New York City makes an excellent backdrop for on location portrait photography. In this workshop you'll learn to take better photographs of people in various locations in and around Grand Central Station and Bryant Park in both indoor and outdoor environments.
Tips and tricks that you will learn include:
This workshop is appropriate for all levels of photographers from beginners to advanced amateurs and for all types of cameras. It is best if you have an understanding of the functions on your camera but not absolutely necessary.
Please note that tripods are not allowed in Grand Central Station without a permit.
Tips and tricks that you will learn include:
- Composition and posing
- Ways to engage your subject
- How to analyze the light
- When to use flash
- Much more!
This workshop is appropriate for all levels of photographers from beginners to advanced amateurs and for all types of cameras. It is best if you have an understanding of the functions on your camera but not absolutely necessary.
Please note that tripods are not allowed in Grand Central Station without a permit.
What Is Not Included?
- Cameras are not included; you must provide your own. Any type of camera is acceptable 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 41st St 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 out feet most of the time, we stay within a small area and cover mainly the 3-4 block area between Grand Central Station and Bryant Park.
- 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 focus more on the indoor locations and less on the outdoor locations.
- Do I have to have a camera to join the workshop?
- The workshops are best suited for those who do have cameras. Our walking tours are better suited for those who may not have a camera but who are accompanying someone who does as they function as a walking tour with a photography component.
- What should I bring with me to the workshop?
- 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?
- For this workshop it is probably best if you don't bring a tripod as one of our locations does not allow them. You will be able to capture strong portraits without a tripod and may find it easier to refine your portrait technique without a tripod.
- What kind of camera should I bring to the workshop?
- You can bring any type of camera to the workshop. The workshop provides a hands-on learning experience for participants to explore New York visually and to capture the character of the people that they encounter.
- What if I have little experience with photography and/or my camera?
- The workshops are designed for participants of all skill levels and provide an opportunity for both experienced and novice photographers alike to expand their creative vision. It is best if you have an idea of the functions on your camera but if you do need to learn more about your particular camera, there will be plenty of time for you to ask questions during the workshop. If you are not very familiar with your camera's functions, it is often helpful if you bring along the manual but not necessary.
- 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 photographing people although the pricing structure will 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.
