New York City's Chinatown is the largest in the United States. It was once home to one of the worst slums in the world, and as such the Five Points area was featured in the movie the "Gangs of New York." Today it is a diverse community with bustling streets and colorful outdoor markets. Explore the area with your camera and then take a break from your photography to sample some of the tasty pastries and dumplings that can be found along the way.
Capture the vibrant colors of Chinatown with your camera in your hand! Photo opportunities include:
Historical commentary is provided and at various locations on the tour you will be given time to explore that particular area with your camera. You will discover new insights and learn new skills that will inspire you to become a better photographer.
Capture the vibrant colors of Chinatown with your camera in your hand! Photo opportunities include:
- Columbus Park
- Mott Street with its colorful markets and shops
- The Bloody Angle and Pell Street
- Chatham Square and the statue of Lin Ze Xu
- Much more!
Historical commentary is provided and at various locations on the tour you will be given time to explore that particular area with your camera. You will discover new insights and learn new skills that will inspire you to become a better photographer.
What Is Not Included?
- Cameras are not included; you must provide your own. Any type of camera is acceptable for this tour. Please note that cameras are not required for this tour.
- Food and beverages are not included on the tour. Feel free to bring your own or purchase some along the way.
Meeting Location
Near the intersection of Pearl and Centre Streets (New York, NY)
(Exact meeting location details will be provided immediately upon purchase of tickets.)
- Do I have to purchase tickets in advance?
- Yes, tickets must be purchased in advance to guarantee your spot as tours often sell out. Tickets can be purchased with a Visa, Mastercard, or American Express.
- What about taking children on the tour?
- The tour is best suited for children ages 10 and above. All participants, regardless of age, must purchase a full-price ticket in advance.
- How long is the tour?
- The tour is approximately 2.5 hours long and covers an area of little more than a mile. The tour is leisurely paced. We will be on our feet for most of the tour; however, there are benches at the various locations we visit if you wish to rest a bit.
- Does the tour end at the same place it begins?
- No, the tours do not start and end in the same location, but they do end nearby. The exact ending location of the tour will depend on the size and pace of the group and therefore varies. Your tour guide will be able to direct you back to the starting location or give you directions to where you need to go.
- What is the average group size?
- Tour groups range from a few people to around 15. The group size is kept small to maximize the learning experience.
- What happens if it rains or snows?
- We do go out in all types of weather and in fact you can get some great photos in inclement weather. In the event of severe or unsafe weather conditions, the tour will be canceled for safety reasons and you will be allowed to reschedule to another day and time or receive credit for a future event.
- Do I have to have a camera to join the tour?
- No. In addition to the historic commentary, there is ample time to explore the areas of interest on your own and see things in greater detail and many people enjoy doing so without a camera.
- What should I bring with me on the tour?
- Please wear comfortable walking shoes and clothes that allow you to move freely. If it is hot out you may want to consider bringing a hat and water. If it is raining please bring a rain jacket and umbrella and perhaps a plastic bag to protect your camera. If it is cold you may want to bring very thin gloves - thin are best for manipulating your camera. You may also want to bring spare batteries or an extra memory card.
- Do I need to bring a tripod?
- You may wish to bring a tripod if you are interested in doing some shots involving motion blur or if you particularly like shooting with a tripod; however, the vast majority of participants do not bring a tripod.
- What kind of camera should I bring on the tour?
- You can bring any type of camera on the tour and even a simple disposable camera or two will work. The tour provides a hands-on learning experience for participants to explore New York visually and to expand the ways in which they think creatively. Many people have also enjoyed the tour without a camera, simply enjoying the historical commentary and having a bit of extra time to look around an area.
- What if I have little experience with photography and/or my camera?
- The tours are designed for participants of all skill levels. The tours provide an opportunity for both experienced and novice photographers alike to expand their creative vision. If you wish to learn more about your particular camera, there will be plenty of time for you to ask questions along the way. If you are not very familiar with your camera's functions, it is often helpful if you bring along the manual but not necessary.
- Will I still enjoy the tour if I'm from the area?
- Absolutely! You'll learn to see in new and creative ways with your camera. You'll also learn interesting facts that you may not have known about the city's rich history and you may visit areas that you haven't seen before the tour.
- Are there restrooms along the tour route?
- There is one restroom stop approximately one hour into the tour. Please make sure to use the restroom before the tour begins. Of course in the event of an emergency, we will do our best to try to accommodate you.
- Can I stop to buy food or beverages along the way?
- We will encounter many stores and shops that sell a variety of food and drink and you are more than welcome to purchase what you would like during one of the stops.
- Is the price still the same if I don't have a camera?
- Yes, every participant on the tour must have a ticket. Many participants have done the tour without a camera and have enjoyed the historical commentary and the opportunity to look around at the various locations. Alternatively, you could use a disposable camera or a cell phone camera as both of these will still allow you to expand your creative vision.
- Is the tour wheelchair accessible?
- This tour follows narrow streets that may make it difficult for someone in a wheelchair. Our Greenwich Village and Financial District tours are wheelchair accessible. If you are particularly interested in the Chinatown & Five Points tour, please click on the "Contact NYCPhotoTour" link to inquire further and see if accommodations can be made.
- Can I bring a pet with me on the tour?
- No, unfortunately pets are not allowed on the tours.
- Are private tours offered?
- Yes. If you're interested in a private tour, please click on the "Contact NYCPhotoTour" link to inquire further.
Refund/Rescheduling Policy
- Non-refundable, cannot be rescheduled.
- Once purchased, tickets cannot be refunded and cannot be rescheduled because your space is being guaranteed at the event.
Weather Policy
- Activity takes place rain or shine.
- The activity runs regardless of weather conditions. In the rare situation where the seller is forced to cancel the event, ticket-holders will be allowed to reschedule to another time (subject to availability).
Other Policies
- Tour is appropriate for children ages 10 and up.
- Because the tour requires a certain level of concentration, we believe it is best suited for children ages 10 and above. If you'd like to bring children under the age of 10, please note that all participants must have a ticket in order to attend and that there is no reduced rate.
Photo Walk-abouts
Lora Danley is a New York City based photographer. Her work focuses on the environments that people create for themselves and how this relates to the way that they see themselves and the world around them. She has photographed throughout Europe and the United States and has exhibited her work nationally.
She has taught photography classes at the Arlington County Recreation Center in Arlington, Virginia and holds a BFA from the Academy of Art University in San Francisco, CA. Her work resides in the collections of the National Cathedral in Washington DC, Northern Virginia Community College, and in numerous private collections.
She has taught photography classes at the Arlington County Recreation Center in Arlington, Virginia and holds a BFA from the Academy of Art University in San Francisco, CA. Her work resides in the collections of the National Cathedral in Washington DC, Northern Virginia Community College, and in numerous private collections.
