The bright lights of New York City make an excellent location for night photography. Learn to capture the city lights as well as other creative tricks such as light writing.
Your workshop begins with a brief discussion on night photography and a quick look at some images of photographs taken at night. You will then head out to practice on location in Times Square and the surrounding areas with time for questions and feedback.
This workshop is best for those with an SLR or a camera that can fully manipulate aperture and shutter speed. Your camera should function on a timer setting or have a cable release. You will need a tripod or monopod as well and you may want to bring along a flashlight.
In order to get the most out of this workshop, it is best if you have an idea of the functions on your camera and an understanding of how aperture, shutter speed, and ISO work in conjunction to determine the proper exposure of an image. If you are not very familiar with your camera's functions, you may wish to take our F-stops, Shutter Speeds, and All That Workshop before taking the Night Photography Workshop.
Your workshop begins with a brief discussion on night photography and a quick look at some images of photographs taken at night. You will then head out to practice on location in Times Square and the surrounding areas with time for questions and feedback.
This workshop is best for those with an SLR or a camera that can fully manipulate aperture and shutter speed. Your camera should function on a timer setting or have a cable release. You will need a tripod or monopod as well and you may want to bring along a flashlight.
In order to get the most out of this workshop, it is best if you have an idea of the functions on your camera and an understanding of how aperture, shutter speed, and ISO work in conjunction to determine the proper exposure of an image. If you are not very familiar with your camera's functions, you may wish to take our F-stops, Shutter Speeds, and All That Workshop before taking the Night Photography Workshop.
What Is Not Included?
- Cameras are not included; you must provide your own. An SLR or other type of camera that can fully manipulate aperture and shutter speed is needed for this workshop.
- Food and beverages are not included. Feel free to bring your own or purchase some during the workshop.
Meeting Location
Near the intersection of 40th Street and 5th Ave (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 workshops often sell out. Tickets can be purchased with a Visa, Mastercard, or American Express.
- What about taking children?
- Generally workshops are best suited for ages 15 and above. All participants, regardless of age, must purchase a full-price ticket in advance.
- How long is the workshop?
- The workshop is 2 hours long. We will be on our feet most of the time, however there are benches at the various locations if you wish to rest.
- How much walking will we do during the workshop?
- Although we will be on our feet most of the time, the tour stays within the Times Square vicinity. At the end of the tour, 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?
- Workshop sizes range from a few people to 8 total. 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 rain or snow, we will try to make use of covered locations.
- Do I have to have a camera to join the workshop?
- The workshops are for those who do have cameras. Our walking tours are well suited for those who may not have a camera but who are accompanying someone who does as they function as a tour with a photography component.
- What should I bring with me to the workshop?
- Please bring a tripod or monopod and a camera that allows you to fully manipulate the aperture and shutter speed and has a timer or cable release. You may also want to bring a flashlight. Please wear comfortable walking shoes and clothes that allow you to move freely. If it is hot out you may want to consider bringing 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 and be sure to dress very warm. You may also want to bring spare batteries or an extra memory card.
- Do I need to bring a tripod?
- Yes! Although you may be able to get some photos without a tripod, you will need a tripod to get the most out of this workshop.
- What kind of camera should I bring to the workshop?
- This workshop is best done with an SLR or other type of camera that allows the manipulation of aperture and shutter speed.
- What if I have little experience with photography and/or my camera?
- The workshops are designed for participants of an advanced beginner skill level and above. In order to get the most out of this workshop, it is best if you have an idea of the functions on your camera and how to shoot in manual mode. If you need to learn more about your particular camera, there may be time for you to ask questions during the workshop, however it is best if you have an understanding of these functions before attending the workshop. If you are not very familiar with your camera's functions, you may wish to take our F-stops, Shutter Speeds, and All That workshop before taking the Night Photography workshop.
- Are there restrooms at the workshop locations?
- There are restrooms at several of the workshop locations.
- Can I stop to buy food or beverages?
- Typically there will be food vendors at several of the locations 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 in the workshop must have a ticket. The workshop is best for those with cameras and if you don't have a camera but plan to accompany someone who does, you may wish to check out one of our walking tours as they function as tours with a photography component.
- Is the workshop wheelchair accessible?
- This workshop can be made wheelchair accessible. If you are interested in this workshop, please click on the "Contact NYCPhotoTour" link to inquire further so that accommodations can be made.
- Can I bring a pet with me to the workshop?
- No, unfortunately pets are not allowed at the workshops.
- Are private workshops offered?
- Yes. If you're interested in doing this workshop privately, it would be the same as a private tour in which you would focus on night photography although the pricing structure may vary. 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
- The workshop is appropriate for children ages 15 and up.
- Because the workshop requires a certain level of concentration, we believe it is best suited for children ages 15 and above. If you'd like to bring children under the age of 15, 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.


