A Stylish Soho Engagement Session with Symona & Kal


When Symona and Kal reached out about doing their engagement photos in New York City, they told me they wanted to make a trip of it—and that’s exactly what they did. They flew in from Michigan, had a mini vacation, and spent a beautiful morning exploring Soho with me, laughing their way through the cobblestone streets and iconic cast-iron architecture.

Black couple in white outfits holding hands before rustic antique wooden doors.

From the start, they were such a sweet couple to photograph. You can tell immediately when two people just get each other—every few minutes, they’d share an inside joke that had them both cracking up. I love when couples relax and enjoy their sessions.

Joyful Black couple in white outfits posing playfully on sunny city street.
Black couple sharing a romantic kiss outdoors, man in gray suit, woman in white blazer dress, urban city background.
Stylish Black couple holding hands and smiling outside a green door, dressed in coordinating white and gray outfits.
Beautiful Black woman smiling warmly as man gently touches her hair, wearing white blazer and lavender top.
Fashionable Black couple posing on NYC sidewalk, man in white shirt and gray pants, woman in white blazer mini dress.
Stylish Black couple walking past Spring Lounge bar in NYC, one-way street sign visible, sunny urban setting.

I like for my engagement sessions to feel like a date. I look for authentic joy and intimate moments. When couples look back on the experience, I want it to be a sweet memory where that moment in time was captured. I'd hate for things to be stiff or overly composed even if the end result looks good. The experience is super important for me.

A confident Black woman with curly hair poses in a chic white blazer dress with elegant drop earrings outdoors.
A fashionable Black couple poses against ornate wooden doors, the woman in a white blazer dress looking confidently at camera.
A Black couple shares an intimate moment against a brick wall outdoors, both dressed in white and grey outfits.
A well-dressed Black man in a grey suit poses thoughtfully outside a shop with string lights overhead.

Often I end up shooting the weddings of these couples as well and the same principle applies. Some of my best wedding photos come from me creating moments of intimacy where the couple can try to put aside the action and the stress of the wedding day.

A Black couple poses among garden greenery, the woman wearing a white blazer dress while the man stands behind her.
A Black couple shares an intimate moment outdoors, the woman gently touching the mans face among green foliage.

Collaborative Energy and Creative Flow


One of the best parts of this shoot was how collaborative it felt. I brought my ideas for framing and lighting, and they brought their personalities and perspectives. Symona, being a model, had a natural sense for composition and movement—she knew how to find the light and understood how every small gesture could shape the mood of a photo.



Close-up of Black woman's legs in white blazer dress and white ankle strap heeled sandals against brick wall.
Black woman in white pleated blazer mini dress posing dynamically outside a NYC restaurant with string lights.
Elegant Black woman posing in white blazer mini dress with white heeled sandals outside a rustic NYC storefront.
Black woman in white blazer dress embracing man in gray suit, looking away pensively in an outdoor garden setting.

And Kal? He had a great eye too, with a knack for small details that helped us create shots that felt balanced, effortless, and full of life.

Stylish Black man in gray suit smoking outdoors near rustic building with string lights.
Stylish Black couple posing at Spring Street subway station entrance in New York City.
Fashionable Black man in light blue blazer standing outside rustic urban storefront.

We used the city’s textures to our advantage—the reflections in shop windows, the patterns of light between buildings, and those classic New York backdrops that make every frame feel cinematic. My goal was simple: to highlight their connection and let Soho itself become part of their story.

An elegant Black couple holds hands and gazes at each other before a grand arched wooden door on a brick building.
Elegant Black couple sitting on outdoor bench outside neon-lit urban restaurant together.

Why Soho Is a Dream Location for Engagement Sessions

There’s just something about Soho that makes every engagement shoot feel cinematic. Between the cobblestone streets, cast-iron buildings, and warm, bouncing light that hits just right in the late afternoon, it’s a photographer’s playground. Every corner has its own mood—sometimes sleek and modern, sometimes romantic and timeless.


What I love most, though, is how alive the area feels. You can be posing in front of a minimalist storefront one minute and ducking down a quiet side street the next, finding a moment that feels like it belongs only to the two of you. The mix of textures, colors, and energy makes it easy to tell a story that feels both intimate and urban.

Stylish couple posing in a lush garden, woman in white mini dress and man in light gray suit.
Couple sharing a romantic moment outside a teal cocktail bar with potted topiaries on a sunny day.

The Short Film


Alongside the photos, I created a short 60-second film of their session, set to So This Is Love (feat. ConTejas) by Sneha—a modern take on the Cinderella classic. The mix of nostalgia and soulful rhythm felt like the perfect soundtrack for their story: timeless romance with a modern twist.

Smiling couple in white suits sharing a joyful moment on a sunny urban street.

closing thoughts


Symona and Kal’s session is one I’ll remember for its mix of ease, laughter, and artistry. It reminded me that when a couple trusts you, when they show up ready to create together, the results always feel alive.


If you’re planning a trip to New York City and want to capture your love story while you’re here, Soho is the perfect backdrop. I’d love to help you create something timeless—photos and video that feel as effortless and genuine as your connection.