7 Essential Tips for Stunning New York City Photography

New York City is a complicated place to photograph. On one hand, it is one of the grandest, most awe-inspiring, fastest moving, and most diverse locations in the world – it is a photographer’s dream, but it is also one of the most photographed places on the planet.

We have all seen thousands of the same New York City photography compilations and hundreds of television shows and movies showing us romanticized views of the city. We hold mental images of what we think New York should look like from these, but there is much more to the city than exploring the billboards of Times Square.

“The ballet of the good city sidewalk never repeats itself from place to place, and in any one place is always replete with new improvisations.” ~ Jane Jacobs, The Death and Life of Great American Cities.

New York City Photography Guide

I’ve lived here my whole life and have photographed New York City extensively for the last 14 years. I’ve taught photography tours and workshops to travelers from all over the world. That experience has helped me understand how people perceive New York. Here are some of my favorite tips to help you get the most out of your photography in this amazing city.

• Don’t miss my Ultimate Guide of the Things to do, the best neighborhoods and Where to Stay in New York City – Top Places and Hotels For All Budgets

1. Take the Typical Tourist Photos of New York City

When I work with photographers, I often hear them say things like, “Oh, I’ve just been taking the typical tourist photos.” There’s nothing wrong with taking ‘tourist photos.’ Tourist photos capture some of the most incredible views in New York, which is why they remain so popular.

Capture your favorites with a high-quality camera so you can create a stunning print for your home. By all means, get these photographs!

Tips for Taking New York Photos

When shooting in New York City, try to time your photos carefully. If you’re going to take a picture that everyone else does, make sure it’s at its best. Aim for optimal lighting—often during early morning, late afternoon, or at dusk. Additionally, consider venturing out in the rain or snow; bad weather can yield unexpectedly beautiful photographs.

2. Take Unique and Weird Photographs

However, it’s important to spend some time capturing images beyond the touristy shots. Many people arrive with a clear vision of what they want to photograph, but the real magic of New York often lies in unexpected moments.

Familiarize yourself with possible shots, but also allow spontaneous creativity to bloom. Let go of preconceived notions about what the city must look like. Explore, get lost, and capture the moments that unfold.

Embrace an open approach; wander without a strict agenda, and take what New York gives you. These photographs will be unique and irreplaceable.

3. Try Street Photography of New York

As captivating as the surroundings are, the people of New York are the heart of the city—so make them your subjects! Street photography focuses on candidly capturing people as they live their daily lives.

This style was popularized by icons such as Henri-Cartier Bresson and Garry Winogrand, who spent their lives photographing the bustling streets of New York.

While taking candid photos can feel awkward, as long as your intentions are good, it’s usually well-received. I’ve been doing this for 14 years and can share that positive interactions far outweigh the negative.

If someone approaches you after capturing their image, simply smile and explain you were aiming to showcase the vibrant culture of New York. Often, flattery works wonders! If they seem unhappy, offer to delete the image—it’s as easy as that.

Most people, however, will remain oblivious to your presence. New York is an urban landscape where learning street photography is delightfully straightforward, thanks to the crowds and bustle.

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Pay attention to people’s expressions and the stories behind their eyes. These elements can add depth and emotion to your street photographs, fostering connections between viewers and the subjects.

Notice if someone appears happy, stressed, angry, or jealous. I always focus on expressions and gestures because they convey the strongest feelings in photographs.

Favorites spots for street photography in New York include: 5th Avenue from 57th to 42nd Street, 42nd Street, 34th Street, SoHo, East Village, Lower East Side, on the subway system, anywhere on Broadway, Chinatown, Coney Island, Bushwick, and Williamsburg.

4. Put Yourself in the Middle of the Commotion and Wait for Something to Happen

Find a lively street corner to observe the bustling life of the city. It’s easy to get swept up in the fast pace around you; however, take a moment to breathe, slow down, and immerse yourself in your environment. By choosing a vantage point to observe, your hand-eye coordination for photography will improve.

