Manhattan Skylines; A Guide to the Best Photo Locations in NYC
There are certainly different goals in a given on location, outdoor portrait session. This article’s primary focus is to rank the best spots for taking in the New York Skyline. Whether it’s for an engagement or proposal shoot, enhancing your dating profiles, or simply capturing a timeless New York City Portrait, this guide will help you find the top places to capture the city. Most of the photos in this article have been taken from my New York Cityscapes series. Prints and photo books are available to order. This article includes four hidden and four iconic locations to get the city experience in your photos.
Four Hidden NYC Photo Spots
1- Great views from Governor’s Island
It’s pretty difficult for a 172 acre island to be a secret but, it certainly doesn’t see the traffic of Ellis Island or the Statue of Liberty which see up to 8,000 visitors per day and it isn’t well known. Governor’s Island is actually part of the borough of Manhattan and had been used by the US Military since 1755 until being opened for public use in 2005. Getting to the island is a quick ferry ride from Lower Manhattan. There are three spots that I would recommend for great photos with the city in the background; the promenade on the north side of the island, Outlook Hill on the West side, and the upper deck of the ferry itself.
The view of Lower Manhattan from Outlook Hill on Governor’s Island
2- Visit the Dream Wheel for Portraits
Far be it from me to promote a mall attraction but the enclosed ferris wheel at the American Dream Mall in East Rutherford, New Jersey offers unique views of the city from the top. The mall is best accessed by car and you’ll need to fork out about $35 for a ticket but, the views and potential photos are well worth it. The elevation allows you to capture lower and upper Manhattan in a way that I’ve only seen from an airplane. My recommendation for this attraction is planning to visit on a clear day during off peak hours so you can get a gondola to yourself.
The view from the Dream Wheel at the American Dream Mall in East Rutherford, NJ
3- Take photos from Riverbank State Park
There’s little better than a good sewage plant reclamation story and the Riverbank State Park in Upper Manhattan is just that. Built in 1993 on top of such a facility on the Hudson River, this park offers some great views of the city perfect for photography especially at night. The park is home to a number of sporting fields and facilities so it certainly isn’t hidden to locals but isn’t on many tourist lists. That being said, it offers clear views of boats not the river, the Washington Bridge to the North, and a unique view of Manhattan that includes a bit of everything.
4- Long Island City is Great for Photos
If you haven’t heard of LIC, I highly recommend checking it out. With views of the United Nations, Empire State Building, Chrysler building, and much more, your options for backdrops are endless. The parks along the East River include Gantry Plaza State Park and Hunter’s Point South Park with green spaces and an elevated walkway that offers an exceptional photo opportunity.
Four Famous NYC Photo Spots
1- Photos on the Brooklyn Bridge
The Brooklyn Bridge is a suspension bridge opened in 1883 and is a major tourist attraction seeing about 5 million visitors a year at the Brooklyn Bridge Park and over 7,000 bicyclist and pedestrians a day! You’ll need to navigate heavy crowds but once you have that down, you’ll get the bridge and or lower Manhattan as an incredible backdrop. The good news is that you can hire a photographer in advance (call me) or while on the bridge (there are many photographers for hire) who can help you get the best shot.
Brooklyn Bridge can be crowed. This photo took a bit of time to wait for pedestrians to clear out.
2- Photos with the Bridge
The Brooklyn Bridge is amazing so it belongs on this list twice and this entry includes a number of great spots to capture the bridge in the background. I highly recommend views from Dumbo, Brooklyn Bridge Park, and the nearby Manhattan Bridge.
A photo from Brooklyn Bridge park!
3- Photos from the Edge
There are a number of options for viewing the city from above but none better for photos (in my opinion) than the Edge in Hudson Yards. The glass viewing makes it appear like your subject is one with the city. By contrast the Empire State Building has barriers and fences and other issues for photographers. Cost for this opportunity varies but is typically around $40 at the time of writing this article. I’d also recommend booking well ahead of time during the busy seasons!
4- Photos from the Park
Central Park offers a number of great spots to capture the skyline. The further north you go, the more buildings come into view but the contrast between nature and architecture is always exciting. Also check out this other article on the Ramble in Central Park!
The view from the Great Lawn in Central Park.
Discovering the perfect backdrop for your New York City portraits can elevate your photos from ordinary to extraordinary. Whether you're seeking hidden gems or iconic landmarks, this guide provides a curated selection of top locations to capture the essence of the city. From the serene views of Governor's Island to the bustling energy of Central Park, each spot offers a unique perspective that will make your photos truly unforgettable. Don't miss the opportunity to immortalize your memories against the backdrop of the iconic New York skyline and please call to arrange a photoshoot and I’m happy to be your guide and photographer!
