Destinations / New York City / Top Things to Do in New York City for Photographers in SoHo
Top Things to Do in New York City for Photographers in SoHo
1. E. V. Haughwout Building
A cast-iron landmark whose rhythmic columns, arched windows, and ornate cornice define the SoHo aesthetic. Its corner presence at Broadway and Broome delivers classic New York streetscapes filled with motion, reflections, and texture.
✓ Why Go:
It’s a masterclass in façade symmetry and historic detail—perfect for architectural studies and frame-within-a-frame compositions.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Early morning for soft side light on the façades; late afternoon golden hour for warm tones and long shadows.
✓ Insider Tip:
Stand across Broadway for a full-corner perspective; a 24–50mm lens captures both grandeur and detail without distortion.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Visitors rave about its photogenic symmetry and timeless character that instantly reads as “SoHo.”
2. Gunther Building
This pale cast-iron beauty anchors Broome Street with elegant pilasters and a soft color palette that flatters portraits and fashion shoots.
✓ Why Go:
Its muted tones and repeating windows create clean backdrops that make subjects pop without busy distractions.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Mid-morning when Broome Street is calmer and the light rakes the façade.
✓ Insider Tip:
Shoot diagonally from the opposite curb to emphasize the building’s depth; bring a polarizer to control window glare.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Photographers note it’s an easy, low-traffic spot for editorial-feel street portraits.
3. The Earth Room
Walter De Maria’s tranquil, meditative installation—an entire loft filled with earth—offers a rare minimalist interior in the middle of SoHo’s bustle.
✓ Why Go:
The tonal simplicity and natural textures are ideal for abstract details and contemplative compositions.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Weekday afternoons for quieter viewing and steady indoor light.
✓ Insider Tip:
Check current photography policies on arrival; if restricted inside, capture the atmospheric stairwell and street-level signage.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Visitors describe it as unexpectedly calming and visually striking in its restraint.
4. Fanelli Cafe
One of New York’s oldest cafes with a storied neon sign, tin ceiling, and wood-paneled interior that screams character.
✓ Why Go:
It’s a quintessential SoHo scene—perfect for moody interiors, neon glow, and candid street moments outside.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Blue hour and after dark for neon-lit ambience; mornings for uncluttered storefront shots.
✓ Insider Tip:
Use window reflections to layer passersby with the sign; a fast prime (35–50mm) excels in low light.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Beloved for its old-school vibe and photogenic sign that’s become a rite-of-passage shot.
5. Prada SoHo
Rem Koolhaas–designed flagship with sweeping interiors, theatrical stairways, and monumental display spaces—an architecture-meets-fashion playground.
✓ Why Go:
Strong lines and dramatic volumes offer bold graphic compositions and fashion-editorial energy.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Weekday mornings for fewer shoppers and cleaner wide shots.
✓ Insider Tip:
Ask staff about store photography etiquette; from the sidewalk, frame Prada against SoHo’s cast-iron textures for contrast.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Visitors are wowed by the museum-like interior and sleek minimalism.
6. Housing Works Bookstore
A beloved bookstore with soaring shelves, mezzanine balcony, and warm wood tones that bathe scenes in a literary glow.
✓ Why Go:
The layered sightlines and cozy textures are perfect for lifestyle shoots and detail-rich vignettes.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Weekday mornings for quiet aisles; late afternoon for warm interior light.
✓ Insider Tip:
From the mezzanine, look down for symmetrical shelf shots; be respectful of browsers and events.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Guests praise its inviting atmosphere and photogenic, film-set feel.
7. Balthazar
An iconic French brasserie with antique mirrors, brass railings, and a bustling open room that channels Parisian drama.
✓ Why Go:
Classic interiors, immaculate plating, and ambient light make rich food and lifestyle imagery.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Brunch and late lunch for lively scenes; early breakfast for clean table and façade shots.
✓ Insider Tip:
Request a banquette along the wall for mirror-backed compositions; shoot dishes near the window for natural light.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Widely celebrated for atmosphere and timeless photo ops as much as the cuisine.
8. Ladurée SoHo
Pastel macarons, gilded details, and a leafy back garden create a romantic, color-forward setting tucked off West Broadway.
✓ Why Go:
Vibrant palettes and elegant textures offer ready-made still-life and portrait backdrops.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Late morning for pastry shots in soft light; golden hour in the garden for portraits.
✓ Insider Tip:
Arrange macarons by complementary colors; shoot outdoors to avoid mixed lighting.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Visitors love the chic aesthetic and postcard-worthy courtyard.
9. Crosby Street Hotel
A design-forward hotel on a quiet cobblestone street, known for whimsical art pieces, colorful interiors, and a sculptural courtyard.
✓ Why Go:
Its curated vignettes and tranquil street setting make stylish portraits without Broadway’s crowds.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Early morning for empty cobblestones; late afternoon for soft, even shade along Crosby Street.
✓ Insider Tip:
Use the cobbles for low-angle shots; step across the street to frame the hotel with fire escapes overhead.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Guests and passersby admire its polished, playful design and serene location.
10. Museum of Ice Cream
Immersive, color-saturated rooms designed for playful creativity—swing sets, sprinkle pools, and candy-colored walls galore.
✓ Why Go:
If you’re chasing bold color, graphic patterns, and social-ready setups, this is your controlled-light studio in the wild.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
First time slot of the day for fewer people and more setup time per room.
✓ Insider Tip:
Wear contrasting colors to stand out; bring a small LED for fill to avoid harsh shadows.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Families and creators call it pure fun with guaranteed pops of color for the grid.
