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by Carla DLM

New York is probably at the top of the cities’s bucket list for many people in the world. This was certainly the case for me before moving here in 2014. For a photographer, this city is attractive in many ways. The photo opportunities here are limitless: from landscape and architecture, to street, portraits, wedding photography and much more. Competition is also fierce.

 

 

Planning to visit this city is a dream coming true for many of us, but it can also be challenging. Unfortunately, capturing everything in a short period of time is not always possible. Having lived here for two years, there are still places I haven’t discovered.

New York is one of the most touristic cities in the world and its streets can become crowded with people and traffic. I certainly didn’t like this initially. It took me some time to get used to it, but now I embrace it as a wonderful opportunity to capture unexpected views.

 

 

 

WHAT TO SHOOT FIRST FROM A PHOTOGRAPHER'S VIEWPOINT 

Empire State Building
Let’s start our journey with one of my favorite spots. The Empire State Building is the 31st  tallest skyscraper in the world and one of the most iconic landmarks in the city. It has appeared in countless movies and it’s beautiful and imposing from every angle.

 

 

There is a nice observatory at the top and the views of the city from it are beautiful, specially at sunset time.

 

 

The observatory doesn't have windows. Instead, there’s a fence all around it. Unfortunately, tripods are not permitted. Every night, the top of of the building is illuminated with different color combinations, which are chosen to recognize various occasions and organizations. This beautiful spectacle of light is a distinctive signature of Manhattan, which can be appreciated from several points around the city. Every perspective is unique.

 

by Carla DLM

I personally prefer the view from the streets. You can find many interesting angles walking a few blocks from the building.

 

 

 

 

 

One World Trade Center Observatory

 

by Carla DLM

 

The One World Trace Center is the sixth tallest building in the world. The viewing deck on the 100th floor offers a completely uninterrupted 360 degree panoramic view of the city. I love it! You can see absolute everything from there. The only two problems I found are that the only way to take pictures is through the glass windows and the use of tripods is also prohibited.
This building’s design is attractive from every angle. I’m sure it will inspire you in many ways.

 

 

9/11 Memorial Plaza

 

 

This memorial has the largest man-made waterfalls in the United States. It is crowded by tourist and locals almost every day. At night, the waterfalls are illuminated all around and the sight is mesmerizing. It is a must see place.

Top of the Rock Observatory
This place is my favorite so far.  It’s located in Mid-town Manhattan. It has a three level observation deck. The two top ones are my favorite: they don’t have windows. You can see the Empire State Building and the One World Trade Center from one side,

 

 

and the Central park and Washington Bridge from the other. What else can you ask for in New York City?

 

by Carla DLM

 
The waiting line moves faster than the ones at the Empire State Building and the One World Trade Center. As in those two places, tripods are not allowed.

Times Square

 

by Carla DLM

 

I believe this is the most crowded place in the city. The light from the digital screens and billboards make you feel it’s always daytime. The buildings that surround the square are captivating in many ways. Using a tripod can be challenging at times due to the multitude, but it can be achieved with caution. It must certainly be paradise of selfie sticks!

 

 

Flatiron Building

 

 

The Flatiron Building is a unique landmark. It is surrounded by two of the main avenues in the city: Broadway and 5th Avenue. The architecture of this building is exquisite. If you carry a zoom lens with you, you’ll be delighted, this building is all about details.

 

by Carla DLM

There are many beautiful angles that can be captured in this building. Finding the perfect shot is just about letting your photographer’s eye wander around it.

 

 

Brooklyn Bridge
Walking across this bridge is breathtaking.

 

 

Everything is so picturesque and the views of the Manhattan skyline are stunning.

 

 

Winter time can be very cold for this walk, but it’s definitely my favorite time to cross the bridge.

 

 

Manhattan Skyline

 

 

Manhattan’s skyline it is by far one of the most beautiful ones in the world. The photography opportunities are limitless from all the places that surround Manhattan Island.

My favorites places for capturing this view are  Brooklyn,

 

 

and Union City, New Jersey; but If you have some money to spare, helicopters are the best.

 

 

Statue of Liberty.
The Statue of Liberty is located on Liberty Island, which can only be accessed via a ferry cruise

 

by Carla DLM

 

The ferry ride offers many opportunities to photograph the city and the statue from a nice distance.

 

by Carla DLM

 

There are many different point of views you can capture in this place. Just let you point of view do the job.

 

 

All of these places should definitely be on your list while visiting the city.

In my next article, I’ll talk about some other places around the city … those not so well-known jewels awaiting to be discovered by your lens. 

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