New York City: Urban Photo Shoot Location Heaven

"I love the feel of NYC, but I can't get any good shots with all those PEOPLE EVERYWHERE!"

Good thing you are reading this post, then. ;)

Key words for you: LOCATION LOCATION LOCATION.  I promise there are tricks!

Many of my clients are located in NYC.  Unless you are attempting to capture the chaos of the crowds, you CAN achieve the same urban Manhattan feel without passersby.  You don't believe me? Take a look at this photo:

How is that street view for you? Great rusted bridge feel, some elements of graffiti and litter, and low and behold completely vacant.  How was this done? No, I didn't make them pose for hours on end until I had the opportune moment.  Quite simply, I determined an appropriate LOCATION.

There are MANY side streets, outlying areas, etc that make this possible.  If you don't live in NYC you might find it difficult to believe, but Queens is often used to film movies and TV series to achieve the same look and feel that a stereotypical urban Manhattan has.

I make it a point to scout all of my locations before the shoot.  There is nothing worse than wandering around aimlessly and wasting time looking for amazing spots.  Guess what? You want to be a photographer? Make it your JOB to find these spots ahead of time.

If crowds are a problem, position your clients closer to the background you are hungry to use.  For instance, in the photo below, we were in a congested area of Queens.  Throw your clients against a killer wall and passersby don't even have an opportunity to cross into the picture behind them.

Do you see a really cool element in the background? Close in on your client, eliminate the traffic that could pass between you, and shoot away.

You just might surprise yourself...a little planning and positioning can go a LONG way!

Want to know the wizard behind the lens? Visit me at Gritstone Studios to see what I am all about!