Our Blog
Stories, ideas, and inspirations
Artistry, emotion, and storytelling — all in one place.
Welcome to the Patken Photographer portfolio, led by world-renowned photographer and international lecturer Doug Gordon. Explore our galleries featuring Weddings, Engagements, Mitzvahs, Sweet 16s, Family portraits, Boudoir, and more. Each collection reflects our commitment to finding your personal style. With over 29,000 celebrations captured across New York, Florida, Texas and destinations worldwide, we invite you to explore the stories that define who we are and the art we create.
Welcome to the Long Island wedding and event photography blog from Patken Photographer. Here you’ll find real weddings, engagement sessions, and venue spotlights across Long Island, NYC, and Disney destinations. In addition, we share simple planning tips that help you feel confident on camera.
We photograph celebrations across Nassau and Suffolk County. Therefore, you’ll see real wedding stories at venues like Crest Hollow, Westbury Manor, Sand Castle, and Flowerfield. You’ll also find timeline ideas and photo location tips.
What you’ll find here
Real Long Island Weddings
See full wedding stories at top venues across Nassau and Suffolk. In addition, we include timeline notes and photo ideas.
NYC Engagement Sessions
New York City sessions are iconic. However, they also require smart planning. For example, we share tips for permits, crowds, and the best times for flattering light.
Venue Spotlights and Photo Locations
We break down the best spots for portraits at each venue. Therefore, you’ll know where to go for great light. You’ll also have strong backup options for rain.
Wedding Planning Tips
Small choices create better photos. So we share tips on first looks, family photos, and golden hour timing. We also cover reception lighting and night portraits.
Serving Long Island, NYC, and Disney weddings
Patken Photographer is based in New York and Florida. However, we travel often for destination celebrations. If you’re planning a Disney wedding, we can help. If you’re staying local, we’ve got you covered too.
Looking for a specific venue or town?
Use the search bar to browse by venue, location, or event type. You can also explore categories to narrow your options. That makes it easier to plan.
Ready to talk about your date?
If our work feels like the right fit, reach out. We’d love to learn your vision. Finally, we’ll help you choose coverage that matches your day.