If you have your Picture This Photography NYC Calendar this is your May 2024 image “New York State of Mind”
To totally capture the magnitude of the magnificent Manhattan skyline requires leaving Manhattan and being viewed across The East River or The Hudson River however I think the best views of Lower Manhattan are from New York Harbour.
The iconic skyline when viewed from The Staten Island Ferry is truly a sight to see and absolutely never gets old even for the most jaded of New Yorkers. This image was captured early one summer evening from a fast moving Ferry heading towards Staten Island.
I am slightly obsessed with light so spend many hours pouring over the weather apps to track the sun, timing the most suitable light before sunset then matching the time with the ferry schedule to maximise my shots. I have been known to ride the Ferry to Staten Island & back continuously on the same night even for several nights if the light was not right and I was too early or late-I am committed to capturing my shots!
📷Location-Lower Manhattan Skyline captured from the Staten Island Ferry
Time of Day- Early Evening, Summer
Camera Settings- Hand Held, 16mm, f/11, 1/1000, ISO 200
The central skyline view starts at Hudson Yards at 34th St which sits to the left and can just about be seen, World Trade Buildings at Brookfield Place draw the eye to One World Trade standing tall with Battery Park on the waterfront. The contrast of old vs new New York blends until the gorgeous gothic Woolworth Building and Art Deco 70 Pine St remind us of why the skyline is so iconic. Concluding with The Brooklyn Bridge and Governor’s Island to the right this is a total New York state of mind image.
The framing from the instantly recognisable Staten Island Ferry frames & points 3 out of 4 corners to the central skyline while the clouds fill in the top right corner. The subtle warm tones of Castle Williams on Governor’s Island add some visual balance. From a photographers point of view this image is balanced aesthetically and by the colour palette. The wake from the ferry points directly towards Lower Manhattan and there are enough tones & textures for me to make it interesting.
The ferry views are amazing day or night however there is something magical early evening to sunset when the light hits just right!
Insider Tip-When you board the ferry head to the upper back deck and stand on the left corner (facing the city) to maximise views from all directions.
I highly recommend taking The Staten Island Ferry for amazing views to put yourself in a “New York State of Mind.”