Posing Tips & The Most Instagrammable Locations in NYC
NYC is one of those places that can turn your Instagram 180. There are so many photo-op ideas and I am so ready to put you on!! Also, remember that traveling is all about balance. While you’re traveling it’s okay to take a break from immersing yourself in the diverse culture and snap a few photos. As a native Brooklynite, I have gone to these locations and used them for the gram and it really gives you that boost of confidence lemme tell you! If you aren’t necessarily visiting NYC, you can still get some inspiration from these photos and pose away!!!
Photo Tips
So typically when I hang out with friends, I dress in neutral colors because you always want to match the photo wall and the best way is to complement it with an outfit that wouldn’t clash with the background. If you do decide to wear an outfit with more bold colors, you would probably want to find neutral backgrounds. Both are totally doable so it’s ultimately up to you what you decide! I am all about creating a timeless wardrobe and if that interests you, feel free to check out my IGTV video on How to Build a Capsule Wardrobe here!
Camera Angles: If you have an iPhone, I usually put it in .05x mode and flip it upside down. Then I stick my foot out and have the person take the photo of me bent down so the phone is upside down and as close to the ground as possible. This is going to help get a really cool image like the ones in this blogpost!
Poses: When it comes to poses, I would maybe practice in a mirror so that you don’t shy away in public. In NYC the streets are always really busy so you can’t have shame in the game. Once you start snapping photos, you’re awkwardness better be out the door! Also don’t be afraid to tell your friend that you don’t like the photo and maybe guide them to the right angle or whatever your vision is. Sometimes I have them pose and I take a photo of them to show them what I am looking for as a reference!
Have Fun! Remember you aren’t a professional model so if you don’t get the photo that you like, then brush it off because you probably can find one that you like and you can also always come back to take more photos!
You know I always go on a tangent, but I hope these tips helped you unless your inner model! We love someone who doesn’t gatekeep so without further ado, let’s get into the most Instagrammable locations in NYC.
The Most Instagrammable Locations in NYC
1.FlatIron Building
If you aren’t familiar with the flat iron building, well now is your chance to get a little lesson on One of the coolest landmarks in New York City. Welcome to THE FLATIRON BUILDING, one of the coolest landmarks in NYC if you never heard of it, well NOW YOU HAVE. It was designed by Daniel Burnham a Chicago-based architect in 1902. Its unusually triangular-shaped building worried many as they thought it was not properly supported. If you’re wondering why it’s so similar to French apartments, it’s because it was inspired by the “limestone & terra-cotta Beaux style buildings from many of the French apartments.
📍Location: 5th avenue between W22nd & W 23rd Street
2.The Ugly Duckling
PHOTO OP: head over to The Ugly Duckling & take that Insta photo!! I went here for drinks and I really didn’t like the vibes but maybe that was just that night/my experience! People seemed to have a good time but in my opinion, they didn’t play the best music. #LATINOGANG , can you play bad bunny??? Latinophobiaaaaaasa. I would probably just come here for the photo & since there is no cover charge, you’re good to stop in for a quick pic:) Also where else are you going to see a cute yellow bathtub to take photos in? That’s what I thought haha! – now you know where to go:)
3.Central Park
Even though I am a native Brooklynite and this is a pretty popular location, it’s still a spot locals go to. I mean I sometimes have tourists take those Instagram-worthy photos of me and vice versa because we love being nice to the tourists. If you are traveling to NYC from April to November, you must go on a boat ride in Central Park Lake. It’s one of the most affordable things to do and so worth your money. I usually do this at least once a year whenever I can fit it into my schedule. Just know that the boats are $20 per hour and you include a $20 refundable deposit (just in case you break anything, etc). Whether you bring one other person or 4, it’s less than $10 each which is such a steal!! If you want more information check it out here. Since Central Park is H U G E, there’s of course more than one Instagrammable spot and the other being the infamous bridge that you pass on your gondola boat ride. It’s just so magical here and sometimes you witness engagement/wedding photoshoots and it’s so nice to see people in love in this really romantic location! But you can definitely just come here with a friend!
4.The Brownstones of Brooklyn Heights
There is something about these brownstones that are just so mesmerizing. I definitely wouldn’t take too long snapping a photo since it is someone’s house, but right along Joralemon street, you have the perfect Instagram photo-ops. This neighborhood is popping every time of year and it’s because there is A L W A Y S something to do here! Make sure you snap a quick photo because these are people’s homes so you don’t want to be disrespectful!
5.Brooklyn Bridge Park
So coming from a local’s perspective, this is seriously my favorite place in Brooklyn, I mean you get so much out of it. They always have something going on. In the summer you can go kayaking for free twice a week, they have movie showings for free on the grass, free workouts on the field. Even when you don’t want to do it, you can just lay in the grass and look at the amazing views of the skyline. The photos that come out of these are just to die for.
6.The Brooklyn Bridge
So this is a classic spot in NYC and no you aren’t an annoying tourist for walking the bridge or taking photos here because everyone does it. You aren’t from here if you haven’t done it at least once and I think I have walked the bridge six or seven times. I have gone here in the summer, fall, winter, and hey even when it rains and it’s still so much fun!
Locations 1-6
7.The Vessel, Hudson Yards
So this place is fairly new and it’s such a cool structure that is not like any other places I have seen in the city. Unfortunately, you cannot go inside the vessel anymore since there have been countless suicides. May they rest in peace, but if it is open to the public, be careful because you are able to walk to the top and it’s pretty high! Even though we didn’t get to go inside, we were able to take a nice photo outside and it’s even better in the wintertime!
