Blair Academy Photography
From bustling streets to serene parks and iconic landmarks, there’s always something to be captured in New York City. This tutorial aims to be a starting-place for planning your next NYC trip and will explore some tips for street photography and specific NYC locations.
First, let's cover some basic tips to help you make the most of your NYC photography experience:
Camera Settings: NYC is a dynamic city with ever-changing weather and lighting conditions. I usually set my cameras to aperture or shutter speed priority while walking through the city.
Embrace Candid Photography: Some of the best shots in NYC are candid moments captured on the streets. Be patient and observant while exploring and some of your best shots may just come from randomly lifting your camera to capture a fleeting moment.
Timing is Key: Plan your shoots around natural elements and use things like sunsets, natural lighting, and more to your advantage. If you want to take photos of popular tourist attractions, consider visiting these spots during off-peak hours to avoid crowds.
Experiment with Composition: Don't be afraid to get creative with your compositions. Experiment with different angles, perspectives, and framing techniques to add visual interest to your photos.
Capture simplicity: Over time, I’ve come to realize that capturing simple scenes, storefronts, simple human interactions, and little details goes a long way in street photography. Some of my best photos have come from capturing small details that others don’t notice.
Overall, anyone can be a street photographer and the key to becoming a good street photographer is to enjoy exploring and getting lost in a city.
Now that we’ve gone over some basic street photography tips, let's explore some of the top locations in NYC for capturing stunning photos:
Candid Photography (People)
Times Square: A bustling hub of activity, Times Square always has people, making it the perfect spot for candid street photography.
Major Streets: Explore neighborhoods like Chinatown, Little Italy, Soho, and Midtown to capture the diverse tapestry of life in NYC. Wander down bustling streets like 5th Ave and W. 34th St to find endless photo opportunities.
People & Landscapes: Parks
Central Park: A jewel amongst the busy city, it offers a picturesque backdrop for both landscape and portrait photography. During the warmer months, capture scenes of people enjoying picnics, games, and leisure activities against the park's lush greenery.
Washington Square Park: Known for its iconic arch and vibrant atmosphere, capture the dynamic street performances, lively crowds, and architectural landmarks that define this historic park.
Iconic New York Landmarks
Rockefeller Center: From the iconic Rockefeller Plaza to the elaborate holiday decorations, Rockefeller Center offers a wealth of photographic opportunities. Be sure to explore the surrounding streets and storefronts.
Subway Stations: Descend into any subway station to capture the hustle and bustle of NYC's underground transit system. Experiment with long exposures to capture the motion of passing trains against the backdrop of the station's architecture.
Sunsets
Little Island: This unique floating park on the Hudson River provides stunning views of the sunset against the Manhattan skyline. Wander along the park's winding pathways and elevated viewpoints to capture the sunset in all its glory.
Pier 57 Rooftop Park: Located on the West Side, Pier 57 offers panoramic views of the Hudson River and the city skyline.
Landscape & Skyline
The High Line: This elevated park offers a refreshing perspective of NYC's urban landscape. Stroll along old railway tracks and capture photos of the city skyline juxtaposed with lush greenery and contemporary art installations.
Prospect Park: Explore ponds, wooded areas, and expansive meadows in the heart of Brooklyn.
Villages
Greenwich Village: Known for its charming streets of the bohemian vibe mixed with historic architecture, this neighborhood is perfect for photography.
Soho: Known for its cobblestone streets, cast-iron buildings, and storefronts, Soho offers endless opportunities for urban photography. Wander through boutiques, art galleries, and cafes to capture the essence of NYC.
Dumbo: Located beneath the Brooklyn Bridge, Dumbo (Down Under the Manhattan Bridge Overpass) has stunning views of the Manhattan skyline. Be sure to visit the Timeout Market Rooftop.
Night Photography
I love taking pictures of New York City at nighttime, and any of the places listed above are great for this. I would add that the Top of the Rock (the observation deck at Rockefeller Center) has insane views for night photography when Manhattan is engulfed by sparkling lights. It’s definitely a must-see for the glittering lights of Times Square, the Empire State Building, and other iconic landmarks from above.
Final Thoughts
This list in no way captures all of the beautiful places in NYC that should be captured. Think of this as a resource to help you get a starting point. Remember to stay curious, experiment with different techniques, and don’t be afraid to capture all kinds of things happening around you. Whether it's the hectic atmosphere of Times Square, the tranquility of Central Park at sunset, or the mesmerizing lights of the city skyline at night, NYC offers endless opportunities for photographers to explore and create!
