“We’d love some Brooklyn Bridge photos!”
I hear this quite often from couples…for engagements, weddings, elopements. The Brooklyn Bridge is an iconic location for good reason. It’s beautiful! I’ve done probably over a hundred shoots either on or with the bridge in the background, so I know my way around. Whether you’re coming from out of town, out of the country, or even if you live in NYC, there are a few things to consider when you’re thinking about having the bridge in your photos.
On the Bridge or In the Background?
The first question I ask couples who want photos with the bridge in them is WHERE they want the bridge in the photos. Do you want the whole bridge and the city in the background or do you want photos on the bridge with the structural elements in them?
Avoiding the Crowd
Since the bridge is very popular (both as a way for New Yorkers to get around and with tourists/sightseers), there are usually a lot of people on the walkway. Yes, even when it is extremely cold out or it’s raining, there are going be people on the bridge. That’s not to say that you can’t get great pictures with people on the bridge.
You can, but if you really want the look like you’re all alone on the bridge, just the two of you…that is a different story.
How do you avoid the crowds? You need to get there VERY early! And I mean sunrise early. No joke. Even then, there will be the occasional biker zooming by you but you won’t be elbow to elbow with groups of tourists.
Take Me to the River
Getting the whole bridge (and the skyline) in the background of your photos will mean getting down to the riverside. Whether you’re on the Manhattan side or the Brooklyn side, luckily, there are great vantage spots. On the Manhattan side, you have the South Street Seaport and a pedestrian walkway that runs along the river. Brooklyn has both Brooklyn Bridge Park and Fulton Landing. Remember, though, that these will get crowded around mid-day, especially if the weather is nice.
Allow Extra Time
To get out on to the bridge to a good spot for photos, you’re going to have to walk at least a third of a mile – one way. That might not seem like a long distance, but if you’re wearing heels or a big dress, it is definitely something you should consider. The wooden portion of the walkway can be treacherous in heels. Also, the locations by the riverside for good shots are not conveniently located to public transportation. Just keep this in mind when you are allotting time for your photos.
Keeping these tips in mind will help manage your own expectations as to how the shoot will go. Great pictures require time, effort, and planning!
If you’re interested in taking your engagement, wedding, or elopement photos on (or with) the Brooklyn Bridge, contact me! I’d love to help you.
