New York City—what an incredible destination, especially for photographers like us! The city’s iconic landmarks and bustling streets make it a paradise for capturing unforgettable moments. We were beyond excited when we found out we were heading to the Big Apple. From the towering skyscrapers of Manhattan to the cultural diversity of its boroughs, New York surpassed all our expectations. Even though our visit only scratched the surface, we’re already dreaming of returning someday.
Photographing New York City’s iconic landmarks offers unforgettable Travel experiences. From the majestic Chrysler Building to the bustling Grand Central Station, each site captures the essence of the city, blending history, architecture, and vibrant urban life into stunning photographic opportunities.
In this post, I want to share what it was like photographing this dynamic city. While you can find many images from our trip in our other blog posts like “What is it like to Visit New York for the first time?” and “The Big Apple: Buildings, Bridges and Boroughs,” these are the ones that really stand out to me.
Brooklyn Bridge
Starting at the majestic Brooklyn Bridge was awe-inspiring. The craftsmanship of the hand-carved stone and iron was evident, and walking across it was a must-do experience. Although the cold wind tried to challenge us, it didn’t dampen our spirits.
We arrived a bit later in the day, missing the sunrise crowd but still capturing stunning views of the Manhattan skyline as we walked from Brooklyn to Manhattan. Orla’s patience in capturing the perfect shot continues to amaze me. It was an unforgettable day, and these photos truly capture the essence of our New York adventure.
D.U.M.B.O and a classic view of the Manhattan Bridge
Sure, I get it—you might think, “Oh, another DUMBO shot,” but come on, it’s the classic view! It was quite amusing finding this spot. Just hop off the subway and follow the trendy folks in their stylish outfits, and bam! You’re at the Instagram hotspot. When we arrived, it was bustling with people, but luckily, visiting in the off-season meant it wasn’t as packed as it could be in summer.
Orla wasn’t too keen on waiting in the cold, so she left me to it while I patiently waited for the crowds to thin out. The sunset was casting a beautiful golden light on the Manhattan Bridge, and I couldn’t resist getting that perfect shot—even if it meant briefly stepping into other people’s photos (sorry!).
Finally, I found a moment with no one around, snapped away, and nailed the shot I wanted. It got chilly quickly, so once you’ve got your shot, it’s best to make way for others. But I’m really glad I went; it’s such an amazing view!
Top of the Rock
Standing atop the Rockefeller Center, the majestic Manhattan skyline unfolds before you in all its glory. Capturing such iconic views demands time, patience, and a keen eye for detail—just like the images we grew up watching on TV. The Top of the Rock is a hotspot for tourists, offering breathtaking 360-degree panoramas of New York City, including the Empire State Building and beyond.
Planning is key; book early for sunset views (at an extra cost) and arrive early to secure a good spot amidst the crowds. When we visited, it was bustling, so after waiting patiently, I navigated through to find a spot for my mini tripod (full-size tripods aren’t allowed).
Despite the crowd, the sunset was spectacular that evening, rewarding us with unforgettable photographs. Pro tip: Once you’ve got your shot, explore different angles for more magical views all around. It was definitely one of the highlights of our New York trip!
Grand Central Station
Grand Central Station—what an iconic place to visit! It’s buzzing with energy, and rightly so, being one of Manhattan’s top attractions. Amidst the hustle of tourists and locals bustling about, I had a vision for capturing this bustling scene.
Equipped with neutral density filters, I opted for a long exposure to blur the movement of people, creating a dynamic effect while keeping them partially visible as long shadows. Orla, as always, patiently posed amidst the motion, adding a serene contrast to the lively surroundings (great job, Orla!). Remember, using a tripod here requires a permit, which I didn’t obtain, so my trusty mini tripod came in handy once more.
Like everywhere in New York City, waiting patiently was key to finding the perfect spot. The experience was definitely worth it, and don’t miss out on the “whispering corner”—it’s a quirky delight. Grand Central Station truly lives up to its reputation as a must-see in the Big Apple!
Chrysler Building
The majestic Chrysler Building, bathed in golden sunlight as another day in this incredible city draws to a close. This iconic Art Deco skyscraper, towering at 319 meters, evokes a deep sense of nostalgia and awe—like a true symbol of being in New York City. For us, it instantly brings to mind scenes from movies like Ghostbusters.
Finding a perfect spot to capture its grandeur is relatively straightforward due to its strategic location in midtown Manhattan. From Roosevelt Island, using a 200mm lens allowed me to compress the buildings beautifully, creating a stunning visual effect. The play of light was simply breathtaking, casting a golden glow on the building’s intricate details.
Using an ND filter to slow the shutter speed (approximately 20 seconds) added a dreamy quality by elongating the clouds in the sky. This image holds a special place among my favorites from our visit to New York City. If you’re in the city, capturing the Chrysler Building should definitely be on your list, and taking time to scout for the right location will pay off with stunning results. Also, imagining living in such an amazing architectural marvel—it must be quite something, despite the likely steep cost of rent up there!