This approach can help ease the nerves associated with street photography, as people naturally move into your space instead of you intruding on theirs.

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Many renowned street photographers had their favorite corners to revisit, mine being the corner of Prince and Broadway in SoHo.

Combine this method with the camera snap technique to gain candid images. Photographers often unintentionally lower the camera after taking a shot, which alerts the subject that they’ve been photographed. Keeping the camera at your eye leads subjects to believe they are simply interrupting your background shot.

It may feel a bit sneaky, yet it’s a practical way to maintain the authenticity of your street photography.

5. Set Up Your Camera to Catch Fast-Moving Scenes

Now, I’d like to offer a quick guide to camera settings for street photography. I generally use Shutter Priority on overcast days and Aperture Priority on sunny ones. I maintain shutter speeds of at least 1/250th of a second to freeze motion.

At night, you may decrease that speed slightly to 1/160th or 1/125th and still achieve decent results.

Additionally, I use a small aperture setting to ensure sharpness across the scene (maximizing depth of field). While many prefer the aesthetic of a blurred background, in fast-paced environments, it’s beneficial to achieve clarity in unpredictable scenes.

Sometimes, manifestations may feature interesting elements in both foreground and background, and having both in focus proves advantageous.

If utilizing fast shutter speeds and small apertures, you’ll need to elevate your ISO for adequate lighting, especially if it’s not bright outside. Though previously wary of increasing ISO due to older cameras’ noise issues, newer models manage noise beautifully, resulting in striking images.

As a reference, I shoot at ISO 400 in sunlight, 800-1600 in shade, and up to 6400 at night when capturing street photography. With entry-level cameras, reduce ISO by one stop for optimal exposure adjustment.

6. Be More Methodical About Composing Your Cityscape and Architecture Photographs

A common mistake in cityscape photography is hastily photographing captivating structures without fully considering the composition. When you discover a stunning building, take a moment to assess how best to capture it.

Consider integrating additional elements to create complex scenes. Think about shifting your perspective to achieve a more cohesive composition.

Approach your architecture photography akin to creating a painting; the same composition rules apply here as in traditional art. Understanding how a viewer’s eyes will navigate your image is essential.

Decide where the eyes will begin, their path, and the final resting point. A successful composition expertly guides viewers through the frame, and great photographers often strategically position various elements to achieve this flow.

Remember that city photography mirrors landscape photography; positioning objects creatively is crucial.

Finally, consider the edges of your frame. Eyes naturally gravitate toward leaving an image. This is why artists often include elements in corners, such as branches or clouds, to draw viewers back into the composition.

Alongside great locations for architecture and cityscape includes Central Park, 42nd Street, SoHo, and the Manhattan Bridge, just to name a few.

7. Learn About the History of the Neighborhoods You Shoot In

Each district in New York has a rich history waiting to be uncovered. Taking time to learn this background will enhance your photographic exploration and inspire creativity.

Consider the East Village, now a vibrant neighborhood. It once housed immigrants and later fell into decline. However, its gritty past of the ’70s and ’80s made way for young artists and creatives.

The transformation of the East Village facilitated movements like punk rock and attracted diverse individuals who mingled with existing residents. Knowing this history deepens your understanding of what you might capture while you’re there.

Ultimately, these tips will serve you well the next time you embark on capturing the essence of New York City and other cities around the world.

Plan More of Your New York City Travels:

• Things to Do: 33 Best Things to Do in NYC
• Accommodation: Where to Stay in New York City – Top Places and Hotels For All Budgets
• Holidays in NYC: Christmas in New York – What to Do
• Statue of Liberty: Tips for Visiting The Statue of Liberty
• Vacation Rentals in NYC: The Best Vacation Rentals in New York
• Times Square: Three Perfect Hotels in Times Square
• Lake Placid New York: Things to Do in Lake Placid, New York

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