Local Photographers’ Favorite Engagement Photo Sessions

: Nicolette Rabadi & Florian Jaze
The Location: “Historic” Village Diner, Red Hook
The Photographer: Cynthia DelConte at Day for Night Productions
Rhinecliff (845) 757-2222; dayfornightproductions.com
The Shot: “They met at a diner, so we did the engagement shoot at the ‘Historic’ Village Diner, the oldest diner in New York State,” says Cynthia DelConte. “We went for a fun, vintage look.”
The Tip: “It is always lovely for a couple to pick a spot that is sentimental,” she says. “On the other hand, it can be a really great preview for both the couple and photographer to do the pre-shoot at the wedding site, if possible. This gives all of us a chance to scope out favorites spots and check the lighting of the area.”

: Jaclyn Jackabowski & Aaron Fishkow
The Location: Nyack
The Photographer: Christopher’s Studio
Harrison (914) 907-9272; Pearl River (845) 735-8210; christophersstudio.net
The Shot: “Engagement photo shoots are a great way to showcase your individuality,” says Pam Nealon of Christopher’s Studio. “Jaclyn and Aaron brought their creative personalities with them to their engagement shoot, dressing in 1920s attire.”
The Tip: “Engagement sessions allow you to get used to being in front a camera—almost as a dress rehearsal for your wedding day,” Nealon says. “You and your photographer can get to know each other and get a feel for what to expect. Acting relaxed and natural in front of the camera will help capture your personalities as everyone knows you.”

: Gabrielle Thal-Pruzan & Jesse Horowitz
The Location: The Hill, Hudson
The Photographer: Hillary Harvey Photography
Kingston (845) 331-0195; hillaryharveyphotography.com
The Shot: “When most people think of the Hudson Valley, they imagine sweeping landscapes and picturesque farms,” Harvey says. “What I love are its hidden architectural gems that make for dramatic backdrops. Gabby and Jesse’s engagement shoot was also a site visit, and, while we were in the barn talking about their vision for their wedding reception, I was struck by the way the barn’s half-moon window so perfectly framed them. And then Jesse leaned over and stole a kiss.”
The Tip: “I always tell the couples I’m working with to bring a sweater or jacket that you can take on and off, perhaps a hat, and a change of shoes,” Harvey says. “It’s an easy way to change up the pictures.”

: Courtney René & Robert Rinaldi
The Location: Maryknoll Fathers and Brothers Society Center, Ossining
The Photographer: Jade & Tim O’Connell, Uplift Photography
Danbury, CT; upliftphotography.com
The Shot: “Courtney and Rob had picked the location for their engagement shoot,” says Uplift’s Jade O’Connell, “and the second we drove up, this tree just called my name! The late-afternoon light was perfect and they were so comfortable with each other, it just made for the perfect photograph.”
The Tip: “Being yourself is the best thing you can do for your photographs,” she says. “I like to start our sessions doing things that our clients would normally do. If they like to hike, we hike! If they like to go to the beach, we do that. If they like to stroll and have coffee, we check out a café.”

: Ali Kutner & Matt Gordon
The Location: Halsey Pond Park, Irvington
The Photographer: H&H Photographers
Irvington (914) 591-4200; hhphotographers.com
The Shot: “The image was shot by our photographer, the wonderful Stefy Hilmer,” says H&H’s Dan Fried. “Both Stefy and I live in Irvington, right by this hidden gem of a park called Halsey Pond, where Stefy took the couple. This image is in front of the teahouse of what remains of the historic Beltzhoover estate. There is this one copper beech tree there that has generations of Irvington teenagers’ names carved into it. And, on top of that, Ali is planting the greatest kiss of all time on Matt!”
The Tip: “I recommend they wear fun, comfortable clothes, listen to great music on the drive over, and sing and dance at the studio,” Fried says. “Oh yeah—request a jumping shot.”

: Michelle Rodemers & Richard Marino
The Location: Hurd’s Family Farm, Modena
The Photographer: Jean Kallina/Jean Kallina Photography
Kingston (917) 757-9692; hudsonvalleyphoto.com
The Shot: “This bride really planned out everything,” Kallina says. “It’s important not to forget details like jewelry, and even props. [You can’t see it here, but] this bride was clever enough to bring a cute basket to carry apples in.”
The Tip: “Plan your wardrobe carefully and run it by the photographer if you like,” she says. “I let couples have a second change of clothes, so they can get more options in their session.”

: Mary Pulla & Jeffrey Walczak
The Location: The Donald M. Kendall Sculpture Gardens, PepsiCo, Purchase
The Photographer: Photography by Natalia
Beacon (845) 545-0710; photographybynatalia.com
The Shot: “I loved shooting at PepsiCo,” says Natalia Squilla. “Along with the pictures by the trees and the pond, Mary and Jeffrey got photos with the modern art in them. It made it look like two different photo shoots.”
The Tip: “I always suggest meeting up an hour before sunset,” she says. “That way, we can get some pictures in the nice flattering afternoon light and then a few at sunset. I’m also a photojournalist, so I try to avoid posing. I’d rather create a moment and then step back and shoot with my telephoto lens.”