photo tour new york

• Professional Photoshoots and Private Tours in New York City

• Best of NYC Tour – 2 Hours
• Best of NYC Tour – 3 Hours
• Brooklyn Bridge Photo Shoot – 30 Minutes
• SoHo and Brooklyn Tour – 2 Hours
• Central Park Tour – 2 Hours
• Honeymoon, Proposal & Wedding Tour
• Buy Gift Certificate
• Trip Advisor

10% Discount on all NYC Photoshoot and NYC Private Tours. Use Code: NYC10

NYC Professional Photoshoot & Private Tour

Whether you are looking to capture the beautiful moments in iconic New York photoshoot locations that you can cherish forever or touring NYC from a local perspective, PhotoTrek Tours offers a personalized journey tailored to your preferences.

Since 2003, w’eve been capturing images of New York locals and travelers from around the world. Whether you’re marking a significant milestone, creating memories with loved ones, preserving a special experience, PhotoTrek Tours can assist you.

All Our Professional Photoshoot and Private tours are fully customiZable

Hear What Our Clients Have to Say About Their Unforgettable Experiences

Recommended by 99% of travelers. Rated top 3% for Tours and Activities in NYC

CUSTOM NYC PRIVATE PHOTO TOUR

An exclusive private tour itinerary tailored for you and your families or friends. Tour can be fully customized. Unlimited professional photos included!

NYC PROFESSIONAL PHOTOSHOOT

Experience a personalized photoshoot in NYC at stunning photography locations throughout New York City. Unlimited images included!

HONEYMOONS & ENGAGEMENT PHOTOSHOOT NYC

Elevate your love story amidst the enchanting backdrop of New York City with our  honeymoon and engagement photoshoot service. Unlimited images included!

NYC PHOTOSHOOT GIFT CARD

Give the gift of unforgettable moments against the breathtaking backdrop of New York City with our NYC Photoshoot Gift Card – a unique and cherished experience for capturing special memories in the heart of the Big Apple.

Meet Marc Samuels – Founder, PhotoTrek Tours

I’m Marc Samuels, the proud owner of PhotoTrek Tours. As a New Yorker born and raised, I’ve always had a deep love for this city’s energy and diversity. The streets I’ve walked a thousand times still surprise me.

With PhotoTrek Tours, I’ve combined my passion for photography with my love for sharing the hidden gems of New York. I have personally vetted and trained each of our guide/photographers. We all have the same passion for showcasing New York City and capturing priceless photos of you along the way.

Each tour is crafted to provide a unique experience. I’m excited to extend a personal invitation to you – explore and immerse yourself in the magic of NYC with PhotoTrek Tours – where every snapshot tells a story.

NYC Travel Guides & Tips 

The Ultimate Honeymoon in NYC Guide

New York City, often referred to as “The City that Never Sleeps,” is not just [...]

NYC Engagement Ideas: 6 Places to Propose in New York City

Are you ready to take the next step in your relationship and propose to your [...]

Things to Do in NYC in the Winter

When it comes to visiting New York City, most people envision exploring the bustling streets [...]

Visiting NYC on a Budget

Yes, it is possible to plan a trip to NYC on a budget. While New [...]

15+ Best View Of NYC Skyline

New York City, the concrete jungle that never sleeps, is renowned for its mesmerizing skyline. [...]

Best Time to Go to New York City

New York City is a vibrant and bustling metropolis that attracts millions of visitors each [...]

Best Things to do in NYC With Kids

New York City offers a plethora of kid-friendly activities that are sure to keep the [...]

3 Days in New York City Itinerary

New York City is a city that never sleeps. It is a hub of art, [...]

Book NYC Professional Photoshoot and Private Tour

• Photography tours & Workshops 2024

Adding item to wishlist requires an account

Already A Member?

Username or E-mail

Forget Password?

Don't have an account? Create one.

Please fill out this form to add you to the waiting list for this trip. You will receive a notification before the tour becomes available.

You can also contact us here:

+34 ‭679 96 93 32‬

[email protected] ‬

OUR TOP PHOTO TOURS

Iceland Photo Tours  

Japan Photo Tours  

Namibia  

Lofoten Islands  

Scotland  

New york city photo tour.

The  New York City photo tour it’s a perfect journey for cityscapes lovers. 7 days of photo walks around  Manhattan. City viewpoints & street photography to capture amazing pics of the best skyscrapers of the United States . This workshop is open to all levels of photographers, but also for companions who want to discover the Big Apple .

During these days we will guide you through the most cosmopolitan city in the world. Visiting famous locations for photography in New York. Such as Brooklyn Heights or Newport , and viewpoints from the rooftops as the  Top of the Rock . During this travel, we will focus on buildings and architecture. We will capture skyscrapers like the Empty Sky Memorial, Rockefeller Center, or the Grand Central Terminal . But also other places like Brooklyn Bridge, Central Park, or High Line Park among others.

