How To Do Street Photography in New York City

Street photography in the cultural mecca of New York City is unmatched. Whether you live in the city or have always dreamed of visiting, every photographer could spend a lifetime capturing the hustle and bustle of the Big Apple. Read on to learn more about street photography in NYC from self-taught New Yorker, Manuel Pena. Over to you, Manuel.

Hi, there! My name is Manuel Pena and I'm a self-taught photographer from New York. I discovered my passion for photography in 2015, and since then, I have been capturing everyday moments on the streets of New York. My aim is to tell stories using light, shadow, composition and colour. I only follow one rule: capture anything that interests me, and the pieces will fall into place.

Best Cameras for NYC Street Photography

I have had the opportunity to use various camera systems throughout the years. In my experience, the best cameras are the ones that ignite your passion for photography. Personally, I find myself drawn to the Fujifilm X-T3, Leica Q2 and M10-R.

Fujifilm X-T3

The Fujifilm X-T3 is an excellent camera for those who want to capture stunning pictures without breaking the bank. It is lightweight, compact and versatile, with an excellent autofocus system. The inclusion of a 3-way tilt screen is a handy feature that can help photographers unleash their creativity. Many street photographers use Fujifilm cameras because of their easy-to-use interface and the vibrant colours that the camera produces.

Leica Q2

The Leica Q2 is a high-end compact camera with a fixed f/1.7 28mm lens. Thanks to its small size, beautiful design, and tactile operation, it's a great option for street photography. The camera has a 47.3-megapixel full-frame sensor that offers ample room for cropping images. However, what truly sets this camera apart is its 28mm lens, which produces sharp, high-quality images unmatched by other cameras. It is an ideal option for those who want to capture stunning photos without drawing too much attention.

Leica M10-R

When I'm not using my Q2, the Leica M10-R is my camera of choice. This camera removes all distractions and allows me to focus on what I love—photography. The design, button placement and ergonomics are a photographer's dream. The simple menu system and tactile buttons make it easy to use so I can concentrate on creating images.

Best Lenses for NYC Street Photography

Creativity has no limits. You can use most lenses for street photography, but if you want to remain unnoticed, I recommend using prime lenses. The camera options that I have listed are compact and capable of getting the job done. My preferred focal lengths are 28mm, 35mm and 50mm, which can cover everything from wide establishing shots to defining details. 

28mm

For those who enjoy capturing the bigger picture, a 28mm lens is a great option that provides context to the story being told. Particularly useful in placing the subject within its environment, this is the perfect lens if you want to capture reflections and show shadows and high-contrast scenes at scale. However, if you prefer to single out subjects, you will need to get closer to them. I recommend this focal length to the fearless or seasoned veterans. The Leica Q2 already comes with this focal length. Fujifilm has the XF27mm f/2.8 R WR or—for wider shots—the 16mm f/1.4 R WR is a great choice.

35mm

If I had to choose just one focal length, the 35mm would be my top choice. It falls between the really wide and standard eye of view, allowing you to capture context within the frame, while also being able to single out subjects, though you may need to get a bit closer. It's perfect for those who prefer to travel light and don't want to carry multiple lenses. I often use the Leica 35mm f/1.4 Summilux, but Voigtländer also offers some excellent 35mm options like the Nokton 35mm f/1.2 X Fujifilm X.

50mm

When it comes to lenses, the 50mm is considered the standard field of view and is as close as the human eye perceives. This makes it a great option for capturing details and conveying messages effectively. I often use this lens for creating abstract scenes, portraits and detailed shots or when I need to break out of a creative rut. 

It's also a good choice for beginners or those who don't like getting too close to subjects in street photography. The Leica 50mm f/1.4 Summilux is my preferred lens, but the Leica 50mm f/2 Summicron and the Voigtländer Apo-Lanthar 50mm f/2 VM Leica M are also excellent options.

Camera Settings for NYC Street Photography

For street photography, I prefer to use aperture priority as my go-to camera setting. In this mode, I set the ISO and Shutter to auto. The maximum ISO I use is 6400, while the minimum shutter speed is typically set to 1/250. By using aperture priority, I can focus on capturing moments on busy streets as they unfold without worrying about adjusting camera settings. I only adjust the aperture and keep it within the range of f/5.6 to f/11. However, at night, I switch to manual mode and set a maximum shutter speed of 1/125, ISO 6400 and an aperture ranging from f/1.4 to f/2.8.

Where to Take Pictures in New York

New York City is often referred to as a photographer's paradise, and for good reason. With countless stories unfolding every day and numerous subjects and situations to capture, there are plenty of locations to explore and moments to seize. Whether you're looking to tell a story or simply capture a fleeting moment, this city offers an abundance of opportunities to do so. 

Staten Island Ferry

The Staten Island Ferry is situated on the southern tip of the island, and it is a great way to travel to Staten Island, especially since it is free of charge. The ferry ride provides an excellent opportunity to enjoy the magnificent view of the Statue of Liberty and the New York skyline. The ideal time to take the ferry is early in the morning or just before sunset, when the light creates beautiful shadows and provides a perfect opportunity to capture candid moments.

South Street Viaduct

The South Street Viaduct is located in the southeastern part of Manhattan, under the FDR drive. I visit this place whenever I need to clear my head or break out of a creative block. Here, you can see locals exercising while enjoying the breathtaking views of the Manhattan and Brooklyn Bridges. This spot is perfect for capturing moody and atmospheric images during rain and snowstorms. The sunrises and sunsets are also amazing opportunities for photography.

Chinatown

If you're looking for a vibrant and culturally diverse neighbourhood, Chinatown is the place to be. Located in the Lower East Side section of Manhattan, it's a bustling area full of colourful sights, delicious food and people from all walks of life. The people who call this neighbourhood home are the main attraction, and there are plenty of opportunities to learn about their unique way of life.

Subway

The subway system is one of the best and cheapest ways to travel around the city. There are endless possibilities for compositions, ranging from creative motion blurs to sub-framing portraits, making it an ideal location to create an entire body of work.

Capture New York in All Its Glory | Our Top Tips

Keep Cool

This is arguably the most significant advice that every photographer should follow. If you remain composed and relaxed, you are less likely to attract attention since people tend to notice those who are agitated or restless. You must remember that you are merely creating art and taking photographs and most of the time, people will not be bothered by your actions. 

Patience

Patience is essential when creating art. Staying put and observing how the scene unfolds is crucial, as the perfect person or lighting can make or break an image's mood.

Light

The essence of photography is light. As a photographer, I am constantly in pursuit of the perfect light, and this approach has never failed to produce interesting outcomes. Though it may not always be possible, it is always worth capturing the moment when the lighting is just right.

Reflections

In a city as big as New York, reflections can be found everywhere—from puddles to windows and beyond—offering endless opportunities for creativity.

Moments

Observing people is an art that you can master while wandering around NYC streets. You can witness everything from acts of love to people arguing in this vibrant city. All you need to do is focus on what piques your interest and capture it with your camera.

Shoot at Night

Night photography is one of my favourite genres. The absence of natural light compels you to seek light out elsewhere, presenting an opportunity to create moody and atmospheric compositions.

Looking for more street photography content?

This article is part of the MPB Guide to Street Photography, our comprehensive look at how to create street photography, with camera recommendations, advice and interviews with experts.