New York City Photo Spots for Photographers

New York City’s most famous Bridge is the Manhattan Bridge. This suspension bridge crosses the East River between Lower Manhattan and Midtown Manhattan. For photographers, taking pictures of it can be a real challenge, and finding just the right angle isn’t always easy. But, an area known as DUMBO (Down Under the Manhattan Bridge Overpass) is a fantastic place to take photos. The light is better in the evening as the stark rays of the sun light the bridge from the west.

The Oculus in NYC is stunning inside and out. A master stroke of innovative architecture, the soaring soft curves seem frozen in time as the body of some alien creature. A transportation hub in the middle of the city, the Oculus was constructed in 2008 as part of the World Trade Centre Transportation Hub on the site of the fallen former World Trade Centre Towers. Designed by Santiago Calatrava, the building represents a bird taking flight from the hands of a young child. The Oculus represents New York City’s resilience in the face of adversity. The result, however, is masterful. Few architectural highlights in NYC rival the minimalist beauty of the Oculus. Photographers will find almost endless shooting opportunities as outstanding shares, forms, and design details can be found throughout the building.

Coney Island is a historic entertainment destination in Brooklyn. The location has been prominent in popular culture for decades, a blend of modern and retro amusement rides. For photographers, it is a delight to explore with original hand-painted signs, Ferris wheels, and all the light, sound and excitement you would expect from this famous fairground. Street photography at Coney island is among the best in NYC, and there are ample opportunities to capture photos of people as they mill about and enjoy the entertainment. We recommend going for the afternoon on a sunny day and staying into the evening when Coney Island comes alive with beautiful neon, lighting and excitement. When packing your photo gear, a light mirrorless and even lighter tripod is an excellent idea to bring. The tripod will be essential to capture the magic after the sun sets.

As New York City’s first foreign settlement, Chinatown has been home to immigrants since the mid-1800s. It was established as an area where Chinese immigrants could live and work without fear of discrimination. Today, it remains a vibrant community with its own unique culture and cuisine. There are plenty of things to do there, including shopping at the famous stores along Mott Street, eating delicious food at local restaurants, and exploring the historic sites. Photograph the bright colours, unique culture, and urban beauty of this part of the city. Another great place in NYC for street photography, the sights, sounds and smells of Chinatown are a must visit for any travelling photographer.

Few buildings in New York City are as iconic as the Flatiron Building at the foot of Madison Square Park in Manhattan. Erected in 1902, it is a stunning piece of turn-of-the-century architecture. The unique shape and location make it extremely photogenic and is lovely to photograph from almost any angle. The building was the work of Daniel Burnham and, when built, was one the tallest in the neighbourhood. The Flatiron Building is often said to have gotten its famous name from its similarity to a household appliance, but this triangular region of the city was known as “Flat Iron” before the building’s construction. When it was first built critics often called it “Burnham’s Folly” because many thought it would just collapse because of its peculiar shape. However, the Flatiron building has endured and remains one of the most photographed and photogenic spots in NYC.

The Morgan Library and Museum is a beautiful hidden gem for photographers in New York City. It is one of the world’s most important libraries, housing over 1 million books, manuscripts, prints, photographs, maps, and other documents from around the globe. In addition, the collection includes rare books, fine art, decorative arts, and more. The Morgan Library & Museums collection also contains many unique objects, including Rembrandt, Van Gogh, and Picasso paintings. The library was founded in 1883 by Henry E. Huntington, who donated his collection of nearly 100,000 volumes to the city of New York. In addition to its vast collection of books, the museum also holds some of the world’s finest examples of early printing technology. It is open Monday through Saturday from 9 am to 6 pm and Sunday from noon to 6 pm. Admission is free.