About New York, NY
You may have heard of New York City—it’s kind of a big deal. The city has a couple of nicknames, the Big Apple and “the city that never sleeps,” and was historically called New Amsterdam and the Mayor. NYC is known for destinations such as Broadway, Grand Central Station, Washington Street, Manhattan Bridge, Brooklyn Bridge Park, the Flatiron Building, Bethesda Fountain, Washington Square Park, Grand Central Terminal, the Chrysler Building, the Empire State Building, and Wall Street.
With these many landmarks, it's no wonder there are plenty of photoshoot locations in New York to suit any project or occasion. From street art backdrops to the New York City skyline and even Coney Island, not to mention professional photo studios, you’re spoiled for choice.
Keep reading to find out how to plan the perfect photo shoot in New York.
Photo Shoot Options in New York, NY
There is no shortage of photo shoot location options to choose from in New York City. Whether your location is indoors or outdoors, there are experienced creatives who can work on every aspect of your shoot.
- Planning
Every type of event could benefit from an experienced planner, even a photo shoot. They can handle nearly every aspect, from small details to the bigger picture. Hiring an event planner can also take a lot of stress off of you and allow you more time to focus on the more important parts of your shoot.
- Lighting
Any photo shoot location could use the help of experienced lighting professionals. Good lighting is extremely important in illuminating your subject and bringing your vision together.
- Catering
Depending on how long your photo shoot will last and how long people will have to be on location, it might be a good idea to provide catering services. This is a simple way to show your team you appreciate them. Luckily, New York City is full of experienced caterers, with various types of cuisines to enjoy.
Photo Shoot Companies in New York, NY
Depending on your needs, your photo shoot might need the help of experienced companies. The good news is that New York has plenty of options to choose from.
- Oxygen Eventworks
Oxygen Eventworks is a full-service company in New York that can help with any lighting needs you have for your next photo shoot. They have worked on events of varying sizes in various types of spaces. With a stellar reputation in New York City, Oxygen Eventworks will not disappoint.
- Dish Food & Events
Located in Queens, New York City, Dish Food & Events has been providing delicious meals for several different events for over a decade. They have experience serving children’s parties, corporate events, and baby showers. No matter how many people you are feeding and what type of food you want, Dish Food & Events can make it for you.
- Urban Art & Design
Urban Art & Design is a creative design firm launched in 2011 by Pamela Newman. For years, the firm has worked on corporate parties and special events tailored to each client’s unique vision.
More Than Just Central Park: Pros and Cons of Photo Shoots in New York, NY
Finding an iconic photo location in New York City like Brooklyn Bridge Park has many benefits, but the city has downsides to consider as well. Before finalizing your photo shoot location in New York, it’s always best to weigh the good and the bad.
Advantages
- Public parks and gardens
You can find many great public parks in New York, which act as scenic escapes from the busy city. Central Park is the most well-known, taking up over 800 acres. There are an additional 1,700+ parks scattered throughout New York City, offering an interesting contrast against the Empire State Building and the city skyline. Other popular ones are Prospect Park, Brooklyn Bridge Park, Washington Square Park, Battery Park, and Pebble Beach. With beautiful landscapes as your backdrop, these places are ideal outdoor photo spots.
- Food scene
The food scene in New York City is arguably one of the best in the world. The diversity of the city is present in the restaurants and food trucks found on every street. There are several high-class eateries, but there are just as many budget-friendly options.
- Plenty to do
One of the best parts of New York City is how much there is to do. You’ll never be able to experience it all in a single trip, and many locals haven’t even seen all that New York has to offer. There are museums, art galleries, nightclubs, the Hudson River, and parks to explore once you’re done with your photo session, or you could take a ride on the Staten Island Ferry.
- Manhattan skyline
The Manhattan skyline is such a joy to photograph, by itself or as a background for photography. This iconic skyline is composed of architectural landmarks like Grand Central Station, Bow Bridge, and Manhattan Bridge, plus sky-high buildings such as the Chrysler Building, the Empire State Building, the Flatiron Building, and One World Trade Center.
- Other photography locations
Everywhere you look, there are plenty of picturesque locations in New York City that are worth capturing on camera. When visiting New York, take note of landmarks such as Washington Street, the East River, Bethesda Fountain, Manhattan Bridge, Coney Island, and Bow Bridge. You can also take the Staten Island Ferry to get a great view of the Statue of Liberty and the New York skyline.
Disadvantages
- Weather
The weather in New York City isn’t always great. The fall and spring are enjoyable, but both the winter and summer seasons can be unbearable. Winter months are bitterly cold, and the summer months are full of overwhelming heat and muggy humidity. Keep this in mind if you’re planning an outdoor shoot in a location like Central Park or Brooklyn Bridge Park.
- Noise
Considering how busy New York is, it’s no surprise how noisy it can be. You can expect to hear the sound of traffic and people any time of the day or night. Near Broadway, it tends to be louder, especially in the morning. This noise is something that not even locals enjoy; they just learn to live with it.
- The smell
The smell in New York is something not everyone expects. There is garbage on the streets, and the subways are known for housing giant rats. The smell gets even worse in the summer when the heat becomes a factor.
Famous Locations in New York City, NY
One World Observatory
The One World Observatory can be found in the One World Trade Center, which sits where the northern Twin Tower once stood. It took a decade to complete construction on the building, which stands 1,776 feet tall. The observatory gives visitors a stunning 360-degree view of the city.
Ellis Island
Ellis Island has been a tourist attraction since the 1890s and acted as the point where more than 10 million immigrants arrived in America. The best place to visit on the island is the Ellis Island National Museum of Immigration, which allows guests to take a walk through history.
Bryant Park
Central Park and Brooklyn Bridge Park may be better known, but Bryant Park is another impressive New York City park. This park is one of the most popular green spaces in New York and holds another famous landmark, the New York Public Library. Each week during the summer months, the park hosts outdoor movie nights, and in the winter they open the outdoor ice-skating rink. You can find the park by walking less than half a mile from the Empire State Building.