Photographing New York: The Subway System
(This guide is part of The New York Photographer’s Travel Book, which is available as a free digital download.)
The subway system is one of the best places in New York to people watch and shoot street photography. Because you are enclosed in a confined area, many are intimidated by photographing people in the subway, but if you can get over this fear, it is very rewarding, and there is a lot to see. For inspiration, check out the work of Bruce Davidson’s Subway book on the Internet, and the book itself is a great addition to any street photography enthusiast’s collection.
Get comfortable by photographing in the busier stations and at busier times so that you are not noticed. Cameras with silent shutters are big helps as well. The 42nd Street Times Square station, the S Shuttle train, and the Grand Central Station are fantastic places to start.
For great views, consider taking the N, Q trains to Coney Island, where the elevated tracks in Brooklyn give you a unique view of the borough. Even better elevated views are seen from the 7 train as it heads out to Queens. Take the 7 train to the Queensboro Plaza station before heading back, getting off at a couple stations along the way to photograph the views.
(This guide is part of The New York Photographer’s Travel Book, which is available as a free digital download.)
