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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
