenery with iconic New York backdrops. Fall sessions are especially popular thanks to warm foliage, soft light, and cinematic textures. Where’s the best place to go? You tell me! As with all of New York, the list is endless. There are bridges, arches, water, woods, statues, monuments and landmarks, you name it. These spots are for you to explore online and bookmark. This list is also great for location scouting for wedding pictures as well.

This recent session included classic park locations like Cop Cot and the Balto statue, meaningful for a veterinary-science graduate preparing for a career in animal care.

We also started with studio-style portraits at home before heading into the park, creating a mix of polished and candid imagery. Including with dad, which may end up being the most emotionally lasting photographs.

For NYC graduation photography, it’s all about bringing out the real graduate and what makes them shine, timing, location choice, and natural interaction.

Then out we went into the park, which was showing off with every warm shade of fall. The kind of day where the leaves look painted on, the sun is soft instead of bossy, and people stroll like they’ve forgotten they have anywhere else to be. As an aside autumn, Central Park to me is the most beautiful place on earth.

She climbed up onto the magnificent Manhattan schist—like every true New Yorker has done at least once—and sat with the billionaire’s row skyline standing guard behind her. She looked right at home, as if the city were a familiar friend rather than an architectural brag.

And at the end, there was one last frame: a bonus shot with her dad, our driver for the day, the silent anchor who shepherded us from spot to spot with a smile. It was a tiny moment, warm and simple, the kind you almost miss if you’re not paying attention. I never forget to take pictures with the parents if they’re around because these photos end up being the most meaningful as the years go by.

I was in an Art Show!

I was in an art show! A street fair on East 91st Street, just a few blocks from Museum Mile. I got accepted on the Friday evening before the event — just two days to prepare — and I’d never done a street art show before. I needed plastic sleeves, backings, cardboard corners… fast. I realized the best way to get what I needed in time was to walk the neighborhood frame shops. To my relief, I found kind people willing to sell me supplies at Amazon prices or less — and with smiles and encouragement.

As you can see, I need a larger space, a tent with shelves, a gallery, something, to hold all of my things.

I only had 6 feet across and brought way too many prints. My table and chairs were borrowed from a neighbor, and I brought Halloween candy for visitors. I ended up eating them for breakfast and lunch. I’ve been in a lot of shows over the years, but there was a very long gap. My last show was called Essential and it was a group show in a space in Chelsea. Since then I had a baby, moved three times, had a 9-5 during COVID, and have been ramping up my weddings, portraits, and headshots. I was doing a lot of art reproduction for companies such as Gagosian Gallery, Southeby’s and the Hall Art Collection. My work was published in some books. But now after 14 years, I was able to present my art to the world again.

It was so gratifying to have people really look at my work — not just glance, but stop, flip through, connect. I ended up selling a record number of photographs.

One person lingered over my coastal California series and said, “You’re speaking my language,” before buying a print of two surfers watching the waves at dawn in Half Moon Bay.

Another woman picked up a cityscape and told me she’s an art collector. She insisted I sign it.

I was exuberant. Creating art is at the heart of my existence. When people connect with it and choose to hang it in their homes — it feels like I’m contributing to the world in the way I’m truly meant to.

Another highlight is that I got to know a woman picking out a necklace from a vendor next to me. I’m kind of obsessed with color analysis so it was really fun for me to determine she was a bright winter and really needed to get the green necklace. She turned out to be a Tribeca gallery owner. After she picked out the necklace she took a long look at my collection and took my card.

NYC Headshots

Sometimes you do a headshot and have a special bond with the subject. This young actor - and singer and dancer - had something special. There was an energy, passion, intelligence, and nuance that was shining through. I know that this incredible human will soar.

My FIRST Wedding

I’m so excited to be getting back into weddings. I did one last year and am starting to book them for 2026. One is in the Picnic House in Brooklyn and I’m so excited. The one this week is at City Hall. Classic. There’s not much better than wandering around downtown doing wedding pictures. And then there’s Central Park, which is always so swoon.

REACH out to me

I know most of you personally. Reach out to me and let me know how you’re doing! I miss hearing from you.

Hidden Central Park Wedding Photo Locations | NYC Elopement Photographer

Central Park Conservatory Garden wedding in spring

Best Hidden Spots for Central Park Wedding Photos

There are parts of Central Park most visitors never see — quieter corners that feel surprisingly private in the middle of New York City. These spots are ideal for engagement sessions, intimate weddings, and elopements where couples want the beauty of the park without crowds.

