Engagement Photos at the New York Public Library
How to plan your engagement session at the NYPL
You’ve come to the right place if you’re thinking of having your engagement session at the New York Public Library. This is one of New York City’s most iconic locations for couples portraits, not only for it’s stunning beauty and architecture—but also because it’s a spot that works in all seasons in nearly all kinds of weather. It’s timeless and elegant.
When it comes to planning your shoot, earlier is better! Sunday mornings at 8 am are your friend here. When there’s barely anybody out but a few tourists, and you can have the entire steps, fountain, and area to yourself. If you want photos inside the library, Saturday mornings can work, especially if we start about 30 minutes prior to their 10 AM opening. That would allow for a mix of indoor and outdoor shots. But I would be mindful that if you decide on other times, you’re going to have to have lots of folks around.
Other spots besides the steps
The steps and the main entrance to the library are probably the most used and the most well known spot for pictures at the library. But there are a couple of other spots worth visiting for pictures.
Bryant Park is of course right next to the library and can provide some greenery to your engagement photo gallery, which will be a bit monochrome from the library steps.
Another option is a tucked away side entrance (pictured below) to the library on its southern side. There are a few cosy benches to sit and snuggle on. This is also a great option if the main steps are getting too crowded.
You can of course go inside the library when it’s open. They typically open when it’s already crowded outside so this might be an option on rainy days, or as a secondary location, for example. You typically do not need a permit or to pay a fee to shoot inside the hallways and staircases of the library. To shoot elsewhere you need a permit in addition to a potential rental fee.
Last but not least are the sidewalks and crosswalks on 42nd street and 5th avenue. When the sun is lower on the horizon, you can get some amazing reflected light from a nearby building on 42nd and 6th, just a thought.
