Photography Guide: New York

7 essential spots + ideal timing in the Big Apple

1. Brooklyn Bridge

⏰ Best time: Sunrise (6am-7am) empty OR sunset (6pm-8pm)

Walk the bridge pedestrian path. Photograph Manhattan skyline from Brooklyn side. Bridge itself from DUMBO neighborhood (Washington St + Water St intersection).

💡 Tip: Go EARLY (7am) - gets very crowded after 9am. Pedestrian lane, not bike lane!

How to get there: Subway to Brooklyn Bridge-City Hall (4/5/6) or High St-Brooklyn Bridge (A/C)

2. Empire State Building

⏰ Best time: Sunset + night (7pm-10pm for city lights)

Observation deck 86th floor ($44-79). 360° views. Book online to skip line. Photograph FROM Top of the Rock (Rockefeller) for Empire State in skyline.

💡 Best exterior photo: From corner of 34th St & 5th Ave looking up

Entry: $44+ | Hours: 8am-2am daily

3. Times Square

⏰ Best time: Night (8pm-11pm) for full neon effect

Neon chaos - VERY crowded always. Best photos: long exposure of lights, wide angle from red TKTS stairs. FREE.

⚠️ Watch for: Pushy costumed characters demanding payment for photos. Politely decline or agree price first ($5-10)

4. Central Park

⏰ Best time: Early morning (7am-9am) golden light

Bethesda Fountain, Bow Bridge, The Mall tree tunnel. Fall colors Oct-Nov spectacular. Winter snow magical. FREE and beautiful year-round.

💡 Spots: Bow Bridge (most photogenic), Bethesda Terrace, Sheep Meadow skyline view

5. Statue of Liberty

⏰ Best time: Morning ferry (9am) for side lighting

Take Staten Island Ferry (FREE!) for close view without ticket. Or paid ferry + pedestal access $24. Book MONTHS ahead for crown ($24.30).

💡 Free alternative: Staten Island Ferry FREE, runs 24/7, passes close to statue both directions

Ferry: Battery Park departure every 30min

6. Grand Central Terminal

⏰ Best time: 12pm-2pm (light beams through windows)

Iconic ceiling constellations. God rays through tall windows midday. FREE to enter and photograph. Active train station - watch for commuters!

💡 Angle: Shoot from balcony above main floor for overhead view + clock

7. One World Observatory

⏰ Best time: Sunset (arrive 1 hour before sunset)

102nd floor. Highest viewpoint in NYC. $44-54 timed entry. 360° views including Brooklyn Bridge, Statue of Liberty. Worth the price!

💡 Tip: Book "sunrise" or "sunset" tickets for best light. Mid-day harsh overhead sun

📸 General Tips for New York

Safety: Very safe city. Watch belongings in crowded subway/Times Square
Walking: Distances deceiving - plan extra time. Blocks are long!
Best seasons: Spring/Fall perfect. Summer hot humid. Winter cold but magical (snow!)
Free viewpoints: Staten Island Ferry, Brooklyn Bridge, Top of the Strand hotel (rooftop bar $15 drink minimum)
Equipment: Phone fine. Wide-angle lens ideal for buildings

📺 New York on Video

Visual tour of photography spots

Watch on YouTube