Photography classes near me New York

A Brief History: New York & Photography

Documenting an ever-changing social scene in one of the world’s most recognizable cities has drawn aspiring photographers to this wonderful city since the late 19th Century. 

Coupled with the development and accessibility of photographic materials and the emergence of social reform, New Yorkers (and those whom have travelled from other lands), have never been at a loss for the creation of inspirational imagery.

Jacob Riis, accredited for being one of the most influential documenter’s of his time, helped to expose the real life depictions of the everyday New Yorker - back in a time of which words were the only vice to do so. 

Since then, the city has changed.

And during such transitions of which culture and demography has evolved, those with a keen eye for photography have followed Riis’s footsteps to help capture every moment. 

Following the early days of his work, other notable figures including Diane Arbus (recognized as one of the most distinctive photographers of the 20th Century), was known for seizing the bizarre and wonderful lives of the everyday New Yorker. 

Although she wasn’t originally from the city, other ‘born and bred’ references include Robert Mapplethorpe: a cultural icon who captured the like of Patti Smith, amongst a realm of established artists, musicians and notable socialites. 

It would be an understatement to suggest the city has contributed to how we perceive photography in the present. 

The Emergence of a New Breed: Photography in the Present

Yes, original photographs have fetched an incredulous sum in the past, and New York was the setting of which experienced the most expensive sale of an original photograph in history. Auctioned at Christie’s in the year of 2011, Rhein II sold for an incredible $4,338,500.

Following upcoming photographers has never been more accessible with the unlimited access we have of artists’ work. 

Although not all professionals opt for exposing their work on socal media platforms, talk travels fast and aspiring artists aren’t ever far from the accolades of which they deserve. 

Alyssa Noda has been causing a stir. 

Deriving from Tokyo (yet calling NYC her home), Noda embezzles in the craziness of the city of which she has come to love. 

Adopting pictures which convey a subtlety of color, her substantial following on Insta is fundamentally down to her distinctive eye for photography, and if you are one who endorses the socials, she’s certainly worth following. 

Other spriting successes include Anrew Herzorg, a self-confessed snarky intelligent; Cindy Trinh, an artist who works to capture the everyday life; Helga Traxler, a photographer recognized for her ability in depicting a sense of youth through her artistic style. 

The No.1 Photographic Locations in NYC

The city that never sleeps is a haven for aspiring photographers and amateurs that are looking for that perfect selfie to best illustrate their holidays. 

Here are some (but certainly not all) places that are the most popular and recognizable places in New York: 

DUMBO’s Washington St. (Down Under Manhatten Bridge Overpass)

One of the most iconic images is taken in Brooklyn. Coupled with the Washington Bridge and Manhatten skyline - be prepared to wait in line with the other selfie enthusiasts. 

Grand Central Station

Instantly recognizable and appreciated for its vibrant interior and wealth of bustling crowds, grand central station is a perfect destination to capture the everyday lives of a typical New Yorker. 

Times Square… (of course)

Surely we couldn’t have a list of iconic places without including Times Square? With a tendency to be the busiest area in the city, it isn’t always straight forward capturing the best photograph. It takes patience and perseverance to leave with the perfect shot. 

The Statue of Liberty

This US symbol will never go amiss and is immediately identifiable as to its location. Tourists and residents can embark upon a sunset cruise around the harbour to get as close as possible to the statue, and the added benefit of this from a photographers perspective is that the statue can be explored from a 360 degree angle.

Central Park

Covering an impressive 843 acres in the middle of the city, Central Park has an abundance of areas in which photographers can get to work. From the fountains and terraces at Bethesda, to the Imagine Memorial in Strawberry Fields, artists can get lost in this vast space so a single visit may not always suffice.