This article was originally written and published in November 2015 by photographer Tilly Clifford, shortly after returning from a month in New York City. The locations and tips remain as relevant as ever for photographers visiting NYC today.
Having just got home from a month in New York City, I thought I'd share some of my travel snaps and favourite places to shoot. New York is huge and there are so many hidden vantage points that make for amazing photos with incredible city views. I managed to stumble across quite a few fantastic photo locations — and most are very easy to access. If you are planning a trip to New York with your camera, these locations are a must!
All images below were shot on a Canon 5D Mark III with Canon 35mm f/1.4L.
Last updated: May 2026
1. The Highline
The New York City Highline is located in Chelsea — a public park built on a historic elevated freight rail line above the streets. You can walk the whole trail or simply head up for a quick shoot. There are many access points along the way; I stepped up from 14th Street and walked the entire park.
The Highline, New York City, 2015
2. Manhattan Bridge
You can walk the entire Manhattan Bridge. It's not as leisurely as the Brooklyn Bridge walk — the subway trains to Brooklyn rattle loudly past — but it offers fantastic photo opportunities every step of the way. The wire fencing has been broken in places, creating perfect openings to poke your camera through and shoot the side streets below. Access the bridge from Chinatown on the Manhattan side; keep walking and you'll end up in DUMBO, Brooklyn — the next stop on the list.
Manhattan Bridge, New York City, 2015
3. DUMBO
DUMBO stands for Down Under the Manhattan Bridge Overpass — a neighbourhood on the edge of Brooklyn with incredible views of the Manhattan skyline. There's plenty to explore if you want to find different angles and compositions; so much to discover if you have time to wander. I'd strongly suggest coming back at sunset too.
DUMBO, New York City, 2015
DUMBO, New York City, 2015
4. Brooklyn Bridge
As busy as it is, walking the Brooklyn Bridge is something most people do on their first trip to New York. While everyone else is stopped taking photos of the bridge itself, step aside and point your camera back towards Manhattan Island — you can get some amazing cityscape views from here. Just be careful not to get run over by a cyclist!
Brooklyn Bridge looking towards Manhattan Bridge, New York City, 2015
5. Top of the Rockefeller
Top of the Rock and the top of the Empire State Building are both must-dos if you have time for both — but if you can only squeeze in one, make it the Rockefeller Center. From the top you have incredible views of the Empire State Building right in front of you, and you can see the entire length of Manhattan Island and the surrounding boroughs. Aim for early morning for the best light. And make sure you put your camera down for a moment and just take it all in with your own eyes.
Top of the Rockefeller, New York City, 2015
Top of the Rockefeller, New York City, 2015
There you have it — five of the best photography locations in New York City. Whether you're visiting for the first time or returning with fresh eyes, these spots never disappoint. For more travel photography inspiration, explore the Ted's Cameras Photography Tips blog.
Photography and words by Tilly Clifford, originally published November 2015.