Welcome to New York City, where every photographer's dream is a view of an iconic skyline. Beyond postcard shots, the city's magic gives a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to view architectural masterpieces such as the Empire State Building, Flatiron Building, or the Chrysler Building.
We open hidden gems and well-known iconic sites where grit and glamour meet and provide an opportunity to learn a fresh view of the city that never sleeps.
This gives a unique possibility to learn how to document the spirit of New York City, its abandoned subway stations, or magnificent rooftop gardens.
Get ready to explore the city's hidden corners with soaring vantage points to capture the story behind New York City with every camera click.
Central Park
We start in the green and earthy suburbs of New York City, Central Park. The 'Lungs of the City' is a peaceful oasis with many attractions from which to take your photos. Some worthwhile features for taking picturesque photos include the Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis Reservoir. The view is spectacular in the spring, with the cherry trees blooming along the trail.
The sheer diversity of the park's landscape ensures that each photo differs from the next picture. Moreover, there's so much space with iconic locations that you can easily get overwhelmed with a planned photoshoot.
The Brooklyn Bridge
What else beats the iconic sunrise while strolling through Brooklyn Bridge? We recommend taking the Manhattan side while ending your morning walk in Dumbo for spectacular views and photo ops along the Manhattan water, with possible glimpses of the World Trade Center.
It remains one of the oldest suspension bridges in the country, completed in 1883. Its iconic structure provides a fascinating view of Manhattan as the backdrop. There are spots for a more intimate setting, and plenty of spots are available. You can also view parks and gardens on both sides of the bridge for a green setting.
The Oculus Center
Take a stroll around another remarkable architectural masterpiece at the Oculus train station. It is right next to ground zero, representing a modern train station that replaced an old station destroyed during the devastating 11th attacks.
It is a futuristic construction with an immaculate atypical architecture that makes up for a good photo shoot. It features a lot of space (both inside and outside) to move around and compose. Many people from different walks of life, other daily commuters, tourists, and white-collar workers may be at
grademiners essay writing service, making up a good spot for street photography. You can stand amidst the melee and wait for people to walk into your frame.
A quick Google search shows how the spot comes alive during the nighttime. The skylight above brings in tons of natural lighting that shines directly on the floor below. Many vantage points are on the lower floor, carefully playing between light and shadows.
Top of the Rock
Most skyscrapers offer a vantage point to overlook the city, but nothing quite like Top of the Rock, with an observation point on the 70th floor and a direct glimpse of the Empire State Building.
It's arguably one of the best observation decks, with far better experiences and memories of the city's views.
We recommend buying tickets online to avoid waiting in line. Another tip is choosing sunset as the best time to take your photoshoot.
Flatiron Building
One of the other iconic New York buildings is the Flatiron Building, which is so-called for its unique triangular shape. Built in 1902, it was then the tallest building in the city.
Currently, the photo area is in the north, at the tip of the triangle. This territory is divided by a crosswalk and large, high planters so as not to overcrowd the people and transport them.
Here, you can easily capture the frontal façade of the building amidst the crowding. Alternatively, you can capture the magnificence of the building from Madison Square Garden to get a different angle.
The best time to take your photos is sunset when traffic and street lights are coming alive. The luminance of the sky and streetlights provide the perfect balance for your lighting.
Gapstow Bridge & Skyline
Do you want a stunning view of the Manhattan skyline? Explore Central Park more, and you'll run into a quaint cobblestone bridge: the Gapstow Bridge & Skyline. It provides a unique view of the natural surroundings with trees and NYC skylines.
It is a relatively chill place without many activities happening around. The best photos come from the south end while looking north towards the bridge for a remarkable composition, with the Plaza Hotel forming the backdrop.
The bridge feels frozen as the rest of the places modernize and change. Don't visit after it rains because it gets muddy.
Times Square
One of the places where you can take many photos on your phone is the second most convenient for a tourist. Times Square is the heart of NYC, which is never empty. It is crowded with big lights, tall skyscrapers and shows.
It has the unique hustle and bustle that the city is associated with. It is a perfect place for a couple, as well as for solo travelers. Dogs and children as well! So, why not take a picture there with all your family members or just when you are trying to make a surprise for your partner?
The High Line
Talk about salvaging the old into new functional spaces, and the High Line tops the list. Initially, the High Line was an old railroad track that received a major makeover and transformed into an open public park next to the Hudson River.
The pedestrian walkway is beaming with art installations, city skyline views, murals, and refreshment joints. Furthermore, it is only a short walk away from Midtown. It is a pleasant surprise for tourists looking to escape the hustle and bustle of city life. Get to experience the majestic views of Manhattan.
Key Takeaway
The city is indeed a heaven for tourists, but it has much more to offer. A paradise, one may say, as it is known to be the city that never sleeps. It has stunning architectural designs, towering skylines, vibrating crowds, parks and gardens. A perfect combination of nature and city life, these places are the perfect location at each moment.