There is a fire escape on Kent Avenue in Williamsburg, rusted iron and peeling paint with afternoon light coming through the gaps, that gave me one of my best editorial shots. Brooklyn is full of places like that, and most people walk past them.
The textures are rougher than Manhattan's. The light bounces off low brick instead of glass towers, and the feel is creative rather than corporate. After seven years of shooting both boroughs, these are the spots we keep going back to.
DUMBO
DUMBO stands for Down Under the Manhattan Bridge Overpass. You get cobblestone streets, the Manhattan Bridge overhead and the waterfront with the Manhattan skyline behind you.
- Why it works: Old industrial architecture sits in front of views of downtown Manhattan and the Brooklyn Bridge.
- Best for: High-fashion editorials, dramatic portraits and couples shoots. Think silhouettes against the steel girders, or a flowing gown on Washington Street with the Empire State Building framed behind.
- Dante's Tip: Go early morning. The light is soft, the crowds are small and you can shoot spots like Washington Street before the tourists arrive. The quieter side streets give you a different texture.
The Bushwick Collective
If a shoot needs color and street energy, go to Bushwick. The Bushwick Collective is an open-air gallery of street art and murals that keep changing.
- Why it works: Every wall is a new backdrop, from abstract pieces to figurative art, so you can match almost any mood or outfit.
- Best for: Edgy fashion, creative portraits and music video looks.
- Dante's Tip: Do not stay on the main drag. The side streets have lesser-known murals and industrial textures. Use the fire escapes and loading docks too.
Brooklyn Bridge Park
Brooklyn Bridge Park runs along the East River. It has lawns, sandy beach areas, piers and views of the Manhattan skyline and both bridges.
- Why it works: You can shoot against the skyline, find a quiet spot among the trees, or use the piers for lines and composition. Golden hour is the best time here.
- Best for: Romantic portraits, aspirational fashion and family shoots.
- Dante's Tip: Go past Pier 1. Pier 5 has sports fields and a different angle, and Pier 6 has a beach and playground that add something playful. Jane's Carousel is also worth a few frames.
Williamsburg
Williamsburg mixes historic brownstones and industrial warehouses with boutiques and waterfront parks.
- Why it works: Variety. You can find a quiet, tree-lined street for a formal portrait, then turn a corner into a busy, graffiti-covered block for something edgier. East River State Park has skyline views without the DUMBO crowds.
- Best for: Lifestyle fashion, street style and modern portraits.
- Dante's Tip: Start around Bedford Avenue for the busy energy, then walk to the waterfront for sunsets over Manhattan. Duck into a cafe for a few shots too.
Prospect Park and Grand Army Plaza
Prospect Park was designed by the same people who designed Central Park. It has greenery, lakes and good architecture. Grand Army Plaza sits right at the entrance.
- Why it works: The Soldiers' and Sailors' Arch at Grand Army Plaza suits strong, statuesque portraits. Inside the park you have winding paths, the Boathouse, the Long Meadow and wooded areas that feel far from the city.
- Best for: Elegant portraits, classic fashion and engagement shoots.
- Dante's Tip: Shoot the Arch around sunrise or sunset. In the park, the area around the Boathouse and the Lullwater Bridge works well. It gives you the green of Central Park with more of a Brooklyn feel.
Each neighborhood has its own look, so pick the one that fits your shoot. Visit dantet9.com to book a photoshoot or ask about joining our roster.
Photo by Stephen Westby on Pexels
