New York is an excellent place for photography, with many locations featured in movies and dramas. No matter where you capture the city, it becomes a picturesque scene. Here, I have compiled a list of particularly recommended shooting spots. From iconic locations that embody "New York" to the latest Instagram-worthy spots, here are 20 carefully selected places!
Feel free to contact us anytime for inquiries regarding photography and videography in New York.
20 Recommended Photography Locations in NYC: Location Scouting
You can't talk about New York without mentioning the Statue of Liberty. If you photograph it up close on Liberty Island, you can capture impressive shots. If you want to include it as a background, Battery Park, located at the southern tip of Manhattan, is highly recommended. This area is well-known as a photography spot, and you often see people taking wedding photos there. If you want to create a romantic atmosphere, be sure to aim for sunset.
Another option for capturing the Statue of Liberty as a background is to shoot from Governor's Island.
The scene of boarding a boat from Manhattan is also picturesque.
More information on the Statue of Liberty
Official site: nps.gov
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This is the essence of New York. Located in the heart of Manhattan, it is famous for Broadway and the New Year’s Eve countdown. The neon lights from the billboards illuminate the streets, creating an astonishing brightness even at night, truly showcasing that this is the city that never sleeps. For photography, the best time is at night when the neon lights shine vividly. This area is also always bustling with people, allowing you to capture the atmosphere of a big city like New York.
If you rent an office near Times Square, you can capture unique angles that you wouldn't see on television.
More information about Times Square
Official site: timessquarenyc.org
More articles: Let's go to the NY Times Square countdown!
Known as "The Met," this is one of the largest museums in the world. Not only is it celebrated for its incredible art collection, but its stunning architecture has also made appearances in numerous movies and TV shows. The museum's scale is truly vast, making it challenging to capture the entire building in one shot. However, the grand staircase at the main entrance provides a perfect spot for taking stylish photos reminiscent of a scene from a movie.
More information about The Metropolitan Museum of Art
Official site: metmuseum.org
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For those seeking modern and contemporary art in New York, the Guggenheim Museum is an absolute must-visit. Designed by renowned architect Frank Lloyd Wright, this iconic spiral structure is as celebrated for its unique architecture as it is for its art collection. Designated a historic landmark, the building's distinctive shape makes it a popular photo backdrop, perfect for capturing a modern and stylish aesthetic.
More information about the Guggenheim Museum
Official site: guggenheim.org
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In the heart of Manhattan lies the vast and beautiful Central Park, a beloved green space where locals come to relax and unwind.
With its charming benches, picturesque bridges, and vintage street lamps, the park offers endless opportunities for stunning photos.
While each season brings its own unique beauty, early summer, with its lush, vibrant greenery, is my personal favorite. Capture the skyline in the background to add that unmistakable New York vibe to your shots!
Learn more about Central Park
Official site: centralparknyc.org
More articles: New York Central Park
This is a relatively new but highly popular spot. The High Line is an elevated park created on a former railway line, offering a unique perspective on New York's cityscape.
With approximately 2 kilometers of diverse scenery, it's a favorite walking route for New Yorkers. As you stroll along, try to find your own perfect photo spots—there are many areas with cinematic views that have been featured in films and are popular for wedding shoots as well.
You can even capture shots from above, like the classic scene of hailing a taxi, for that quintessential New York moment.
Learn more about the Highline
Official site: thehighline.org
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The Brooklyn Bridge, connecting Manhattan and Brooklyn, is one of New York's top attractions, known for its stunning Gothic-style architecture. The bridge has two levels: the upper level is designated for pedestrians and cyclists. Since it's a very popular spot, going early in the morning is recommended for capturing photos without large crowds.
You can take shots from within the bridge itself, but the best photos are often from the Brooklyn side, where you can capture the Manhattan skyline beautifully in the background.
For weddings or other special shoots, photographing from the Brooklyn side is ideal, as you can easily access nearby DUMBO for a variety of shots in a shorter amount of time.
Learn more about the Brooklyn Bridge
Official site: NYC.GOV
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SoHo, a shopping district located in downtown Manhattan, is lined with high-end boutiques and stylish cafes. This area is filled with European-style historic buildings, making it an ideal spot for capturing atmospheric photos. Personally, I recommend stepping into one of the smaller side streets and including the street trees in your shot. This approach creates a chic, quintessentially New York feel in your photos.
Learn more about Soho
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Midtown’s 5th Avenue is famous as a shopping street lined with luxury brand stores. You can take photos in front of your favorite brand, or capture the ambiance of the entire area. During the holiday season, 5th Avenue is adorned with stunning decorations, creating a magical atmosphere perfect for photography. Instead of the typical shopping imagery, the above shot was taken from a well-known bar on 5th Avenue, framing the Empire State Building in the background. This location is a famous spot often used for concerts and other events.
