New York City is a stunning place to visit year-round, but the city in winter is truly magical. The snow, twinkling lights, and holiday cheer make for a memorable experience. Here are some of the top spots I visited to do photography during winter in NY, including some of the city’s most iconic landmarks.
Empire State Building
The Empire State Building is one of the most famous landmarks in New York City. During the winter months, the building is decorated with holiday lights, making it a beautiful spot for photography. For a unique shot, head to the Top of the Rock observation deck in Rockefeller Center, where you can capture stunning views of the Empire State Building.
Rockefeller Center
Rockefeller Center is another iconic spot in New York City, especially during the winter months. The center is home to the famous ice skating rink, a towering Christmas tree, and elaborate holiday decorations. For the best photography, head to the top of the Rockefeller Center for panoramic views of the city.
Statue of Liberty Island
While the Statue of Liberty is an iconic symbol of New York City, the island itself is also a beautiful spot for photography. During the winter months, the island is less crowded, making it easier to capture the statue and the city skyline in the background.
Brooklyn Bridge
The Brooklyn Bridge is one of the most popular spots for photography in New York City. During the winter, the bridge is less crowded, making it easier to capture stunning shots of the bridge and the city skyline. For the best views, head to the bridge early in the morning or late at night.
Times Square
Times Square is one of the busiest spots in New York City, especially during the holiday season. The square is filled with billboards, neon lights, and plenty of holiday cheer. For the best photography, head to the top of the TKTS booth for a panoramic view of Times Square.
911 Memorial and Oculus
The 911 Memorial and Oculus are solemn and powerful spots in New York City. During the winter months, the area is decorated with holiday lights and decorations, making for a unique contrast between remembrance and celebration. For the best shots, capture the lights reflecting on the Memorial’s reflecting pools.
Natural History Museum
The American Museum of Natural History is a stunning architectural masterpiece that also houses some of the most important and fascinating natural history exhibitions in the world. In winter, the museum is decorated with holiday lights and displays, making it a great spot for photography both inside and outside.
Intrepid Ship
The Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum is a unique museum located on a historic aircraft carrier docked on the Hudson River. During the winter, the ship and surrounding area are decorated with holiday lights, making for a unique and festive backdrop for photography.
Grand Central
Grand Central Terminal is one of the most beautiful and iconic transportation hubs in the world. During the winter, the terminal is decorated with holiday lights, making it a great spot for photography. For a unique shot, head to the top of the Campbell Apartment for a panoramic view of the terminal.
Chrysler Building
The Chrysler Building is one of the most iconic buildings in New York City. During the winter, the building is lit up with holiday lights, making for a beautiful backdrop for photography. For a unique shot, head to the top of the Empire State Building for a panoramic view of the city.
Central Park
Central Park is a beautiful spot in New York City year-round, but it is especially beautiful during the winter months. The park is less crowded and covered in a blanket of snow, making for a stunning winter wonderland backdrop for photography. For the best shots, head to the Bow Bridge, Bethesda Fountain, and the Lake.
Central Park Zoo
The Central Park Zoo is a small, but charming zoo located in the heart of centra park. The zoo is smaller than some of the others in the city, but it’s filled with beautiful animals like snow leopards, red pandas, and penguins. The zoo is also home to a sea lion exhibit, which is always a hit with visitors. When you’re taking photos in the zoo, be sure to capture the animals in their natural habitats, and focus on the details like their fur, feathers, and scales.
5th Ave
5th Avenue is one of the most iconic streets in New York City, and it’s especially beautiful during the winter months. The street is lined with high-end shops, which are all decked out for the holidays. If you’re a fan of street photography, this is a great spot to capture the hustle and bustle of the city during the holidays. Don’t forget to snap some photos of the holiday window displays at stores like Saks Fifth Avenue and Bergdorf Goodman.
Flatiron Building
The Flatiron Building is a landmark in New York City, and it’s a great spot for photography during the winter months. The building is shaped like a triangle, which makes for some interesting angles and compositions. When you’re taking photos of the Flatiron Building, try to capture it from different perspectives. For example, you could take a photo from the street, or you could climb up to a nearby rooftop for a different view.
High Line
The High Line is an elevated park that runs along the west side of Manhattan. During the winter months, the park is quiet and peaceful, which makes it a great spot for photography. The park is lined with trees and plants, and there are also some interesting sculptures and art installations. When you’re taking photos on the High Line, try to capture the contrast between the natural elements and the surrounding cityscape.
Dumbo Area
The Dumbo area is located in Brooklyn, and it’s a great spot for photography during the winter months. The area is home to some amazing views of the Manhattan skyline, as well as some interesting architecture. When you’re taking photos in Dumbo, be sure to capture the iconic views of the Manhattan Bridge and the Brooklyn Bridge. You can also capture some great shots of the cobblestone streets and old warehouses.
Manhattan Bridge
The Manhattan Bridge is another iconic landmark in New York City, and it’s a great spot for photography during the winter months. The bridge is a great subject for long exposure shots, especially at night. You can also capture some great shots of the bridge from nearby parks like Brooklyn Bridge Park and East River State Park.
Soho
Soho is a neighborhood in Manhattan that’s known for its trendy shops and art galleries. During the winter months, the neighborhood is decorated with holiday lights and decorations, which makes it a great spot for photography. When you’re taking photos in Soho, be sure to capture the colorful storefronts, street art, and interesting architecture.
Here is one time-lapse of the Empire State Building, the first half is using my DSLR, the latter is using the GoPro on the 360 rotating timer.
I was really hoping it would snow but it didn’t, I did get some rain which really made my day and I got some reflection shots of the rock tree 🙂
In conclusion, New York City is a beautiful place to visit during the winter months. There are so many great spots for photography, from the iconic landmarks to the quiet parks and neighborhoods. So grab your camera and get out there – you won’t be disappointed!