Engagement Photography | Doug Gordon & Patken Photographer
Photography Galleries | Engagement Photography | Doug Gordon & Patken Photographer

Natural Engagement Photography That Feels Effortless

Our engagement photography gallery showcases relaxed, authentic moments that help set the tone for a wedding day. From the start, engagement sessions with Patken Photographer are designed to feel comfortable and natural. Rather than forced posing, the focus remains on connection, movement, and genuine emotion.

As an experienced Long Island wedding photographer, we guide couples in a calm and thoughtful way. At first, many couples arrive feeling unsure. However, that feeling fades quickly once the session begins. With clear direction and an easy pace, couples can relax and enjoy the experience.

Why Engagement Sessions Matter

Importantly, engagement sessions play a key role in the wedding photography process. Before the wedding day, they give couples the opportunity to feel confident in front of the camera. As a result, wedding-day photography feels easier and more natural.

During these sessions, couples learn how we work and how simple direction creates flattering movement. Over time, confidence builds. Because of this, moments on the wedding day unfold naturally and without hesitation.

A Personalized Experience for Every Couple

With over 40 years of experience, we tailor each engagement session to the people in front of the camera. Depending on the couple, sessions may take place at waterfront locations, classic parks, urban settings, or meaningful personal spaces.

Before each session, we consider light, surroundings, and pacing. At the same time, we keep everything simple and enjoyable. Most importantly, couples never need modeling experience. Genuine interaction always creates the strongest images.

Timeless Images with a Calm Approach

Throughout every engagement session, we focus on connection and storytelling. While we offer gentle guidance, we also allow real moments to happen naturally. Because the process stays relaxed, the imagery feels timeless and refined.

Many of the couples featured here later asked us to photograph their weddings across Long Island and beyond. In fact, engagement sessions often become a favorite part of the overall wedding experience. They also set the foundation for everything that follows.

Start Your Wedding Photography Experience

If you are recently engaged, an engagement session can be the perfect first step. From planning to execution, we help create an experience that feels personal and effortless. Ultimately, engagement photography becomes the first chapter in telling your full wedding story.

