Top 10 Automotive Photography Locations in NYC
Shooting Cars in NYC: Location, Location, Location
New York offers some of the most iconic backdrops available to photographers, regardless of what you're shooting. Gritty. Industrial. Unique architecture. And that Skyline. Oh that skyline. However, trying to get the right light and interesting composition while dodging cars, people, busses, traffic cops, street cleaning, deliveries, bikes…you get the idea. The only option, really, is to permit the space you need and pay the location fees. As I’ve been a professional automotive photographer living in NYC for the last 10 years, it’s a challenge I’m deeply familiar with, so I decided to put together a list of my top 10 favorite locations to photograph cars in NYC without permits or locations fees.
Industry City: Urban Edge Meets Creative Energy
Industry City in Sunset Park is a vibrant hub that combines industrial architecture with modern design. One way streets, great textures and the perfect opportunity for direct, reflected and defused lighting. The sprawling complex features sleek warehouses, vibrant murals, and unique outdoor spaces that create a dynamic backdrop for cars of any style. Whether you’re capturing the rugged appeal of a classic truck or the futuristic lines of a modern sports car, the gritty-yet-refined aesthetic of Industry City delivers a distinctive visual punch. Visit during early mornings for unobstructed shots or explore the area at night when the illuminated facades add a dramatic effect to your compositions.
Brooklyn Heights: The Iconic Waterfront Backdrop
Brooklyn Heights offers one of the most picturesque settings for automotive photography in New York City. Known for its historic brownstones and cobblestone streets, the neighborhood exudes a timeless charm that pairs perfectly with classic or modern vehicles. The highlight, however, is the Brooklyn Heights Promenade, which provides sweeping views of the Manhattan skyline and the Brooklyn Bridge. This location is ideal for capturing dramatic cityscapes alongside your car's sleek design, particularly during golden hour when the light casts a warm glow on the surrounding architecture. Easy access and a variety of angles make Brooklyn Heights a must-visit spot for automotive photography enthusiasts.
DUMBO: Where Urban Charm and Iconic Views Collide
DUMBO (Down Under the Manhattan Bridge Overpass) used to be much higher on my list but as it’s grown in popularity among the instagramarati, it’s become a bit less useable. All that said, the cobblestone streets, brick warehouses, and dramatic arches of the Manhattan Bridge create a pretty cool backdrop for a variety of different vehicles. The intersection of Washington and Water Street offers the famous view of the Empire State Building framed by the bridge, making it an unforgettable backdrop. Whether you're shooting a vintage car or a luxury SUV, DUMBO provides the textures, angles, and urban energy to make your automotive photography stand out. Arrive early to beat the crowds and catch the soft morning light for a pristine shot.
Brooklyn Navy Pier: The Quintessential View
Brooklyn Navy Pier combines historic maritime charm with expansive views of New York Harbor. It is also hands down, the best place to get a shot of a vehicle in front of the most iconic skyline in existence. Naturally as it’s between my home and NYC, it’s a spot I often stop at on the way to or from the city if I’m driving what I’m shooting. The waterfront setting offers opportunities to frame your shots with sweeping vistas of the Manhattan skyline, the Statue of Liberty, or the East River. Visit during sunset to capture the golden hues reflecting off the water and metal surfaces, adding depth and warmth to your images.
Whitney Museum: Modern Art Meets Sleek Design
The Whitney Museum, located in the heart of Manhattan’s Meatpacking District, offers a strikingly modern setting for automotive photography. Its sleek, contemporary architecture, with sharp angles and metallic facades, complements the clean lines of high-end sports cars or modern luxury vehicles. The outdoor terraces provide elevated views of the Hudson River and the city skyline, adding an urban sophistication to your shots. The museum's proximity to the High Line and the cobblestone streets of the neighborhood offers additional opportunities to capture unique textures and perspectives. Early mornings or evenings are ideal for photographing in this area, as the lighting enhances the museum’s bold design and the surrounding industrial charm.
Floyd Bennett Field: Expansive Views and Vintage Aviation Charm
Floyd Bennett Field, New York City’s first municipal airport, is a hidden treasure for automotive photography enthusiasts seeking a unique, spacious backdrop. Located in southeast Brooklyn, this historic airfield offers wide-open runways, hangars with vintage character, and an expansive sky that creates a sense of drama and scale in your shots. The weathered concrete and retro aviation vibes are perfect for classic cars or high-performance vehicles, evoking a sense of speed and adventure. Whether you’re aiming for a minimalist composition or a scene filled with bold textures, Floyd Bennett Field provides endless creative opportunities for striking automotive photography.
Fort Lee Historic Park: Nature, History and Expansive Views
Fort Lee Historic Park, perched atop the New Jersey Palisades, offers a stunning natural and historical setting for automotive photography. Just across the Hudson River from Manhattan, the park features winding paths, wooded areas, and striking cliffs that create a dramatic backdrop for cars of any era. The highlight is the sweeping view of the George Washington Bridge, particularly striking at sunrise or sunset when the bridge’s lights reflect on the water. The blend of natural beauty and iconic architecture makes Fort Lee Historic Park an excellent choice for creating visually captivating images that showcase your vehicle in a majestic, serene environment.
Staten Island
West Side Highway
