Things You'll Need:
- A camera
- Enough money to spend some time in NYC
- Hotel Reservations
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Step 1
Park View from 30 RockOne of the first things to do is to go to the top of the Empire State Building or 30 Rockefeller Center to get your bearings. Manhattan is a fun city to walk in, but it is huge, and to see the view from the top provides some real scale to your tourist map. From this photo you can get some idea of the size of Central Park. Central Park is a great place to go after taking in the scene at 30 Rockefeller Center, but it's 843 acres, so don't think you will walk through the whole park in one visit. And FYI, at 30 Rockefeller Center you may want to work in an NBC Studio Tour.
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Step 2
On the StreetIt's fun to take pictures on the street, but you have to keep in mind you are in a major city and tourists are often targets of crime. Don't carry your camera hanging off your shoulder; carry it around your neck. Experiment in taking pictures without looking through the viewfinder. This picture was taken with a wide-angle lens while walking down the street. You don't have to be confrontational to take street pictures. Take pictures of street performers; you don't need to have a model release, although they may tell you that you do.
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Step 3
The city has a variety of unique people and life events that are constantly played out in front of you. It is a great time for trying out your photojournalistic photography skills. If you have read my article: "How to Become a Photojournalist" you will know that for me that means usually switching to black and white photography. Look for images that tell a story. What is the story with this picture? Only one person has eye contact with the camera, but is that the subject? The young girl is really posing for the camera without looking at the lens, while everyone else is trying to avoid looking at the camera. It captures human interaction at a moment in time, which is the essence of photojournalism.
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Step 4
The Rainbow RoomNew York has some of the best restaurants in the world. Try to eat at one of the landmark restaurants like Tavern on The Green or Club 21 and take some pictures of your experience. Brunch at the Rainbow Room is not just a meal; it is an event, and can be finished by taking in the great view at 30 Rockefeller Center. The brunch has everything from sushi to rack of lamb and a dessert table that is worth the $80 per person price.
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Step 5
The New York Public LibraryThere are about 80 Museums in New York City, most of which are in Manhattan. Some of the museums are quite large, like the Museum of Modern Art (MOMA) and take more then one day to see. Others are small and can be visited in a half a day or less. New York also has really unique museums like the Museum of Natural History, Ellis Island and the Jewish Museum. In addition to the museums, there are lots of really interesting public buildings that are worth seeing, like the New York Public Library, St. Patrick's Cathedral and the United Nations Building. You can buy a New York pass for a set price, which gives you free admission to MOMA and other NYC attractions (see links in Resources below).
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Step 6
Les Paul TrioDon't forget to take your camera when you step out at night. You will certainly want to visit some clubs, take in a play or go to a concert. You are usually not allowed to use flash photography at plays and indoor concerts; however, you can use high speed film or a high ISO on your digital camera to capture the moments without flash. This is a shot of 92-year-old Les Paul playing with his trio at the Iridium in 2005. He still plays two shows every Monday night at the Iridium (see link in Resources below).
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Step 7
Grand Central StationDuring your trip to New York City you have to ride the subway. It really is the best way to get around town and pretty easy to understand. If you are a sports fan you can take the subway to Yankee Stadium or Shea Stadium/Citi Field to see a ball game. Even if you stick to cabs, rather then subways, Grand Central Station has been beautifully restored and is worth a photography trip.















Comments
jpersing said
on 7/20/2009 Great article, I'll surely use your article and its links when I visit NY this Aug 4-11. Thanks.
Harriet1616 said
on 5/28/2009 Wonderful article, beautiful photography.
jull14 said
on 2/25/2009 Great article, keep up the good work.
Pixie1976 said
on 11/2/2008 five stars
GreenGardenChic said
on 7/13/2008 You always write great articles that inspire me to travel. Congrats for getting the front page.