NYC Photography Locations
I've been living in New York City since 2018. When I first moved here, I had also just begun photography. Needless to say, living in a city with such a bounty of subjects, backdrops, and character is likely what turned this hobby into such an intense passion. Below are some of my favorite locations to spend time in creating images.
All images are available for pint upon request, just contact me.
DUMBO, Brooklyn
Taken on the Leica M10, 50mm Summicron F2
DUMBO is easily my most visited "photography spot" in NYC, aside from midtown right around my office (but that doesn't really count). The reason being that DUMBO has fantastic exposure to the late afternoon and sunset light, as well as a ridiculous number of potential compositions. Within this one area there are dozens of landmarks and vistas that make for amazing subjects on their own, but potentially even better backdrops. On this particular day (5/27/23) I focused on using my normal subjects as backdrops instead, with the intent of getting something more unique.
This first set of photos were the initial images I made after getting off at York St. station. they're under the Manhattan bridge very near to that stop. It's a great place to start in the area thanks to the bridge casting angular shadows and reflecting light to soften it. This was around 5 p.m., probably the ideal time to be there (at least in the summer).
This second shot, while the most simple, is my favorite of the three. I like the geometry of the scene: the triangle from the light, the rectangles of the bricks, and the "One Way" signs anchoring it all.
What caught my eye here was the softened light reflecting onto the green-barred window. However, I needed another element to fill in the left side of the frame and add depth, so I waited for someone interesting to walk into the frame. There's still a bit too much going on in the left of the frame for my liking.
This is another favorite spot of mine in DUMBO, Adams St. facing towards the Manhattan Bridge. I've taken a number of shots here at different times of day, and I like this one because at this time of day there is only one opening for the light to come through right in the foreground here. I have however taken images here at night, and with the bridge lit up I think that might be even better. That image can be seen here: https://arajphotography.darkroom.com/products/1025613
Walk a bit farther down and you'll arrive at the waterfront. I got to this spot a bit too early on this day and have definitely taken better images here, but the Manhattan Bridge makes for an incredible line of depth to either use as the main subject or a supporting element to something interesting in the foreground. In this instance, these people were just a bit too boring for my taste. I need a kid with a red balloon or a man in a fedora smoking for this to truly make me happy.
Walk farther down along the water and you'll get to Jane's Carousel. This makes for a phenomenal element in a larger cityscape image, but is also one of my favorite places to shoot in the early evening light as its slightly frosted glass softens the harsh sun.
The carousel is located on a boardwalk, which has amazing views of both bridges. On this day I was looking to utilize a bridge in the backdrop for some interesting subjects in the foreground. Turns out, there was a kid with a balloon.
Facing in the opposite direction of the boardwalk is a small lawn under the Brooklyn Bridge. I was incredibly lucky to find this Muslim woman in prayer wearing a vibrant blue hijab, with this family in complementary colors.
There is of course a fairly large dock in DUMBO where the ferries come and go. This is a great spot for photographing a variety of people, tourists and locals, waiting for the ferry, eating ice cream, etc.
I love the depth created in this image by the people in the foreground separated from the crowds on the right and midground.
And now we arrive at my favorite image from this shoot. Continuing on from the dock, the boardwalk extends towards lower Manhattan, with the Brooklyn Bridge now making up a significant element in all shots. There's a relatively simple color pallet here until this boy shows up wearing a brightly colored hat. I was thrilled by the spontaneity of the composition.
Old Pier 1
Eventually as you walk away from DUMBO you'll arrive at Old Pier 1, which is what these wooden poles are sticking out of the water. They make for a great repeating patter in the foreground, with the Statue of Liberty in the distance, or if you turn to the right, the lower Manhattan skyline (example image from a different shoot below).
This is probably my second favorite image of the evening. With the sun now sinking down behind the building (around 7:50 p.m.), I had the opportunity for some dramatic silhouettes against the skyline.
What caught my eye here was the streak of light creating a leading line in the water.
As you can see, there are a lot of potential compositions along this boardwalk as people filter through and the light gets more dramatic.
On my way back to York St. to head home, I stumbled across this man resting with the last of the light cresting over the top of the buildings in the background. A great way to wrap up the evening.
Two Bridges
As of writing this (12/26/2022) I have been to the Two Bridges location 3 times... I think. Maybe 4. Doesn't matter. I love it. The first time I went was in February of this year, 2022. I remember it distinctly thanks to the overwhelming dopamine rush I was blasted with upon its "discovery". No recollection of where my awareness of it first came from. That first time, the light was incredible, luck had been on my side and I showed up at the perfect time for the location lighting-wise, aka mid to late afternoon. One of the reasons it's great isn't just because of the consistency of excellent directional light that you can get there, but also the variety of compositions. When you get off at East Broadway, you should immediately remove your lens cap, because the entire walk to the edge of the water will be filled with the opportunity for frames. Here's one example of such a walk that I took today...
Taken on the Leica M10, 35mm Summicron F2
Like I said, there are compositions from the very moment you emerge from the subway. I love how One World Trade serves as either a primary or supporting subject, but something is missing from this first shot.
I stepped to the left and angled to the right. This feels much more balanced with the red sign and OTW serving as opposing subjects. I think the one thing that could improve here would a stronger person of interest filling in the bottom third of the frame.
Down under the bridge, this is my first shot. It leaves a lot to be desired.
Much better. This is a bit more angular for depth with the foreground shadow.
I like the lines in this one. Not sure how it ranks, but the convergence of the vertical and diagonal lens work well.
Continuing up the bridge towards Madison street, I stumbled on this skate park. Despite having been to this area many times, I'd never seen it before. That's NYC for you.
Thanks to this kid for stepping right into the center of the foreground. One might call this a "decisive moment".
And here's one of a skater in the distance. Which composition do you think is better?
I'm happy with the shots I got, but there's definitely room for improvement. The rangefinder focusing of the Leica M10 definitely takes a long time to warm up to, and once I get there, I'm confident I'll be getting a higher hit rate as well.