New York City offers a vibrant tapestry of locations perfect for capturing stunning photos. Whether we're looking for iconic landmarks or hidden gems, NYC has it all. Here’s a guide to some of the best locations for photoshoots in the city. Let’s explore these fantastic spots together!
Central Park
Central Park is a quintessential NYC photoshoot location, offering a diverse range of settings from lush gardens to iconic bridges. It’s a great place to capture the natural beauty within the city, providing both serene landscapes and glimpses of the NYC skyline.
Bethesda Terrace and Fountain: This area is one of the most photographed spots in Central Park. The stunning architecture of Bethesda Terrace, with its intricate carvings and the beautiful Bethesda Fountain, creates a romantic and elegant backdrop for any photoshoot.
Hallet Nature Sanctuary: A hidden gem within Central Park, this sanctuary offers a more secluded and natural setting, perfect for capturing the essence of nature amidst the urban environment. The lush greenery and tranquil atmosphere make it an ideal spot for nature-focused photography.
Central Park Waterfalls: Scattered throughout the park, these picturesque waterfalls provide a peaceful and scenic backdrop. One notable waterfall near the Loch in the North Woods offers a beautiful, serene spot that feels miles away from the hustle and bustle of the city.
Central Park’s vastness and diversity make it a versatile location where we can get a wide range of shots, from natural landscapes to iconic city views. It’s a place where we can capture New York City without the usual urban backdrop, giving our photos a unique blend of nature and city life.
Stay tuned for a future blog post dedicated entirely to Central Park. This park is so vast and diverse that it deserves its own spotlight to cover all the incredible spots it has to offer.
Brooklyn Bridge
Brooklyn Bridge is a symbol of New York and provides a dramatic backdrop for photoshoots. Here’s how to make the most of our photoshoot on this iconic bridge.
Starting Point: For Brooklyn Bridge photos, we can either start on the Manhattan side or the Brooklyn side. If it’s hot outside or we’re expecting bad weather, I recommend starting on the Brooklyn side, beginning in Dumbo. Brooklyn Bridge can be busy, so it’s essential to stay flexible and look for opportunities as they arise. We’ll focus on capturing the bridge’s intricate architecture and stunning views of the Manhattan skyline. However, be prepared for crowds and adjust the shoot based on what’s accessible on the day. Safety and Comfort: While rare, be aware that some bikers can get annoyed with pedestrians stopping for photos and may yell at us to move, even if we’re not in their way. This is something to consider if we have young children or if confrontation makes us uncomfortable. For a more relaxed experience, we might consider another location in NYC.
Dumbo: This area offers some beautiful spots, including a famous location where we can see the Manhattan Bridge overhead. These quick stops in Dumbo can yield stunning images with a unique urban backdrop.
Walking the Bridge: From Dumbo, we can walk down the Brooklyn Bridge back to Manhattan. Alternatively, if starting in Manhattan, we can walk the bridge towards Brooklyn and finish with photos in Dumbo. During the walk, we’ll constantly stop to take cute shots along the bridge.
Times Square
If we’ve ever wanted to feel like we're part of a New York City movie, Times Square is the place to take our photos. This vibrant and energetic spot is perfect for urban chic and grunge looks, offering an overwhelming sensory experience with its bright lights and urban environment.
Urban Energy: Times Square is known for its neon lights and massive billboards, creating a dynamic and colorful setting that’s unmatched anywhere else in the city. The sheer energy and excitement of the area make it a fantastic backdrop for photos that capture the essence of New York City.
Cityscape: This is the ultimate location for those looking to capture the true urban heart of NYC. The bright lights and constant motion are perfect for dramatic and impactful photos.
Experience: If we thrive on the buzz of the city and want our senses completely flooded with the sights and sounds of NYC, Times Square is our go-to spot. However, if we get easily overstimulated, it might not be the best choice. The overwhelming environment can be both a blessing and a challenge, depending on our comfort level.
Times Square is a quintessential NYC location that offers an unparalleled urban experience, perfect for those looking to capture the vibrant city life in their photos.
Washington Square Park
Located in Greenwich Village, Washington Square Park is not only an iconic spot but also a central part of the NYU campus, making it perfect for NYU graduation photoshoots or for students who want to capture their memories at the school.
NYU: The park is an integral part of NYU’s campus, making it an ideal location for students or graduates to commemorate their time at the university. The iconic Washington Square Arch is a perfect backdrop for these memorable moments.
Field of Flowers: If we’re looking for a photoshoot that gives the illusion of being in a field of flowers while staying within New York City limits, Washington Square Park is the place to go. There are small flower patches that, with the right camera angles, can make it look like we’re surrounded by a field of blooms. It’s truly incredible. Some of my favorite shots have been taken here, and though it may seem odd to get into these tiny flower patches, the photos will be absolutely stunning and unique.
Washington Square Park is versatile and offers a mix of urban and natural settings, making it perfect for a wide range of photoshoot styles and themes.
Coney Island
For a fun and colorful photoshoot, Coney Island offers a playful setting with its amusement park and beach. From July to September 2024, I'm offering a 50% off sale on beach photoshoots at Coney Island or any beach in NYC. I’ve been doing a few of these recently and I’m obsessed. It’s so much fun getting in the water and taking those shots. We can capture everything from cute and adorable to steamy and sensual, making it perfect for a wide range of styles.
Beach Vibes: There are plenty of bathrooms for quick and easy clean-up, and we can change our clothes conveniently. I have a waterproof bag to keep valuables like phones safe during the photoshoot. However, I recommend not bringing big valuables or anything we wouldn’t want to leave unattended. If we bring a friend to watch our stuff, it’s even better.
Luna Park: The best time to shoot at Luna Park is about an hour before sunset. This gives us an hour to take photos in the bright light of the sun and get some fun shots in the park. As the sun sets, we capture the beautiful golden hour, and once the sun goes down, we can take photos with all the lights of Coney Island. These shots can vary in vibe, depending on what we want to focus on – the lights, the person, or a mix of both. Being there during this transition from light to dark allows us to capture the entire scope of Luna Park in our photos.
Coney Island offers a unique and exciting backdrop for photoshoots, combining the fun of the amusement park with the serene beauty of the beach, making it a versatile location for capturing unforgettable moments.
Ready to book our photoshoot? Let’s create some magical memories together in the heart of New York City!
Comments