Why my camera is pointed away from Manhattan this summer
Forget the sterile studio cycloramas and the overcrowded fire escapes of Soho. This season, the most compelling editorial backdrops in New York City require a MetroCard swipe to the very edge of the map, where the Atlantic ocean meets raw concrete.
Want to shoot at any of these with Dante's Models? Book a session or apply to be represented.
The Concrete Brutalism of Rockaway, Beach 90th
The massive concrete support pillars under the active boardwalk offer an incredible play of light and shadow that feels more Berlin than beach. It’s the perfect spot to contrast high-end, structured tailoring against the gritty, sun-bleached sand.
Shoot directly under the boardwalk planks to get beautiful, striped zebra-light patterns across your model’s face.
The Riviera Nostalgia of Orchard Beach
Designed in the 1930s, this crescent-shaped beach features a crumbling, epic amphitheater and colonnade that screams vintage European glamour. The decaying terrazzo and wide-angle curves give fashion editorials an instant, timeless narrative.
Avoid the weekend crowds entirely; shoot on a Tuesday afternoon when the decaying grandstands are completely empty.
The Soviet-Deco Mood of Brighton Beach
Just a short walk from the neon noise of Coney Island lies a stretch of sand that feels worlds away. The weathered dark wood of the older boardwalk planks and the backdrop of towering, Soviet-style brick apartment blocks create a heavy, dramatic mood.
Shoot from a low angle on the wet sand, using the incoming tide's reflection to double the architecture in the background.
The Maritime Industrialism of Fort Tilden
An abandoned military base turned public beach, Fort Tilden offers graffiti-covered concrete bunkers rising directly out of the wild dune grass. It is completely isolated, offering a silent, post-apocalyptic backdrop for avant-garde fashion editorials.
Hike up to the historic overlook platform for a 360-degree shot of the ocean on one side and the Manhattan skyline on the far horizon.
That's the inside look. Save this one for your next shoot.
And when you're ready to create something real in NYC, you know where to find us.