8.Juniors Restaurant Light Sign
If you’re looking for a cool photo op in Times Square, I would come here and snap a pic for the gram!! It’s right in the heart of the city so just stop on and snap away! Tip: this is right in front of the diner so if you’re hungry, grab a bite to eat there! I would also wear neutral colors so that the lights pop!!
9.The Detox Market: Photo Wall In Soho
Don’t we love finding aesthetic Insta backgrounds for the spontaneous photoshoot, I know I do! Check it out right near The Detox Market on the corner of Bowery St & EHouston (pronounced – East HOUSE-TON) – now nobody will know you’re NOT from NYC. Just another reminder to wear neutral colors so that you stand out against the wall. It’s also across from a pretty busy street so don’t be surprised when you have an audience or some fans looking for an autograph!
10.Pepsi Cola Sign
For the LONGEST TIME, I thought this place was in New Jersey and not Long Island City!!! I was shooketh so since I live nearby my best friend, Leigh and I went to visit and it did not disappoint! There is a cute boardwalk for strolling and looking at the city lights which is truly breathtaking!
11.Times Square
Alright, I know this is pretty typical, but it’s a go-to even for a native Brooklynite. Sometimes all you need to do is treat yourself to a night out in the town and see the bright, fluorescent lights for yourself. Some things to be mindful of are the crowds. There are A LOT of people so keep your belongings close by in case of pickpocketers. Since you’re in the area, here is a self-guided walking tour of what to do after Times Square.
Walking Tour Starting in Times Square: NBC Universal > Radio City Music Hall > Central Park
Places to Eat Near Times Square: JOE’S PIZZA > ICHIRIN ramen > Dos Caminos
12.SOHO: Bond Street
This place in itself is Insta worthy! I wish I had glasses that I could film what I was seeing exactly (or hire a professional to film me living my best life haha) I mean needless to say- it’s a wonderful area in NYC and will definitely bring your Instagram game to the next level. Secret Tip: I would rent a Citi bike and ride throughout SOHO- trust me you’ll feel like you’re in a movie.
13.The MET
Hello Upper East Siders! Rumor has it Blair Squared was found wandering the streets of NYC! If you’re a Gossip Girl fan, then these stairs are more than just the entrance to the MET. Head over here and snap a pic. I mean also go inside the MET museum and get lost for hours! I mean, hey even inside there are great photo-ops!!
14. The Edge, NYC
This is totally a tourist trap but 1000% worth it. I still have intentions to go here at night and see all of the pretty city lights so I will keep you posted on that real soon! For now, I mean can we talk about these views!! I decided to wear what I usually do (jeans and a cute top) like it never fails! What I didn’t realize was that the blue shirt I was wearing was the perfect color since it complimented the sky! I had actually gone here alone and felt so nervous asking people to take my photos but once you get me behind a camera, it’s all business!!
15. MTA Subway
So for obvious reasons, be very careful on the subway. More recently (after the pandemic) the subway has been an unsafe place. People are ruthless and unfortunately, innocenet people are the ones that are affected. Be safe and go to more low-key train stations that are usually empty! I would go to south Brooklyn for these. I snapped these on the B line (anywhere from Brighton Beach to Newkirk Plaza) are safe options!
16. NYC Beaches, Especially During Sunset!
I snapped these in Breezy Point, Queens which is a gated community; HOWEVER, you get the same photo at any NYC BEACHES. I hate to be bias and the NYC elitist I truly am, but NYC beaches are beautiful! The beach is one of my favorite places to be! Here are my favorite NYC beaches! (Brighton Beach, Coney Island- more popular than Brighton, Jacob Riis Beach, Rockaway Beach!! Happy snapping!
17. NYC Bars aka The Perfect Photo-Op
NYC and nightlife are BFFs so if you are traveling to NYC or looking for a new pic to upload to the gram, might as well get a whole experience out of it, am I right???? Here are some highlight photos, but check out the full blog post on the best bars in NYC for a perfect nightlife experience, Trust me, it will not disappoint! Have you been to all of them? To preface this, I am constantly adding new ones, so if you have seen it before, chances are, you have not seen them all!!
18. Pier 17
First off, this place is WHERE IT’S AT! Most holidays they have awesome events going on! I went to Oktoberfest here and am looking forward to going to St.Patricks Day here as well! Check it out here!! Now back to the photo-op. So Since I went here around Oktoberfest, they had these beautiful flower displays with pumpkins and a cute heart that was just too good not to take a photo! Check it out here and since they have them up every year, now you know what to expect and have a cute pose to use as well hehe
Some More Photo Inspirations
Now that I have shown you the most Instagrammable locations in NYC to take your IG to the next level, it’s time to just show you some inspiration! Posing is difficult, I KNOW so feel free to save this blog post for when you plan on going somewhere cool and you can impress your friends and even teach them something too along the way. Shall we get started, let’s do this!
- Pose Next To Flowers
- Show Off Your Outfit
- Raise A Glass
- Pose With Your Drink/Food
- Near Fancy Cars
- Get Low
- Leg Out, Balance My Friend
- Hands On Your Heart
- Get Up Close & Personal
- Take Up Space: Use A Chair!
- Hand Close To The Camera
There You Have It
Soooo what did you think? I know there were a lot of photos, but you know I like to go overboard on everything! I think that as we evolve and continue to grow, our style changes, and when we become more confident, the degree to where we take our photos changes as well. That isn’t to say that these poses aren’t going to be used, but you best believe, as I upgrade, more poses will come and more importantly new Instagrammable locations in NYC! Reflecting on the photos gives me a rush of memories and I cannot wait to share more with you! Until next time! Xoxo, Vee
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