Best Waterfront Photoshoot Locations in Brooklyn, NY
In Brooklyn, New York, it’s frankly not hard to find a stunning backdrop or unique photoshoot location. From Red Hook to Dumbo to Williamsburg, the waterfront has so much to offer with stunning views of the Manhattan skyline. Here are a few of my favorite spots that you can never go wrong with!
Marsha P. Johnson State Park, Williamsburg
Starting off in Williamsburg, we have a not-so hidden gem along the waterfront. Marsha P. Johnson State Park is home to Williamsburg’s Smorgasburg Food Market, alongside the NYC Ferry Terminal next door. This park is on the smaller side in terms of photoshoot spots, but it is a gorgeous location. The park has a small beach along the East River waterfront, with a rocky shoreline and NYC skyline backdrop. On a sunny day the water glimmers in the most perfect way. Working your way back into the park you can find some beautiful trees and flowers in the spring and summer. There are plenty of private spots to set up a picnic blanket for a cute date photoshoot.
Brooklyn Bridge Piers, DUMBO
Working our way down the waterfront is my tried and true favorite location for a Brooklyn photo session. The Brooklyn Bridge Piers span a little over a mile, each section having its own design, purpose, etc. I recommend sticking between the Brooklyn and Manhattan bridges. The terrain changes from a rocky shoreline at Pebble Beach, to a beautiful wood walkway in front of Jane’s Carousel, with plenty of green-spaces in between. The colors of the skyline, river, and piers always blow me away - it makes for absolutely beautiful photos. I’ve photographed over a dozen sessions at the piers, and I’m still finding new hidden spots along this one strip between the bridges. I always recommend this spot to clients coming in from out of the city as well, it is such a fun location to remember a trip to New York City by. My insider tip would be to check out the buildings running alongside the waterfront here, you’ll find a lot of cool backdrops and unique spots.
Brooklyn Bridge, (Obviously)
Quite obviously, the Brooklyn Bridge is a very popular location for photoshoots along the Brooklyn Waterfront. I always recommend an early morning session, as the bridge becomes overrun with tourists midway through the day, but it is totally worth it to check out this spot for a session. The monochrome colors of the bridge juxtaposed with the blue skies and mostly-blue buildings is such a nice contrast to really allow the clients to stand out in their photos. Not to mention that it can be just fun to be there! It is a truly beautiful view of the city, especially as you move further down the bridge towards the Manhattan side. I usually go about halfway across the bridge before turning back, and often combine this location with the piers if the session allows for extra time.
Valentino Pier, Red Hook
The last spot on my short list would be Red Hook. The neighborhood is a bit less busy than the previous locations, especially as you make your way towards the waterfront at Valentino Pier. It’s a beautiful spot giving you wide open views of the Upper New York Bay. This waterfront park is much smaller, but the sunset on a clear night is breathtaking. You can find more waterfront locations in Red Hook behind the Food Bazaar Market down to the Red Hook Ikea!