NEW YORK PHOTOGRAPHY LOCATIONS

Renowned photographer Pamela Goodyer personally visited and explored these unique New York State photography locations, curating the list of best photography locations for you.

Pamela has been guiding photographers to the best photography spots in the world for over fifteen years.

Article is not AI generated. We traveled here showing Pamela Goodyer and her camera.

NEWS FOR NEW YORK: For a park to have permit restrictions to target ordinary citizens taking personal pictures is an entirely different level of overreach. It is a direct assault on the fundamental purpose of a public forum. And telling a photojournalist they cannot take pictures infringes upon fundamental civil liberties.

ACTION TO FOLLOW Plus:  “Know Your Rights: Unconstitutional Park Photo Policy Exposed.” Coming soon.

Where are the best places in upstate New York to do photography?

See each article for all the pictures of the areas, where to go, when to go and how to get there in each article, plus more.

We just spent several weekends in Upstate New York. Here are some new articles and more on the way! Check out our new YouTube channel with our New York lighthouse drone videos.

NEW YOUTUBE CHANNEL

The colorful ausable chasm statue outside.

AUSABLE CHASM – UPDATE

Hudson Athens lighthouse drone pitcher.

Hudson Athens Lighthouse YouTube

The Rondout Lighthouse, pictured from a boat.

Rondout Lighthouse Article

ESOP puts Lighthouse from the sky in a drone picture.

Esopus Lighthouse YouTube 

Saugerties lighthouse showing in the bright blue sky.

Saugerties Lighthouse

Article & YouTube up next!

high falls gorge path with railing and water below

High Falls Gorge

boat ramp near Sarnac Lake in Adirondacks showing the Milky Way

Sarnac Lake Milky Way

Milky Way over Lake Pleasant in the Adirondacks. With a boat dock in the background.

 Speculator N.Y. Milky Way

Front side, Montauk Point Lighthouse.

Long Island Lighthouses

Ghost Hunting Photography

Catskill, Castle

Watkins Glen State Park Photography

Watkins Glen State Park

Lake Placid photography sunset, reflecting on the water.

 Lake Placid

AUSABLE CHASM NEW YORK

Ausable Chasm

Getting an Update Today!

Behind Kaaterskill falls shooting out into the valley during the fall foliage.

Kaaterskill Falls

Roscoe NY photography of a bus with the Milky Way in the sky.

Roscoe, Milky Way

Ghost Hunting Logo

Castle Ghost Hunt

New_York_photography magazine extra

Adirondacks

THIS SECTION UNDER CONSTRUCTION BE RIGHT BACK

NEW YORK CITY PHOTOGRAPHY LOCATIONS

New York is overflowing with unique photography locations, each offering a new perspective and endless opportunities for artistic expression. From towering skyscrapers to quaint streets to iconic landmarks, the city’s diverse landscape provides photographers with a never-ending supply of inspiration.

New York City skyline art.

City Image to the right: Shot by Pamela Goodyer during Fashion Week from the hotel window.

UPSTATE NEW YORK PHOTOGRAPHY AREAS

There are a vast number of good photography areas in the Upstate locations. We just recently got back from a very long, extensive trip up to the Adirondacks. We’ve just added several articles and will continue to add more over the next few days. New York has some of the most incredible places to go, whether you’re just traveling with a lens or without one.

We’ll continue to scour the rest of the season for the very best photography areas and locations.

Natural Stone Bridge and cave New York photography.

THE NATURAL STONE BRIDGE & CAVES

We traveled here with our friend Carol. We had an absolute blast here. We’re both explorers. There was running water for long exposure photography at this photography spot.  535 Stone Bridge Rd, Pottersville, NY  – WEBSITE

Stroll along the self-guided nature trail above ground during the summer months to see the display of ancient Adirondack geology. This rustic trail of stone steps and gravel will lead you to various points of interest, such as the old Sawmill Site Waterfalls, Artists’ Gorge, impressive potholes, and multiple surface caves. Photograph the lighted caves and grottos, with raging waters and peaceful dark pools.

The Park is CLOSED: Mid-October to mid-December and March to Late May.

The Gorge and the river that runs through its sign overlooking the water.

THE GORGE  – SEE FULL ARTICLE LINK ABOVE

Check out all the natural wonders of this photography/travel location and take some time to shop at the on-site gift shop. Located just a short drive from Lake Placid and only one mile from Whiteface Mountain Ski Resort, High Falls Gorge is an ideal stop for any length of time, whether you have half a day or just an hour. With sturdy bridges, glass floor walkways (available during summer), and well-maintained paths, people of all ages can easily photograph High Falls Gorge.

  • 4761 Route 86, Wilmington
St Mary's rectory scary looking picture.

EPISCOPAL OF SAINT MARY’S COVENANT – PEEKSKILL, NY

We found the convent was haunted. An apparition showed up in this photography location in one of our staff’s pictures. It appears that the area is now a hotel.  So bring your ghost-hunting gear with you when you go here. If you go in the early evening after the sun goes down, you can do ghost hunting.   It’s now The Abbey Inn.  Tell them we said it’s haunted when you get there, or did the construction disturb the apparitions?

Lake George NY overlooking the water with a little island.

LAKE GEORGE

This photography spot requires white puffy clouds and sunrise or sunset to make the images dynamic.

