Best Photo Locations in NYC for First-Time Visitors

It's been almost ten years since the first time I visited New York. It was back in 2009 and I spent a few days there before going to my final destination: my au-pair year in San Francisco. The city that never sleeps stole my heart. I especially loved the architecture (and the shopping!). The place is heaven for any photographer. NYC has so many picture perfect spots you will need several memory cards during your stay.

New York is an incredible city to explore. There are so many things to see and do that it can be quite daunting when you visit it for the first time. The second time I visited was a year later and I got to experience it much more than the first one as it was known territory. Once again, it took my breath away. Every time you visit the city is different and the word "boring" disappears from your vocabulary while you are there. You can bump into celebrities or walk into a movie set at any moment. New York should be in everybody's bucket list. You simply cannot love it.

So how can you make the most of NYC photography? Let's see some tips together with 25+ photos that will give you serious wanderlust.

New York is a very popular place for tourists and photographers alike so be prepared to wait at picture perfect locations to get your shot. The most beautiful photos are taken at golden hour or blue hour but if you want to have the place to yourself you are going to have to wake up at the crack of dawn and get there before everybody else.

Visit the museums. You can't miss the Guggenheim, the MOMA or the MET.

Designer fashion shops are spectacular. Walk around 5th Avenue and also go to SoHo. Photography inside is generally forbidden but some of them have impressive facades too.

If you have enough time, visit one of the other boroughs like Harlem. It's so different from Manhattan but equally impressive. I had the chance of attending a Gospel mass in Harlem and it's and experience I will never forget.

Get lost in Central Park. It has so many beautiful photo opportunities! There are so many things to photograph there: the people, the Bethesda Fountain or the romantic Bow Bridge! How dreamy it would be to do a photo shoot there with the first rays of light... The Loeb Boathouse is also a beautiful place to photograph and to eat, I had an amazing meal there.

Remember John Lennon at the Dakota. This New York landmark was his home until his murder in the archway of the building in 1980.

The statue of Atlas carrying the heavens in front of the Rockefeller center is one of the most impressive photos you can get.

Photograph touristy spots from a different angle like beautiful Lady Liberty below.

The Brooklyn Bridge is a true New York icon, from there you can see all the major New York City Buildings like the Chrysler or the Empire State buildings. Speaking of the Empire State, make panoramas when you are on the top. The views of the city are jaw-dropping.

Capture the most vibrant colors (and eat great pasta!) at Little Italy.

Photograph the Flatiron building from all the possible angles. Did you know that its name comes from its resemblance to a cast-iron clothes iron?

The iconic hotels. The Plaza, The Palace and the Waldorf Astoria must be in your pics. They are too pricey for most of us but you can always go in and take a peek to see how beautiful they are inside.

For night time photography go to Times Square. The screen contrasts with the darkness and that equals amazing photos.

Whether it's day or night, you must stop at Grand Central Terminal. How many movies can you name that have been set there?
Tip: a long exposure is needed inside the station to capture your perfect shot.

If you go to Brooklyn you can get a beautiful view of the Washington Bridge from a place called DUMBO (Down Under Manhattan Bridge Overpass). Right now this is one of the most popular instagrammable spots in New York City.

When in New York...put on your walking shoes, charge your camera batteries, empty your memory cards and set off on the amazing adventure that is visiting New York City.

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