Ashley and JB sharing a romantic engagement portrait at Rollins College during their engagement session. Engaged couple standing in front of a large window during their engagement session at the New York Public Library in New York City. Bride and groom sharing an intimate black and white fall engagement portrait in Central Park, captured by Doug Gordon of Patken Photographer. Shirley and Sam sharing an embrace-from-behind engagement portrait on the beach at New Smyrna Beach, photographed by Doug Gordon of Patken Photographer. Bride and groom celebrating their wedding at Magic Kingdom Park at Walt Disney World, photographed by Patken Photographer. Engaged couple sharing a romantic moment during an engagement session beneath the archway at Rollins College. Engaged couple photographed during an engagement session in Central Park, captured by Doug Gordon of Patken Photographer. Engaged couple sharing a romantic moment at sunrise on New Smyrna Beach during their engagement session. Engaged couple sharing a romantic moonlit moment during a holiday engagement session in Winter Garden under soft evening light. Engaged couple kissing during an engagement session at Southards Pond, photographed by Doug Gordon of Patken Photographer. Bride and groom sharing a romantic moment at The Lannin during their wedding celebration. Engaged couple sharing a romantic black and white engagement portrait at the Lightner Museum, photographed by Doug Gordon of Patken Photographer. Engaged couple sharing a romantic moment on a staircase in Central Park during their engagement session. Engaged couple captured during an editorial-style sunset engagement session in Winter Garden, photographed in warm golden light Beautiful African American couple photographed during their engagement session at the New York Public Library in New York City. doug-gordon-patken Getting to Know You engagement session couple portrait in the arches of Flagler College doug-gordon-patken doug-gordon-patken doug-gordon-patken fun-and-playful-engagement doug-gordon-patken doug-gordon-patken Getting to Know You engagement session African American couple engagement portrait on boardwalk New Smyrna Beach doug-gordon-patken shirley-sam-engagement romantic Magic Kingdom engagement session photo in front of Cinderella Castle at Walt Disney World patken-photographer-autumn doug-gordon-patken doug-gordon-patken Getting to Know You engagement session fall couple portrait at Bayard Cutting Arboretum patken photographerdoug Getting to Know You engagement session fall reflection couple portrait at Eisenhower Park doug-gordon-patken patken-photographer-central Candid sensual engagement photo of a couple at The Lannin in Eisenhower Park, intimate moment. patken-photographer-fall patken-photographer-fall-engagement-session Engaged couple posing romantically at the bar inside The Lannin in Eisenhower Park, stylish portrait. patken-photographer-fall Getting to Know You engagement session couple dancing at Belmont Lake State Park shirley-sam-engagement doug-gordon-patken Glamorous engagement portrait in The Lannin cigar bar in Eisenhower Park, moody luxury setting. Getting to Know You engagement session couple portrait at sunrise on Clearwater Beach patken-photographer-long Getting to Know You engagement session sunset flare couple portrait in Downtown Winter Garden Shirley and Sam kiss on New Smyrna Beach in Florida during a backlit engagement session by Doug Gordon of Patken Photographer shirley-sam-engagement Engaged couple posing on the grand stairs during an engagement portrait at the New York Public Library. ddoug-gordon-patken Black and white engagement photo of a couple in love at The Lannin in Eisenhower Park. Bride and groom hanging out during a luxury engagement session at The Lannin in Eisenhower Park. Glamorous engagement portrait in The Lannin cigar bar in Eisenhower Park, moody luxury setting. Engagement photo of a couple dancing by a piano at The Lannin in Eisenhower Park. west Indian couple posing in an editorial engagement portrait at Rollins College in Winter Park Florida Indian engagement couple walking at Rollins College Winter Park Florida South Asian couple editorial engagement portrait with stylish pose at Rollins College west Indian couple editorial engagement photo with classic architecture at Rollins College GuyaneseIndian couple posing under ivy archway at Rollins College engagement session Indian couple high-fashion engagement photo at Rollins College Winter Park Photojournalistic-style candid moment during an engagement session at Rollins College in Winter Park, Florida modern romance engagement photo at Rollins College Winter Park Florida stylish South Asian couple engagement session at Rollins College Florida Indian couple bold editorial pose with campus architecture at Rollins College South Asian engagement photography luxury portrait at Rollins College Winter Park west Indian couple close-up editorial engagement portrait at Rollins College Guyanese couple engagement photo by Lake Virginia at Rollins College Winter Park chic Winter Park engagement session Indian couple at Rollins College South Asian engagement photography luxury portrait at Rollins College Winter Park

Our Testimonial

What Our Clients Say

"My husband and I still talk about how much we loved working with Doug at Patken Photography. He has such a beautiful vision, an incredible eye for detail, and kept us laughing the entire time. By the end, we not only had stunning photos but also felt like we had made a friend in Doug. We’re so grateful for the memories he captured!"

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Melanie Boccio

"We had the pleasure of working with Sabrina and Nick as our photographer and videographer for our wedding this past weekend. They were great at capturing all the shots I wanted and making us feel comfortable the entire time. My husband was on crutches so they always kept his comfort level in mind and gave us plenty of breaks while taking photos. They are both so sincere and very punctual. I cannot wait to see the results! You get a lot out of the package you pay for and Doug really cares about all of his clients and truly wants what’s best for them! Highly recommend them!"

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Theresa Hennessy

"Beyond happy we went with Patken for our wedding day. We were lucky to get Vinny as our photographer and Michael for video and they made our entire day PERFECT. My fiancé is not a fan of taking pictures, but the two of them made the day just so fun that even he enjoyed the photoshoot. It felt like we knew the two of them for years with just how easy they were to feel comfortable around, and were just all around awesome people. We cannot wait to see everything once it's all finished! I would definitely recommend these two, they were the best duo!"