And of course, our best street photography tour . We will have time to do street photography in locations like Fife-avenue or Times Square among others in Midtown Manhattan or the subway. A complete trip to catch the essence of the New Yorkers’ lifestyle in small streets and big avenues.

Details of the New York City Photo Tour

This workshop is ready to match with the  Manhattanhenge , also called the Manhattan Solstice. So we will be able to capture incredible sunrises, as the sun will be aligned with the east-west streets. Also, we will be visiting  the best places to take a skyline photo of Manhattan.

We have an extra price for companions. It includes an extra guide for these people that are not interested in photography. So you can join us to follow our itinerary, and your partner can do another route to go shopping or visit museums . It’s perfect for couples that want to visit different places, but also for kids or families that want to spend together the holidays

JOIN THE WAITLIST

Write us to add to the waitlist, we will tell you the status of the tour and the best dates to be done.

New York City Photo Tour Itinerary

Companion itinerary.

This itinerary is for photographer’s participants . If you are interested in the shopping itinerary, it will be hand-made according to the participants . But it’s thought to do rides in cultural and art tourist spots, and walking shopping streets and commercial centers.

Day 1 Arrive in New York City

Today will start our NYC Photo Tour. According to your airport, we will help you to manage a transfer to our hotel (not included in the price). Once all participants arrive at our hotel, we will make a short meeting. We will explain to you the planning for the next week, and we will give you the Metro pass.

After that, we will make our first sunset session at Brooklyn Heights . We will enjoy the last lights of the day with a view to NYC from this famous pier. From here we will make one of the best photos you will shoot in New York.

When our session is over, we will come back to our hotel to sleep and rest, as we will awake early tomorrow.

Day 2 Manhattanhenge

We will get up early for our first sunrise from the neighborhood of Newport in New Jersey . We will photograph the first lights, with views of the east side of Manhattan from a different perspective than yesterday.

Once our session is over, we will come back to the center. Surrounded by incredible skyscrapers, we will spend photographing these famous streets of New York City . From the Financial District to buildings like the Vessel, we will capture some of the greatest architectures of the city.

Before sunset, we will move to a perfect location to wait for the Manhattanhenge . Thousands of people fill the streets to capture the setting sun align with the east-west streets of Manhattan.

After this full-day, we will have dinner and do some night photography before come back to our hotel to sleep.

Day 3 Empty Sky Memorial

Today we will awake early again to come back to New Jersey . At this time we will approach the Empty Sky Memorial . After photographing the sunrise, we will have a well-deserved breakfast.

After that, we will have time to visit some other locations that we didn’t visit before. Manhattan is full of incredible and great architecture yards as the Madison Square Park, the Metropolitan Museum of Art (MoMA), or the Grand Central Terminal that we can photograph both from inside and outside. Or the famous Empire State Building & Chrysler Building and the famous eagles of NYC.

In the afternoon, we will have the opportunity again to photograph the Manhattanhenge from another location. Once the light is over, we will have dinner and make some more night photography if you have enough energy.

Day 4 Manhattan Top of the Rock

Today we will return to Brooklyn to capture the sunrise. This time, we will capture the sun from the opposite perspective, so the Manhattan skyline will become beautiful with reds and orange colors. After that, we will come back to Manhattan to visit some other iconic locations as Central Park, the Lincoln Center, World Trade Center or Guggenheim Museum .

Once the light is going to finish, we will come to visit the Top of The Rock Observation Deck for a sunset session. From this viewpoint, we will be capturing the last lights. Also, during the evening we will explore the possibility to visit other rooftops and sightseeing spots.

Day 5 Brooklyn

Today, we will have a break in the morning. Like the day before we have planned to do night photography, we will sleep today long. In the morning, we will do some post-processing lessons with the photos we already capture on this trip.

During the afternoon, we will be visiting Governors Island and the famous Statue of Liberty . We also offer the possibility to visit Manhattan from the air by helicopter , simply choose this option during the booking process.

In the afternoon, we will come back to Brooklyn but this time to visit other locations as the famous Manhattan Bridge or Brooklyn Bridge . During sunset, we will be photographing again the skyline of Manhattan from another viewpoint.

Day 6 New Jersey - Brooklyn

After getting up early again, we will go to some locations we already visit as Newport in New Jersey. As conditions can not be the best every day, we will study the best location to repeat a sunrise session. According to the location, we will visit Central Park or High Line Park in Manhattan .

In the evening, we will have some free time for walking tours or shopping . We will bring you to the best photography shops, remember to ask us for shopping assistants if you want to join us with any companion.

For sunset, we will go to another different location in Brooklyn. This way, we will be covering all ranges of the Manhattan skyline in our guided workshop.

Day 7 End of the trip

Today ends our nyc photo tour, we will help you with the transfer to your airport of departure. We are sure after this photography workshop you will come home with the best photographs of New York City!

If you want to have more days, we can do a private New York walking tour with a personal photographer. You can also do your own private group and modify the itinerary. Including jazz concerts, theaters, events, or whatever you want to do during your trip to NY.

