There’s no destination as perfect for shooting street photography as the streets of New York. Eclectic, exciting, constantly changing. You never know quite what you’ll get, but you know it will be worth your while! New York is a vibrant city, full of opportunities for taking urban photographs. So if you’ve been planning a trip to NYC to shoot photos, here’s our guide! Read on to find out how to make the most of your trip to the Big Apple! Plus, check out the featured photographers and images to get inspiration for your own trip.
Photo credit / Luke Stackpoole
1. Visit the Tourist Sights
You can’t visit New York without taking shots of Times Square, the Empire State Building, and the Statue of Liberty. Although countless photographers have photographed them before, they still make beautiful images. You can put your own spin on it and take color, or black and white pictures, too. Every street photographer has to shoot these locations at least once!
Photo credit / Lerone Pieters
Photo credit / Robert Andall
Photo credit / Emiliano Bar
2. Take your Camera Out at Night
Lower your ISO and get ready to take some photos at night! New York is the city that never sleeps, so don’t miss the opportunity that the nighttime hours present. Just make sure you stay safe and keep to busy areas.
Photo credit / Luke Stackpoole
Photo credit / Matteo Modica
Photo credit / Luke Stackpoole
3. But Don’t Miss Taking Some Sidewalk Shoots Too!
The beauty of New York City lies in the diverse people who live here. If you want to hone your urban photography, you can set up on a corner of the sidewalk. Then, be prepared to capture the hustle and bustle of the place. There’s nothing quite like it anywhere else in the world!
Photo credit / Patrick Tomasso
Photo credit / Matteo Catanese
Photo credit / Lerone Pieters
Photo credit / Krisztina Papp
Photo credit / Luke Cooley
Photo credit / Drew Sullivan
4. Look Up!
You can get so absorbed by what’s going on all around you at ground level that you forget to look up. The New York skyline is incredible. Don’t forget to shoot some shots looking up. And if possible, climb up to a vantage point for those breathtaking cityscapes.
Photo credit / Luca Bravo
Photo credit / Matteo Modica
5. Ask to Take a Portrait
Most people in New York aren’t shy. So if you see someone who looks unique, go ahead and ask if you can take their portrait. They might say no, they might flip you off – but they are just as likely to say yes. You won’t know until you ask!
Photo credit / Daniel Koponyas
Photo credit / Alasdair Elmes
Photo credit / Thierry Ambroise
Photo credit / Christian Koch
Photo credit / Chris Barbalis
6. Capture Some Shots at Subway Stations
In New York, subway stations are the hub of the city. Everyone’s got around, so it’s the perfect place to set up. You’ll take some great, realistic shots that represent the life of NYC.
Photo credit / Luke Stackpoole
Photo credit / Banter Snaps
Photo credit / Benz
Conclusion
So there you have our complete guide to taking urban photographs in the streets of New York. Keep these tips in mind, and you’ll create some spectacular images. But most of all, enjoy yourself and keep an eye out for those timeless moments you don’t want to miss. In all its glory, NYC will be sure to set your passion for street photography alive!
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