Lake George is conveniently accessible from major cities like NYC, Boston, and Montreal. It is located off I-87. Take Route 87 (NYS Thruway) to Exit 24, continue north, and take I-87 (The Adirondack Northway) north. There are multiple exits: 18 – 26.

Cascades Lake in New York showing the boats and a dock.

CASCADE LAKE, ADIRONDACKS

The beautiful Cascade Lakes region is located in Keene Valley. This area is full of winding roads and beautiful mountains. Getting extremely dynamic, jaw-dropping photography in the lake areas is a little challenging. Just like Lake George, wait for the sky conditions to be just right.  Also, you must be prepared, so bring your tripod for macro images too. But you will enjoy being at one with nature at this spot. It is located south of Lake Placid along Route 73.

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At my own expense, I offer all of this to you: a humble tribute to Mother Gaia. It is my hope that you will spread my art and message to others, uplifting and inspiring their souls.

May my works guide photographers, illuminating their path toward creating dynamic and impactful images that showcase the raw beauty and essence of life in all its transcendent glory. —Pamela Goodyer

THE BEAUTY OF NEW YORK PHOTOGRAPHY SPOTS

The best places to do photography in New York. Here are some of the highlights:

1. Central Park:

This iconic park in the heart of Manhattan is a must-visit for anyone interested in capturing the energy of New York.

Living in New Jersey makes it a breeze for us to visit the city. However, we tend to prefer the unspoiled beauty of Mother Earth in its natural state, without the influence of humans. Therefore, our activities were limited during our visit and focused on the inner city. 

2. Niagara Falls:

One of the most famous natural wonders in the world, Niagara Falls is a paradise. Whether you’re looking to photograph the misty spray of the falls or the colorful foliage in the surrounding area, there is no shortage of places for beautiful shots. Before going, be sure to know how to do long-exposure milky water photography.

3. The Adirondacks:

With over six million acres of natural beauty, the Adirondacks offer endless opportunities for beautiful images. From the majestic peaks of the High Peaks region to the peaceful lakes and streams scattered throughout the park, there’s something for every nature lover here.

4. The Catskills:

This picturesque region is home to some of the state’s most scenic drives and hikes, making it a prime location. The rolling hills, cascading waterfalls, and vibrant fall foliage make for great shots. Bring your tripod for the waterfalls and running streams.

5. The Finger Lakes:

This region is known for its glacial lakes and vineyards. The small towns and quaint villages in the area also offer charming subjects for street photography. A college campus and Watkins Glen State Park are in this area to visit.

6. Hudson Valley:

Located just north of New York City, the Hudson Valley boasts beautiful views of the Hudson River and historic sites like West Point and the Vanderbilt Mansion. The region is also home to many charming towns and farms, making it an excellent location.

THE ULTIMATE NY STATE PHOTOGRAPHY GUIDE

From the vibrant energy of a bustling metropolis to the quiet, rolling landscapes beyond its center, every creative mind will find inspiration. If you aim to immortalize renowned sites or uncover discreet treasures, our guide leads you to premier settings across diverse terrains. Prepare your gear and embark on an adventure that transforms everyday scenes into extraordinary images.

New York City

The city is a playground for those drawn to dynamic image making, offering countless opportunities to seize its energetic rhythm. Landmark intersections and towering edifices form a canvas for innovative compositions; wander through an iconic park or venture onto a historic suspension bridge to secure dramatic skyline perspectives. Experiment with strategies such as long exposures or inventive framing to encapsulate the relentless spirit of a city that never sleeps. It’s a journey that not only hones your skills in photography but also deepens your connection with the urban heartbeat.

Scenic Enclaves Upstate

This region offers natural havens perfect for vistas. Rugged mountain ranges, majestic waterfalls, cliffside paths overlooking winding rivers, and serene coastal stretches await your discovery. Each unique panorama invites you to immerse yourself in pristine nature and transform its ever-changing beauty into lasting works of art.

When to Go

Timing is key to elevating an image into art. Early mornings and twilight hours provide soft, diffused light that warms over busy streets and pastoral expanses. Schedule your sessions during these enchanting moments to harness the delicate interplay of light and shadow on every scene. 

Equipment and Gear

Having the right equipment and gear can make a big difference in your shots. Here are some recommendations to ensure you’re prepared for your photography adventure in the Empire State.

First, invest in a good DSLR or mirrorless camera for manual control and interchangeable lenses. Don’t forget a sturdy tripod for those long exposures or low-light situations. Bring extra batteries, memory cards, and lens filters for different lighting conditions. Last, buy a comfortable camera bag to carry all your gear while exploring the diverse photography locations in New York. With the right equipment, you’ll be ready to photograph the beauty of the State like a pro!

Thank you to Willie Hall, Fashion Designer Extraordinaire, for inviting us to Fashion Week.

She has worked on celebrity garments such as Elizabeth Taylor and Stevie Nicks, and sketched for Michael Jackson and others. She has also been featured in The New York Post, Heart and Soul, Grace Today, Versus of Virginia, Virginia Pilot Newspaper, Sheen Magazine, DAMM Magazine, New York Fashion Week, Virginia Fashion Week, Miami Fashion Week, and behind-the-scenes of Project Runway. Courtesy of BTE-TV, I received the Designer of the Year Award in 2009. April 4th, 2011, she was featured in Jet Magazine, 2012 Fashion Avenue News, I-Fashion Magazine, and Local newspapers in her community.

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