Where and what are the best photography spots in New York City? AA question I often answer since I spend a lot of time photographing the streets of New York City. What can I say? I love this place. New York City is one of the most incredible cities in the world.
I created the best photography spots in New York City photography guide to save you some headaches. I love to explore and find new places to photograph. However, I also love to share the love.
In this post, I brake down my favorite photography spots in New York City.
To this day, when I visit the city, I still see most of these spots. After all, they are the best photography spots in New York City.
The Gear
The gear we recommend is a good camera and the holy trinity. A wide-angle lens 14-24mm or something similar. A 24-70mm or something similar and, of course, a 70-200mm or something similar.
If you do not have these particular lenses, do not worry; something similar will be just fine. It would be best if you also had a tripod.
Best Photography Spots in New York City
1. Times Square. Where all the action happens, the best time to shoot is at night. Gear recommended is a Wide Angle Lens and a Tripod.
2. Grand Central Station. This place is stunning; there are a couple of spots to shoot from; however, the top of the stairs is always great. There are no big tripods allowed; however, this baby tripod is.
3. Central Park. Central Park is just amazing. The best time to shoot is at night; there are fewer people. I recommend a Wide Angle Lens and a Tripod.
4. Dumbo. This is a busy place. However, it is a must when visiting NYC. Make sure you bring a Tripod and gloves. The best time to shoot is at dusk.
5. Rockefeller Center. This is the top of the Rock. Where you can get epic 360-degree views. The best view is facing south where you can see the Empire State Building. The best time to come is the sunset. I recommend a baby tripod and a 70-200 mm and a wide-angle lens.
Same shot with a wide-angle lens.
6. Flat Iron Building. This is one of my favorite buildings in the world. The best time to photograph is at night. Make sure you bring a tripod.
7. Empire State Building. The Empire State Building. This place is epic. Make sure you go all the way to the top and look down. The best time to shoot is at sunset and at night.
8. The Subway. If you are into street photography, this is a must. The subway is such a cool place to people watch and to get epic photos. Anytime is a great time to come.
9. Brooklyn Bridge. It’s the Brooklyn Bridge, enough said. The best time to come is at night. Bring a Tripod and some clothes.
10. Empire Fulton Ferry State Park. This park is massive, and you can see lots of different angles of the New York City Skyline. The best time to come is at night. I recommend a Wide Angle Lens and a Tripod.
11. Brooklyn Bridge Lookout. This is on the south side of the bridge, and it is a really great place to catch the sunrise. Bring a Wide Angle Lens and a Tripod.
12. World Trade Center. The architecture here is just spectacular—a must when you are in New York City.
13. Battery Park. You can’t leave New York without checking out the Statue of LIvery. Even if it’s from the far, come to Battery Park to get the best views of the Statue of Liberty. Bring a tripod and a 70-200 mm and a wide-angle lens.
14. Pier 15 East River. This pier has epic views of the Brooklyn skyline. The best time to shoot is at dusk or at night. A zoom lens and a tripod are a must.
15. Top of the Manhattan Bridge. Head on top of the Manhattan bridge to get this epic shot of New York City. The best time to shoot is at night and the best lens to use is a 24-70 mm lens.
These are the Best Photography Spots in New York City.
If you enjoyed the list, please leave a comment below and share it with your friends. Don’t forget to check out our Brooklyn photography guide. Please remember to check back as we are continually updating our guides.
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