We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Patricia Parrales a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Patricia , thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today We’d love to hear about one of the craziest things you’ve experienced in your journey so far.

A positive example that has stayed with me was actually from my very first elopement in Central Park. The bride became separated from her groom just after the ceremony, and while we searched for him, I could see the sadness weighing on her. Instead of letting her fall into that emotion, my assistant and I turned the moment into something beautiful — we gave her a spontaneous bridal portrait session, helping her feel radiant and cared for in what could have been a heartbreaking moment. Eventually, we found her groom, but what stayed with me most was what she said afterward: “People will never forget how you made them feel.” That has become a guiding principle for me — to always ensure my clients feel supported, celebrated, and truly seen on their wedding day.

On the other hand, I’ve also learned valuable lessons from more challenging experiences. Early in my career, I photographed an engagement session for a couple I adored — they were fun, warm, and full of joy. I gifted them an engagement book and poured my heart into creating images in the moody, artistic style I was known for at the time. But afterward, the bride confided that she had hoped for something very different for her wedding. She wanted edits that “she actually like”— a light, airy look that simply wasn’t my aesthetic. It was a humbling moment, because I realized that as much as we connected personally, we weren’t aligned artistically. The takeaway for me was twofold: not every client is the right client, and honoring your own artistic voice is just as important as serving theirs. That experience pushed me to refine my brand and to be much more intentional about attracting couples who are drawn to my photography style which is true to color, and a blend of classic, candid, and editorial photography.

Both experiences, though opposite in emotion, shaped the photographer I am today. They remind me that while photography is about creating beautiful images, it’s also about creating a beautiful experience.

Patricia , love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

I’m a wedding and engagement photographer based in New York City, and what inspires me most is capturing love in all its beautiful forms. I’ve always believed that photographs are more than images — they are living reminders of the most meaningful chapters of our lives.

From a young age, I was drawn to the visual world. I would pore over my own family photos, and whenever I traveled, I carried my camera everywhere, determined to preserve every detail and memory. What started as a way to hold on to personal moments naturally grew into something bigger — photographing the milestones of others. Over time, that passion evolved into weddings and proposals, where the emotions run so deep and the images become part of a couple’s legacy.

Today, my specialty is photographing marriage proposals and weddings, with a particular love for interracial and multicultural unions. Growing up in New York City, I was surrounded by such an incredible mix of cultures, traditions, and stories. That upbringing gave me a deep appreciation for the beauty of diversity, and I’ve carried that into my work. To me, every couple is a reflection of love’s ability to bridge cultures, unite families, and make the world feel more connected. Being able to document that feels like a privilege.

For my proposal clients, I go beyond the role of photographer. I help plan the experience — from finding the perfect NYC location, whether it’s a quiet spot in Central Park or a sweeping rooftop view of the skyline, to ensuring the moment feels effortless and romantic. I know how much courage and thought goes into a proposal, and I take pride in creating an environment where my clients feel supported, comfortable, and able to fully be present in the moment.

What sets me apart is the way I blend artistry with empathy. My work is romantic and elevated, but it’s also deeply personal — I want every couple to look at their photographs and feel not just how they looked, but how they felt. That philosophy stems from my belief that people may forget the details, but they will never forget how you made them feel.

How about pivoting – can you share the story of a time you’ve had to pivot?

In 2019, I launched my business with so much excitement, but by the spring of 2020, Covid happened. We all had to adjust. Then by 2024, life required me to pivot in a deeply personal way. My mother was in the final stages of Alzheimer’s, and I was her primary caretaker. While I had the support of home aides, my sister, my brother-in-law, close friends, and my aunts who would step in to “mom sit,” the responsibility still rested heavily on me.

During that season, I existed as a business, but in truth, I was intentionally keeping things quiet. I wasn’t actively marketing or taking on long sessions, because I knew my time with my mother was limited, and I wanted to be present with her. It was a strange balance of holding space for my clients while also holding space for my family.

That period taught me an important truth — sometimes we need to give ourselves permission to slow down and honor the relationships that matter most. Whether it’s caring for a parent, welcoming a new baby, or embracing a new season of love, life will always have moments that call us to shift priorities. And that’s okay. Giving yourself grace in those times isn’t a setback — it’s a way of making sure you’re truly living.

How do you keep in touch with clients and foster brand loyalty?

I truly believe that photography is about more than a single event — it’s about being part of a couple’s story as it unfolds over time. I love staying connected with my clients, whether that’s through social media, where I follow along and celebrate their milestones, or by continuing to photograph their life’s chapters beyond the wedding day.

One of my favorite examples is a client who first hired me for her engagement session. I later photographed her intimate wedding, and though I couldn’t personally be there for her baby shower, I entrusted my assistant to capture it. Most recently, I was honored to photograph her baby’s first birthday celebration. To me, that’s the most meaningful part of my work — building relationships where clients feel cared for, celebrated, and understood enough to invite me back for their most treasured milestones.

Fostering brand loyalty, for me, is really about authentic connection. I want my clients to know that I see them not just as clients, but as people whose joy and growth I genuinely want to honor.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://eastriverphotographer.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/eastriverphotographer/
• Facebook: East River Photographer
• Other: TikTok: eastriverphotographer

Image Credits

Clara Alave Photography (picture of my mother and I in the hospital).
all client pictures taken by me, East River Photographer