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Brooke Dennis

"Doug and his team at Patken are the best photographers and videographers around. Easy to work with, on time, great, and an all around fun group of people that help make your wedding day special. My wife and I loved them and would recommend them to anyone looking for a photographer or videographer for their wedding! 10/10"

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Vinny Cataldo

"Patken Photographer did a wonderful job for Our Wedding in October of 2025. They truly have a sense for detail and telling a wonderful story in pictures. Both my wife and I were truly amazed by the results. I recommend Patken photographer for all your photography needs."

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Gregory Aiello

"Highly recommend them !! I used them for my wedding!! Absolutely love ! the pictures came out amazing and they got back to me so fast !! Will definitely be using them for future events!"

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Brittany Lynne McMahon

"We just finished our second Mitzvah with Patken and will be back for our 3rd! We have loved working with this team. David was flexible and easygoing at all of our photo shoots, getting all the shots we wanted with vision and patience. Our model shoot and sanctuary photos were beautiful and we can't wait to see the party photos. This team is professional and present without being overbearing and they do wonderful work."

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Jennie Rosenzweig

"We worked with Patken Photography for our son’s Bar Mitzvah, and they were absolutely amazing from start to finish. The team was professional, organized, and such a pleasure to work with throughout the entire process. They captured every special moment so naturally and beautifully — the photos truly reflect the joy and energy of the day. Communication was seamless, everything ran smoothly, and we felt completely at ease knowing we were in such capable hands."

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Craig Stanton

"Doug, and Vinny from Patken did both video and photo for our wedding at Westbury Manor. They were both beyond a pleasure to work with. They made the entire day feel seamless and magical. They were efficient, attentive, and above all else super flexible to working with our larger wedding party and the various pictures we asked for. We can not recommend them enough!"

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Robert Warshauer

"My fiance and I just had our engagement shoot with David from Patken this past weekend. It was clear to us very early on that he knew what he was doing; he came with numerous posing ideas for us as well as spots within the selected park that would make for great shots. When we mentioned a pose or two we wanted to include he provided amazing cues to make those poses look amazing and it showed in the photos we got back. Extremely excited to see what shots we get on our wedding day."

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Trish Messina

"We used Patken for our wedding and had the most incredible experience! Sabrina was with me for the entire day leading up to the ceremony and captured more than I could have imagined. She went above and beyond to make everyone feel very comfortable and even helped carry the train on my dress when moving locations! During the reception, she was able to get beautiful pictures of all of our guests dancing and celebrating while still being very attentive to us. We are so happy with the pictures and services we received from Sabrina and Patken and cannot recommend them enough!"

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Erin Colabufo

"We had the absolute pleasure of working with Doug and the entire Patken Photographer team for our Wedding, and we couldn't be happier with our experience. From the moment we reached out, Doug and his team were incredibly accommodating and friendly, making the entire process smooth and stress-free. We were absolutely stunned when we received our photos and video—they were breathtaking! Every emotion, every detail, was beautifully preserved, allowing us to relive our wedding day over and over again."

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Artie Singer

"Patken's owner, Doug, is one of the most professional, honest, and down to earth business owners. He's phenomenal to work with and true to his word. The day of our wedding, Beatrice was our photographer and she blew us away with our wedding gallery photos. She was so sweet and easy to work with throughout the day. She gave us the best still photos as well as the best action shots of everyone laughing, crying, dancing, etc. I highly recommend this company and can't wait for the next big event to re-book with them!!"

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Kristen Paris

"If you’re looking for a photographer for any occasion…especially a wedding…look no further. Patken never disappoints. Their attention to detail is impeccable. Their photographers are first class and completely professional and very artistic. My photos came out phenomenal. I am over the moon happy ! Call them you will be ecstatic with the results !"

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Lisa Costabile

"Doug and his team were amazing right from the beginning. Sean and I are not picture people, but Doug knew exactly how to put us at ease. He knew when to use humor but always remained professional. When we received our pictures (which were so quick) we loved them, finding it hard to choose our favorites. Having beautiful memories in print from Patken Photography is priceless."

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Brandi Hopkins