I often guide couples toward lesser-known locations where the light, architecture, and greenery create a cinematic backdrop while still keeping the experience relaxed. For destination couples especially, these hidden areas offer a distinctly New York atmosphere without the chaos people expect.

If you’re planning an NYC elopement or engagement session, choosing the right Central Park location makes all the difference in how natural the photos feel.

Wedding in spring in the Central Park Conservatory Garden

Why Couples Choose Central Park Elopements

Eloping in Central Park is an obvious choice, it provides iconic NYC views and at the same time serenity so that you can be truly in the moment. And after the ceremony, it’s just a quick jaunt to other landmarks in the city.

Most tourists go to the portion of Central Park below 96th Street. However, if you have an extra day and want to explore further, go where the tourists rarely venture, to the Conservatory Garden located at 104th and 5th. It’s such a zen place, complete with a crabapple allée as they call it — they even make crabapples sound fancy — an epic entry gate called the Vanderbilt Gate that I just want to hug; an English Garden on the south side (my favorite and featured in the pictures on this post); a beautiful fountain in the Italian section and otherworldly floral displays and statues on the north side, the French garden. It’s like visiting Europe without the lines at the airport.

Weddings in Central Park can be chaotic. Have you ever seen lines of brides on a weekend at the Bow Bridge? I have. This place is a quiet, tucked-in oasis. As my teen would say, it has Max Aura.

Plan Your NYC Elopement with Photos first

Aside from the date, the officiant and the permit — and of course an outfit — you don’t need much more for an NYC Elopement in the Conservatory Garden. Contact me first so we can plan out the photo shoot, My favorite spot is the Burnett Fountain, located at one end of a water lily pool in the Conservatory Garden’s English-style garden. “The Burnett Fountain is a memorial to the children’s book author Frances Hodgson Burnett (1849–1924), known for her novels The Secret Garden, Little Lord Fauntleroy, and A Little Princess.” It’s on the south side, and it’s where a lot of couples have their ceremony because of many things, but especially THAT gorgeous tree, pictured above. A lot of people love getting married under a magestic tree.

To be honest, most of the weddings I did there were destination weddings, of couples traveling from abroad. Since fewer people are traveling to the US these days, I really hope locals will discover this little gem of a wedding venue.

A sweet Sample of Central Park Wedding Pics

I photographed my dear groom Carlos and his husband at the garden, and I only have a few pictures — long story. I asked for more, and he promised he’d send them to me. For now, voila! Carlos and I share a love for Gloria Estefan and he’s just a wonderful person. Full gallery coming soon I hope. These are also wonderful because the officiant is one of my favorite people, Reverend Annie.

Central Park Maternity Photography: Quiet Moments in the Middle of New York

Best NYC Locations for Maternity Photos

Maternity photography in New York City works best when it feels natural and personal. Whether photographed outdoors, at home, or in studio, the goal is relaxed portraits that reflect this transitional moment without feeling overly posed.

When to Schedule Pregnancy Photos

My Approach

My full-on documentary style comes to the fore when I photograph pregnant women. I tend to use my vintage cameras with gritty film and black and white. I like to take the pictures indoors. It’s just what inspires me. Are you a mom to be? Do you want me to photograph you in a soft, but real way? Many clients choose locations meaningful to them such as neighborhoods, parks, or their own homes. Contact me! This gallery is so special to me.

When to Book

The best time for pictures is seven to eight months (28-34 weeks). With twins, maybe a little earlier. However it truly depends on you! As you can see, some of my moms decided to wait until the late 30-week period to take their pictures.

Visit the Maternity Gallery

Maternity pictures with clothing, a nice option too

Here are some more maternity portraits, these outdoors, fully-clothed, in Central Park on the Bow Bridge, Reservoir, and on a big rock in Central Park. Some people don’t want to show their belly when they get their Maternity photos done, and that’s just fine with me! This couple simply wanted to look into the camera, mostly, and just beam with happiness and bask in the special time — all with a backdrop of some of the most special places in Central Park. Two of my favorite pictures in the gallery are the couple in front of the bathroom, more specifically the Delacorte Public Restroom. Certainly more beautiful than most restrooms, and definitely something overlooked during a photoshoot. But not with me. The other is the Ramble Stone Arch. A lot of people don’t go into Ramble for pictures, and it’s truly one of the hidden treasures of the park.