A New York photoshoot is on a lot of bucket lists, and I get it. The city looks like a movie set from almost every corner. The hard part is getting a photo of you in it, without a stranger’s elbow or a selfie-stick arm.
I’m a photographer based in Paris, so New York isn’t my city to shoot. When people ask me who to book there, I send them to Flytographer, a Canadian company with local photographers in 350+ cities, New York included. Here’s what I’d tell you about planning photos in NYC.
Browse New York photographers on Flytographer and get $25 off your first shoot.
Why hire a photographer for your New York trip
New York moves fast. A local photographer knows where the city slows down for a few minutes, like a quiet bend in Central Park at 8 am or a side street in the West Village before the brunch crowd.
They also handle the posing. Almost everyone feels a bit awkward in front of a camera for the first few minutes, and a good photographer gets you past that fast.
You come home with photos of everyone together, which is the whole point of a family trip or an anniversary.
New York photoshoot ideas: where to go
Central Park. Bow Bridge and Bethesda Terrace are the stars, and the park has so many paths that you can find a quiet corner even on a busy day. In fall, the leaves turn gold and red, usually from late October into November.
DUMBO and Brooklyn Bridge Park. The waterfront paths in Brooklyn Bridge Park give you the bridge and the Manhattan skyline in one frame, which works well for families. In DUMBO itself, the view of the Manhattan Bridge framed between brick buildings on Washington Street is one of the most photographed spots in the city. Go early on a weekday.
The Brooklyn Bridge. Walk it at sunrise for the skyline behind you and a fraction of the foot traffic. Later in the day it’s crowded with walkers and cyclists.
The West Village and Greenwich Village. Brownstones, stoops, and tree-lined streets. Good for a relaxed, everyday New York look.
Grand Central Terminal. The main concourse is gorgeous, but it’s a working station. Ask your photographer what’s allowed inside before you plan around it.
Rockefeller Center in December. The tree and the rink make holiday photos easy. Expect crowds, and go early in the morning.
The best time of day for photos in NYC
Early morning, especially on weekends, gives you the emptiest streets. Sunrise on the Brooklyn Bridge or in DUMBO feels like having the city to yourself.
Golden hour works well in Central Park, where the trees soften the light. Tall buildings block the low sun in parts of Manhattan, so your photographer will pick a spot where the light reaches you.
What to wear for a New York photoshoot
New York is a city of neutrals: brick, steel, glass, and gray stone. You can go bold here. A red coat or a bright dress pops against those backgrounds.
Dress for the season. Summers are hot and sticky, and winters are cold and windy, especially on the bridges. A good wool coat looks great in photos and keeps you from shivering through the session.
You’ll walk between spots, so wear shoes you can manage for an hour.
How booking a New York photographer through Flytographer works
You browse the New York photographers, look at their work, and choose the one you like. Pick a package and a date, and the Flytographer team helps you and your photographer plan the meeting spot.
On the day, you meet your photographer, walk around, and they take photos while guiding you. Your edited gallery comes within 5 days.
Sessions in New York start at around $325 USD for 30 minutes. The price depends on the photographer and how long you book, and your edited digital photos are always included.
Thirty minutes covers one spot, which is plenty for DUMBO or a corner of Central Park. If you want the Brooklyn Bridge and DUMBO together, book 60 or 90 minutes.
How to get $25 off your NYC photographer
Book through my Flytographer link and you get $25 off your first shoot. Create an account after you click, and the credit stays saved even if you book later from another device.
Flytographer gift cards also work in every city they cover, which makes them a handy gift for someone planning a honeymoon. Here are the current Flytographer discount codes and Black Friday deals.
Heading to Paris after New York?
Paris is my city! If it’s on your list, here’s what to know about booking a photographer in Paris. Planning an engagement shoot? Here’s why Paris works so well for engagement photos.
This post contains affiliate links. If you book through them, I earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
New York photoshoot FAQ
Through Flytographer, sessions start at around $325 USD for 30 minutes. The price depends on the photographer and how long you book, and your edited digital photos are included.
Central Park, DUMBO, and the Brooklyn Bridge are the most popular. The West Village is a good choice if you want a quieter, neighborhood feel. Your photographer can suggest a spot based on the look you want.
Early morning, especially on weekends, when streets and bridges are emptiest. Golden hour is lovely in Central Park.
Short portrait sessions with a handheld camera usually don’t need one. Rules change by location and setup, so ask your photographer, who will know the current rules for each spot.
Fall, from late October into November, for the foliage in Central Park. December is great for holiday photos. Spring brings blossoms, and summer works well if you shoot early before the heat.
Flytographer delivers your edited gallery within 5 days of the shoot.
