New York City Brand Photography: 4 Spots For Your Brand Photos

Brand Photography

21 Jul

Whenever I get to shoot in New York City, it feels like a homecoming. A former Jersey girl who grew up oogling over the Big Apple skyline on a daily basis, I always felt like it was the true symbol of success. In my post-college days as a public relations intern, I was definitely one of the jolliest commuters, feeling like every time I walked out of Penn Station, I was one step closer to reaching my dreams. When I’d get back home and see the skyline from afar, I said to myself, “If I can make it there, I can make it anywhere.” Cue: Frank Sinatra.

The beautiful thing about doing any sort of photo session in New York City is that there is quite literally something there for everyone. A dazzling view of the architecture? Any avenue will give you that city vibe. Nature? Central Park is your answer.

Here are some of the spots we covered in the last brand shoot I did.

Wall Street / Stock Exchange

Have a money story to tell? This is a great location to start the day. The cobblestone streets at that extra rustic feeling to your photos, taking us back to the days of yore (until you see big billboards in the background and then we’re right back in 2020).

Be mindful about rush hour...NYCSE opens at 9:30 a.m. and closes at 4:00 p.m. Any time before and after that will have more people in it, which could make for some great “in the rush” photos, as long as you wear something that will stand out in a sea of suits.

Pizza Shops / Hot Dog Stands/ Falafel Carts

Home is where the hot dog is, at least for me. Childhood memories of city outings with my parents and cousins who came to visit from Poland every summer flood over me anytime I smell these sub-par sausages. Grab a dog or a famous New York City slice (you won’t find better pizza unless you travel to New Jersey, but that’s a feud for another day) for a photo and then enjoy it for lunch!

NYC Subway

Do a little research on specific stations at the locations you’ll be departing from or arriving at. Not every subway station is picturesque but stops like Bleecker Street, Rector Street, 23rd Street, Lexington Ave & 59th, and Museum of Natural History have show stopping tile work that makes for an excellent backdrop.

The Flatiron District

What a bummer — the Flat Iron Building was under construction during Carrie Murray’s New York City Brand Photography session. Didn’t stop us from getting a killer token photo of it though!

You could honestly spend half a day at the Flatiron District taking photos. Get a shot of the Flatiron Building itself as you’re walking out the subway and then walk south a few blocks to 18th Street for a picture perfect vantage point of the Empire State Building. Take a stroll through Madison Square Park and enjoy a hot dog and milkshake from Shake Shack. Finish it up on any of the benches that line 5th Avenue for more Empire State portraits.