As a photography company founded by New Yorkers, we’ve got all the insider knowledge on how to have the ultimate photoshoot in The Big Apple.

The Best Photoshoot Location in New York City

New York City is a photographer’s playground, brimming with iconic landmarks, hidden gems, and vibrant energy that make every snapshot unforgettable. Whether you’re planning a family photoshoot, maternity photo session, or simply want to have a solo portrait photo shoot to capture your NYC adventure, finding the best photoshoot locations in NYC will help transform your vision into a masterpiece.

At Shoott, we make it easy with:

• Free 30-minute photoshoot sessions across 30+ outdoor locations

• Top-rated professional photographers in NYC

• A flexible pay-per-photo model—starting at $25 or less per photo, with different value bundles that include retouching credits and printing options for photobooks, cards, and framed prints.

• 3-5 business day photo delivery of your digital gallery with 40+ lightly edited shots

Read more on pricing here A step-by-step on how it works

With Shoott, you don’t have to worry about finding an affordable photoshoot location in NYC that delivers quality without breaking the bank. We’ve got permits for all outdoor shoots (or indoor with Shoott access) and everything else cleared for you so all you need to do is book the session with no upfront cost, show up, and have fun!

To find out all the locations that Shoott offers in NYC, read here

In this guide, we’ll reveal the top 5 photoshoot spots in New York, share tips for picking the perfect photographer, and advise on the best times to shoot. Let’s dive in!

Top 5 Photoshoot Locations in NYC

1. Times Square at Night: The Ultimate NYC Night Photoshoot

Location: 1500 Broadway, New York, NY 10036

When it comes to a photoshoot at Times Square at Night, you’re stepping into the heart of NYC’s electric energy. The dazzling neon lights, towering billboards, and bustling crowds create a backdrop that’s both iconic and unforgettable. This location is typically ideal for engagement photoshoots, shoots with your favorite friends, or bold solo portraits.

Shoott’s photographers also navigate the crowds and help guide your photo shoot, ensuring a stress-free experience. If you want to do a pet photoshoot, our experience has shown that photoshoots at Times Square are indeed pet-friendly (so long as your pet can tolerate crowds!)

• Why It’s Great: Vibrant night lighting and iconic urban scenery make it a prime location for a futuristic or neon-esque shoot.

• Best For: Engagements, friends or family enjoying a night on the town, personal branding.

• Shoott Tip: Book late evening slots (9-11 p.m.) to catch the peak glow with fewer tourists.

2. Central Park - Bethesda Terrace: Timeless NYC Elegance

Location: 72 Terrace Dr, New York, NY 10021

Central Park’s Bethesda Terrace is a classic among NYC photoshoot locations, with its grand fountain, elegant arches, and lush greenery. It’s one of the best photoshoot locations for families, romantic engagements, or maternity shoots, blending nature with architectural beauty. Shoott’s photographers know the park’s hidden corners and can help you make the most of your 30-minute, free shoot!

• Why It’s Great: Soft natural light and picturesque architecture create a timeless vibe.

• Best For: Families, couples, seasonal portraits.

• Shoott Tip: Morning shoots (7-9 a.m.) offer golden light and quieter paths. This location is also perfect for when it's your first time and you’re not sure how to choose a photoshoot location in NYC.

3. Dumbo Waterfront - Brooklyn: Skyline Magic

Location: 1 Old Dock St, Brooklyn, NY 11201

Dumbo waterfront, where the Manhattan Bridge frames the skyline between brick buildings, is a standout among photoshoot locations in NYC as an in-demand client choice. It’s ideal for edgy branding photos, romantic couple shots, or graduations, offering industrial chic with breathtaking views. Shoott’s photographers capture this urban beauty effortlessly, with a variety of interesting backdrops to create a highly dynamic photo gallery. It’s one of the best photoshoot locations NYC can offer for your “Insta-worthy” moments. If you want to have a pet photoshoot, at Dumbo, leashed dogs are welcome on park pathways, but please note that dogs are not allowed on lawns.

• Why It’s Great: Industrial charm meets skyline perfection, making it a must-visit. Tons of visually interesting backdrops with cityscapes, water views, urban parks, and industrial architecture.

• Best For: Anything. Couples, families, maternity, personal branding, social media shots - everything looks good in Dumbo.

• Shoott Tip: Morning shoots (7-9 a.m.) help you avoid larger crowds and take advantage of softer lighting. Golden hour (the hour before sunset) also yields gorgeous results.

4. SoHo: Trendy Urban Chic

Location: 72 Spring St, New York, NY 10012

SoHo brings a trendy, artistic vibe with its cobblestone streets, cast-iron architecture, and upscale boutiques, making it a top pick among top photoshoot spots in New York City. It’s ideal for fashion shoots, solo portraits, or family photos, offering a blend of historic charm and modern flair. Shoott’s photographers scout the best angles around iconic spots like the NoMo SoHo Entrance, ensuring a varied and stunning gallery from your free 30-minute session. SoHo’s unique aesthetic makes it a standout among most NYC photoshoot locations.

