Skip to content

Taking Photos in New York

Taking Photos in New York

Taking Photos in New York can be so easy; the city is just one photo opportunity after another. Who would not want to commemorate their trip to the wonderful city of New York in photos? In the age of smartphones and social media, we have become accustomed to taking photos whenever and wherever we feel like it. When in New York however, here are a few things to bear in mind.

Public places

The best advice for when photographing in a public place is to use common sense. It is also polite to ask for permission especially in theatres, concert halls, clubs and museums. Though be prepared for the possibility that your request may be declined.

In addition, be careful when taking photos in restaurants. Some of the other diners might not appreciate being in your picture. Taking photographs of your meals and posting them online is not forbidden but some high-end restaurants have started to discourage this practice.

If taking photos in a shop, be cautious as it’s usually not appreciated. Before you know it you have a security guard breathing down your neck. Quite often there will be a sign or a sticker on the door prohibiting any photography.

Also watch out when taking photographs of people on the street. Some New Yorkers don’t want tourists taking photos of them. In addition, most parents don’t appreciate strangers photographing their children.

Where to take pictures in New York

There are so many things to see in New York and the wonderful sights of the city are always camera ready. Head to Central Park to photograph nature, people, and the skyscrapers that surround it. The impressive Brooklyn Bridge offers a beautiful view of the Manhattan skyline. The bright lights of Times Square make it an ideal location to take photos of the hustle and bustle of New York City. Or visit the iconic Grand Central and Empire State Building and you are guaranteed some great photos.

Eric’s Tip: “There are so many iconic sights in NYC to photograph. In addition to the famous attractions, my favourites are the classic images of yellow cabs and, of course, the mysterious steam rising from the streets. Try to capture them both in the same photo!”

Hey there, I'm Eric!

I'm a true New York fan with over 20 years of experience visiting and living in NYC. Here on my website, I share all my tips and valuable information to help you make the most of your trip. I personally test and regularly re-test everything on my site to ensure that what I write is useful, honest, and always up-to-date.

If you have any questions, are unsure about something, or want me to check your itinerary, please email me at eric@newyork.com.au. You can also follow me on Facebook or Instagram to get daily updates from New York.

Capture your best New York moments on camera

Or how about handing the camera to a professional photographer and having them take your photos? Finally, you and your partner can pose together in the picture! Take a walking tour in New York with a personal photographer.

Book your tour with a personal photographer here

A private photoshoot in New York is the quickest way to capture your trip to New York with a professional photographer. Whether you do it by yourself, with family, or with friends, it’s a fun experience. Choose one of the famous locations as your backdrop and get high-quality photos at a low cost.

Photography museums in New York

In New York, you can find several museums about photography. Fotografiska is a museum that exhibits the best photos in the world. Here you’ll find works not only by well-known photographers but also by emerging talent. The museum is open until late at night, so you can enjoy the works of art with a glass of wine in your hand. In addition, New York is home to the International Center of Photography, which is one of the world’s leading institutions. Compared to other museums in the city, this museum is very small. Despite the large collection, usually, only one or two exhibitions are shown at the same time. In the museum, you will find documentary photography to video installations.

Was this article helpful? Recommend it by giving me a rating:

By continuing to use the site, you agree to the use of cookies and the Privacy Policy. Find out more here.