Time flies! I’ve been shooting full-time freelance for almost 13 years. That’s wild to me. In that time I’ve certainly upped my skillset and have gotten better at my work. BUT I think one of the most important things about being a photographer in New York is knowing WHERE to take a photo. New York is full of iconic locations but I think portraits or lifestyle headshots are better suited to when there is a mystery to the background. I’m not saying DON’T take those photos in Times Square. I’m saying New York is more than the tourist traps.
I have a personal list of locations I love to shoot in and around. These are in no particular order. Let’s start with one of my favorite Queens spots: Gantry Park
The above shot was taken on the sun benches over lookig the East River. It’s one of my favorite shots from this year. There are plenty of nooks and crannies in the park and surrounding areas that lend itself perfectly to portraiture and natural light shooting.
Another spot in Queens I love to shoot in is Kissena Park. Lots of clients request their headshots taken in a park and I always suggest Kissena. It’s a hidden gem in the Flushing area that is larger than you think.
There are plenty of gorgeous spots in the park to take photos. This was taken on one of the first landings of the park where there are benches, and places to play chess, or relax.
Sidenote: Lots of LIRR stations make for great headshot spots also. A lot of them are elevated and have great urban backgrounds in the distance.
One of my personal favorite things to do is a walk and shoot with a client. Manhattan is super walkable and all you need is a good starting point. My personal preference is shooting around the Little Island area, which is on the west side of Manhattan – pier 55. It’s also right next to Pier 57, which is another great place to shoot especially if you can get on the rooftop! Here is a shot on the roof of Pier 57:
From there you can walk to the Highline and shoot along there. The backgrounds and city scapes when you are between streets is pretty darn fantastic.
You could also walk toward the East Side through some historic New York streets that are still paved with cobblestone.
Walking and shooting is kind of the best around Manhattan because you don’t know where you’ll end up. Here is a good example of a gorgeous shot I just happened upon:
Another walk and shoot area I love if you want to have some immediately quick stops with very different backgrounds is starting at the Grace Building for those corporate style headshots, then head over to Bryant Park, which has some fantastic backgrounds for headshots/portraits/lifestyle photos, THEN make your way to the other side of the block to the steps of the New York Public Library, which you’ll find even more interesting backgrounds and textures to shoot upon!
Honorable mention goes to The Oculus – it’s such a unique building that it just looks fantastic as a blurred out backdrop!
These are a few of my favorite spots. Treat yourself as a creative and explore the city. I grew up here and it’s still the best. I love shooting out in New York. I hope this list was helpful! Now go out there and shoot to your hearts content!
Also shout out to DUMBO. Arguably my favorite walkable area in Brooklyn to take photos.
-RICH!