• Why It’s Great: Vibrant murals and urban landscapes provide endless inspiration.

• Best For: Solo shoots, families, pet portraits.

• Shoott Tip: Explore side streets in the afternoon for quieter, one-of-a-kind shots.

5. Prospect Park - Grand Army Plaza: Brooklyn’s Serene Escape

Location: 20 Grand Army Plaza, Brooklyn, NY 11238

Prospect Park’s Grand Army Plaza offers a peaceful retreat with its historic arch, fountain, and sprawling greenery—a top choice among NYC photoshoot locations. It’s perfect for quick family photoshoots (including pets), or engagement photoshoots because of its unique blending of nature with Brooklyn’s urban elegance in a way that feels both grand and intimate at the same time. This makes it the perfect setting for unforgettable celebrations, of personal or combined achievements and events!

• Why It’s Great: Lush scenery and elegant architecture offer serene beauty.

• Best For: Families, engagements, seasonal portraits.

• Shoott Tip: Fall or spring visits (March-May, September-November) take advantage of nature’s seasonal colors and textures.

A Professional Photographer in NYC

A stunning location deserves a skilled photographer. Here’s how to choose one that befits the top photoshoot spots in New York City:

• NYC Expertise: A photographer must be familiar with the city’s quirks—crowds, details, and lighting. Shoott’s photographers are NYC experts, mastering spots like Times Square and Central Park, ensuring that any of the photoshoot locations NYC can offer, in its various forms, are captured beautifully for your shoot!

• Portfolio Review: Checking a photographer’s portfolio for a style that matches your vision—romantic, candid, or bold, is extremely important. Shoott allows you to browse the portfolios of top photographers from their vetted team, so you can find your perfect match for anything ranging from an engagement photoshoot to a family photoshoot session.

• Client Reviews: Reliability and professionalism matter. Shoott’s top-rated photographers are vetted by others in your local community and come with glowing reviews from customers who have worked with them at various photoshoot locations in NYC, building trust and credibility.

• Transparent Pricing: Avoid surprises. Shoott’s pay-per-photo model ($25 or less per photo or value packages including $180 for Basic or $298 for a Full Gallery) keeps costs clear and affordable, making any location an affordable photoshoot location, with no upfront cost. With Shoott, you get a seamless experience—permits handled, expert guidance, and stunning results—making it a smart choice to navigate photoshoots in NYC.

General Tips on When It’s Best to Photograph in NYC

Timing can elevate your photos from good to great when you’re trying to capture your personality with the location in all its glory. Here’s how to optimize your shoot:

• Golden Hour Magic: Shoot at sunrise or sunset for warm, flattering light. So many locations like Central Park’s Bethesda Terrace glow during morning or dusk hours. There are exceptions including Times Square at Night which thrives after dark (9-11 p.m.)

• Weather Watch: NYC’s weather can shift—plan outdoor shoots by proactively monitoring for weather, or use Shoott’s free indoor photoshoot locations in NYC (including Long Island City Indoor Studio or Midtown Manhattan Indoor Studio) as a backup choice for overly cold or torrentially rainy days. Keep in mind that light rain often creates beautifully moody and unique photos so consider keeping your session when there’s light rain!

• Crowd Control: Early mornings or weekdays often have less crowds at busy spots like Dumbo Waterfront or Prospect Park. Shoott’s photographers have the best local knowledge, ensuring that you will be photographing at the best photoshoot locations in NYC.

Shoott’s flexible booking lets you adapt to NYC’s rhythm, and with a 3-5 business day turnaround, your photos arrive fast—rain or shine. Arguably one of the best tips for selecting the best photoshoot spot in New York City is to let us take care of everything else!

Wrap-Up: Your NYC Photoshoot Awaits

The best NYC photoshoot locations—from the neon dazzle of Times Square at Night to the serene beauty of Prospect Park—offer endless inspiration for your photos. Pair these locations with Shoott’s free 30-minute sessions, expert photographers, and budget-friendly pricing at $25/photo, $180 for 10, or $298 for the whole gallery, all lightly edited, and you’ve got a recipe for unforgettable memories.

Permits? Handled. Gallery? Delivered in 3-5 business days. All you need to do is book and let the city shine in your story.

Ready to capture NYC’s magic? Schedule your Shoott session today at one of these NYC photoshoot locations or any other NYC locations on our site and create photos you’ll treasure forever! Visit shoott.com to book now.

For more on how to choose a photoshoot location in NYC, feel free to reach out at info@shoott.com