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Top New York City Photo Shoot Locations
NYC is filled with amazing neighborhoods that make for fantastic portrait session backdrops. Here are some popular ones:
My Favorite Neighborhoods in NYC for Seniors, Families and Engagement Photo Shoots.
Over the years I have developed routes which are almost like tourist walking tours I do with clients, here are some of my most common locations to work with clients. On this page I’ll share some of these locations as well as the advantages and disadvantages of each.
What’s the best NYC route for photos?
To me, the best location depends on a few factors, and I can make recommendations when I have some basic information from you (type of session, season, how much time do you have, little kids in the shoot? etc.)
The list below has some general areas where I like to work and is meant to give you an idea of what we might find there. I’ll also link to some google images of the neighborhood to hopefully give you some basic idea.
Please keep in mind, what might be a perfect location for one type of session may not be my first choice for another… Also, some are locations very weather dependent (especially ones closer to the water), and I don’t recommend them during the fall or winter as they get significantly colder and windier than other parts of town.
West Village / Greenwich Village / Washington Square Park
Probably my most common route with seniors, also great for couples and young families due to some low/no traffic streets and the Park.
Known for its charming streets, historic townhouses, and the iconic Washington Square Park, this area is perfect for a classic NYC feel
What we’d see:
Beautiful townhouses, Classic NYC row tenement buildings, cobble stone streets, Fire Escapes, Washington Square Arch, Empire State Building.
Google Images:
West Village, Greenwich Village, Washington Sqaure Park, Washington Mews
DUMBO / Brooklyn Bridge
This neighborhood offers stunning views of the Brooklyn Bridge and the Manhattan skyline, making it a favorite for both its industrial vibe and scenic waterfront
A great option in Spring and Summer (DUMBO does get a bit windy and cold.
Lots of options here for photos…
What we’d see:
Industrial buildings, Bridges, Water views, NYC skyline,
Google Images:
DUMBO, Brooklyn Bridge Park
Notes: I recommend using the Brooklyn Bridge as a backdrop from the street level, as opposed to walking on it … This gives us more time to get other variety in the session.
Tribeca + WTC
Tribeca’s cobblestone streets, historic industrial buildings, and trendy vibe make it a fantastic spot for portraits with an urban flair. The area offers a mix of classic New York charm and modern sophistication, perfect for a variety of photo styles.
Nearby, The Oculus at the World Trade Center is an architectural marvel, with its striking design providing a stunning and unique backdrop for portraits. The combination of Tribeca’s old-world charm and The Oculus’s contemporary elegance creates a diverse and visually captivating setting for any photo session.
Notes: See The WTC info below in the Finacial District Photo Route.
SoHo
SoHo is one of my favorite neighborhoods in NYC and in my opinion also one of the most photogenic, offering a perfect blend of historic charm and modern sophistication.
Its iconic cobblestone streets, cast-iron architecture, and fire escapes provide a timeless backdrop that is both visually striking and full of character. The neighborhood is known for its trendy boutiques, art galleries, and chic cafes, which add to its vibrant and artistic atmosphere.
SoHo’s unique aesthetic makes it an ideal location for creative and stylish portraits, whether you’re looking for a classic, urban vibe or a more contemporary and edgy look.
With its trendy boutiques, cobblestone streets, and artistic atmosphere, SoHo is great for creative and stylish portraits. Absolutely one of my go-to favorite neighborhoods.
Times Square / Broadway
A great starting point for most sessions, I can cover it fairly quickly and add a lot more variety to a session.
For a more vibrant and energetic setting, Times Square provides a bustling backdrop with its iconic billboards and bright lights.
Upper West Side
Known for its classic architecture, tree-lined streets, and proximity to Central Park, the Upper West Side provides a charming and sophisticated backdrop for photos.
The UWS is a great starting point for Central Park session, but my first choice for the park is actually starting on 5th Ave (see below) though that has a very different vibe!
The Financial District (FiDi)
The Financial District, or FiDi, is the heart of NYC’s economic history, with its towering skyscrapers and historic landmarks. It’s an excellent spot for capturing the essence of New York’s hustle and bustle.
The area around the 9/11 Memorial and The Oculus is very photogenic with large colorful murals and modern architecture which together with the older/historic buildings around the Financial District make for some great variety in photos.
What we’d see: Skyscrapers, The Oculus, Historic buildings of Wall Street, Large colorful Murals
Notes: Can be a bit windy in the fall/winter
Also: The 9/11 memorial area can be paired with a session in Tribeca
The Highline + Meatpacking District
This area combines the beauty of the elevated park with the chic, urban vibe of the Meatpacking District, offering a mix of greenery and modern architecture.
Lower East Side
With its historic tenements, street art, and trendy cafes, the Lower East Side provides a gritty yet charming backdrop.
Long Island City (Queens)
This neighborhood is known for its artistic community and stunning views of the Manhattan skyline, making it a unique location for portraits.
What we’d see: Great midtown skyline view, Waterfront, Historic Pepsi Cola Billboard,
Central Park + 5th Ave
This iconic area is perfect for capturing the true essence of New York City.
5th Ave, lined with historic buildings and luxury stores, provides a sophisticated backdrop, while Central Park offers a more serene and picturesque setting with some iconic locations, skyline backdrops, charming bridges, and scenic pathways.
Whether you want the elegance of 5th Ave or the natural beauty of Central Park, this location offers the best of both worlds. It’s an ideal spot for capturing timeless and stunning photos that showcase the charm and diversity of NYC.
I often start my Central Park sessions with a short time on 5th Ave by the Plaza Hotel for the best of both worlds.
Each of these neighborhoods offers something special, and the best choice depends on the vibe you’re going for.
Do any of these neighborhoods stand out to you for your next portrait session?
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