Detailed information on Fifth Avenue
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Brooklyn is known for its beautiful brick-style buildings, and one of the most recommended photography spots is the DUMBO area. Short for “Down Under the Manhattan Bridge Overpass,” DUMBO has become a popular destination with its growing number of trendy shops and cafes. Here, you can capture views of both the Manhattan Bridge and the Manhattan skyline, making it a top spot for social media-worthy photos.
Learn more about DUMBO
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This station serves as a hub for trains, subways, and buses, resembling a historic luxury hotel or a beautiful cathedral. In addition to its functional role as a transit station, it boasts a variety of restaurants and cafes, making it a popular meeting spot for New Yorkers. It's particularly recommended to take photos near the clock at the information booth and by utilizing the stairs.
Capturing scenes of waiting for someone can create shots reminiscent of movie scenes.
Details of Grand Central Terminal
Official site: Grandcentralterminal.com
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Chelsea Market is an indoor marketplace lined with restaurants, cafes, and shops. It's a popular tourist destination for gourmet food and shopping, but its beautiful brick building, rich in history, makes it perfect for photography as well. The entire area surrounding Chelsea Market has a European vibe, making it highly recommended to explore the surroundings.
Learn more about Chelsea Market
Official site: chelseamarket.com
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The Washington Square Park's arch is another iconic New York filming location frequently seen in movies and TV shows. Originally a cultural area inhabited by many artists, it continues to attract street performers showcasing music and dance. This park, a beloved retreat for New Yorkers, is perfect for photography under a clear blue sky.
Learn more about Washington Square Park
Official site: nycgovparks.org
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The New York Public Library, featured in numerous films, is located within Bryant Park and is open to everyone for free. Inside the vast building, you'll find reading rooms, cafes, and a high-end souvenir shop. The architectural beauty is truly astonishing, with ceiling murals and chandeliers that create a luxurious atmosphere. If you're looking for a classic setting for photography, this is the perfect spot! In winter, an ice skating rink opens, and you can even capture scenes of the iconic fountain freezing, making it a great location for portraying the chilly New York winter.
More information about the New York Public Library
Official site: nypl.org
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When it comes to New York's transportation system, the subway is key. While it's just a means of getting around, I personally find it to be one of the places that truly embodies the essence of New York. Subway scenes are almost always featured in films and TV shows. For above-ground photography, Queensboro Plaza station is a great choice. Capturing a train against the backdrop of the sunset from here has been used in countless dramas, movies, and magazines.
Detailed information on Subway
Official site: new.mta.info
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Radio City Music Hall is a historic theater located in Rockefeller Center. Even without stepping inside, many tourists gather to admire its exterior, making it a well-known attraction. The neon lights at night are especially striking, providing a perfect backdrop for charming, retro photos.
Learn more about Radio City Music Hall
Official site: radiocitymusichall.org
More articles: [New York] Let's go see the authentic theater Radio City Music Hall
The Flatiron Building, built in 1902, is a famous spot that has appeared in numerous films. Just having the Flatiron as a backdrop can evoke a nostalgic atmosphere reminiscent of the past.
More information about the Flatiron Building
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This angle also allows you to capture the Manhattan skyline, with the Empire State Building appearing small in the background, making it a very versatile location. The area is filled with buildings that exude a quintessential Brooklyn vibe, making it ideal for filming as well.
The nighttime scenery is also atmospheric and highly recommended.
Learn more about Brooklyn
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In New York, the City Hall, which is essential for holding a wedding, surprisingly offers many ideal spots for photography. From the moment you sign the documents to the brief (less than a minute) ceremony, photographers can capture it all, but thorough preparation is essential since the ceremony wraps up in an instant. During the waiting period, you will be alongside various other people, but those moments can create special and unique shots that embody the essence of New York.
It’s also important not to be shocked when the friendly gentleman at the chapel's reception turns into a very formal officiant.
Inside City Hall, you can find spots where artificial flowers are sold, along with some designated photo areas.
After the ceremony, making reservations at trendy nearby restaurants allows for additional photo opportunities. Depending on the season, you can also capture cheerful images that mix urban scenes with greenery in charming small parks nearby.
More information about the City Hall
Official site:cityclerk.nyc.gov
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The Empire State Building, located right next to our office, is such an obvious landmark that I almost forgot its importance as a shooting spot. It's a crucial location for photography. However, due to its massive size, it’s best to capture it from a distance. The intersection of 28th Street and 6th Avenue offers the perfect angle for shooting.
Learn more about the Empire State Building
Official site:esbnyc.com
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This time, we've introduced 20 recommended photo shoot locations in New York. How many of these places caught your interest? If you have any inquiries about photo or video shooting in New York, feel free to reach out to us anytime.
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