NYC Tour Map

• Photographer Guide(s)

Hugo Valle is an Asturian landscape photographer living in the Aragonese Pyrenees who began his career in the world of photography in 2011, with the help of a modest bridge camera. From 2012 to the present, he has tried tirelessly to combine his dedication to photography with his passion for traveling. Which has allowed him to know and capture the most beautiful landscapes around the world; discovering in the cold and snowy areas, the mountains and the Asturian coast their favorite settings.

Departure & Return Location

Manhattan, New York City

Price Includes

• Accommodation in twin rooms with private bathroom. 4 stars hotel in Manhattan
• Transfers from the airport *Only in February
• 4 Days NY Pass
• 7-Day Metro pass
• PATH tickets
• Edition lessons during the tour
• Basic travel insurance

Price Excludes

• Flights to & from New York
• Transfer from the airport (we will manage according to all participants arrive)
• Any Private Expenses including meals
• Anything not mention in "Price includes"

Complementaries

• DSLR or mirrorless camera, tripod and remote shutter
• Wide angle lens (14-24mm as example)
• Standard lens (24-70mm as example)
• Telephoto lens (70-200mm as example)

Photographic lessons

• Composition
• Digital Workflow
• Panoramic Photography
• Depth of Field calculation
• Focal Blending
• Blue Hour Photography
• Filters, Neutral Density and Neutral Density Grads
• Photoshop and Lightroom post-processing workflow
• Meals Breakfast, lunch & dinner are not included. We suggest an approximate budget of around $40 per day.
• Flights Flights from London costs around 500 USD
• Visa UK Citizens need a US ESTA

The price of this New York City Photo Tour is based on the participation of a minimum of 6 participants. In case there are not enough participants, the possibility of making the trip will be offered with an increase proportional to the price, or a 100% refund of the total paid.

The last time of exchange rate calculation was January 1st, 2021, the final price can be modified up to 30 days before the tour start.

Accommodation

The accommodations offered are shared double rooms at Hotels with private bathrooms.

You can book an individual room during the process of the book your place for the photo tour or writing us at [email protected]

This tour doesn’t include meals.

Our tours include basic insurance, we suggest contracting full cover insurance. Contact us to expand your insurance coverage.

Our tours include all internal transports (cars, vans, trains, or flights). We don’t include international flights, but we will guide you at the moment of your booking the best options to arrive to the destiny from your home.

The itinerary mentioned can be changed due to a force major reasons like weather conditions or accidents for example.

Payment & Refunds

To book your place you need to pay 25% of the total cost. The total payment must be made 45 days before the trip.

This tour is done by ¨Photography Tours PhotoWorldTours SLU¨, due to illness or other reasons the trip may be made by another guide.

If the tour doesnt have enough people, refund of the deposit will be done 45 days before the trip starts.

Cancellations

If the client cancel the trip will lose the deposit paid (25%), but refund other payments due this cancellation policy:

– More than 45 days but less than 60 days to the start of the tour: 50% of the total cost of the trip will be refunded. – Less than 45 days before the trip start: There will be no refund.

Other considerations

Please, check the section “This tour include” and “This tour not include” to know more details about meals, guides or other services include.

Related Photography Workshops

Privacy Overview

Subscribe to our Newsletter now, and get special offers on our Photo Tours only for you!

Also, you will get a 10% Discount code for Kase Filter & Valleret Photography Gloves.

• Capture Your NYC Era

Tour for Taylor Fans | New York City, United States

Welcome to New York! Capture your NYC era on this photo tour and discover the invisible strings that make NYC truly enchanted. Tour Highlights ✨ • The High Line — Referenced in "Cardigan" • Greenwich Village — Mentioned in "Welcome to New York" • Bus Stop Cafe — Referenced in the song "The 1" • Electric Lady Studios — Recording studio of the song “Lover” • Cornelia Street — An ode to the song "Cornelia Street" • SoHo — This is the home of the "Live from SoHo" EP 👟 This route includes 1.7 miles of walking, so sturdy footwear is recommended. The recommended length is 90 minutes, however if you wish to take it slower and/or if you want to add on a pizza stop at the famous Joe’s Pizza (pizza not included), we suggest upgrading to a 2-hour shoot length. In addition, this photo route will start and end at different locations, so plan accordingly! Learn More. Note: The 'Capture Your NYC Era' Flytographer photo tour is not endorsed or affiliated with Taylor Swift or her management.

Available Shoot Lengths: 90 min | 2 hours

Capture Your NYC Era is a special, limited edition Flytographer route.

• Destinations /
• New York City /

Want to book an amazing vacation photographer for this route?

Choose one of our world-class photographers to capture your memories in Capture Your NYC Era, New York City. Vacation packages start at $535. Proposal packages start at $635.

NYC Photo Tour Adventure

The nyc photo tour is a real adventure for every photographer., olidaytours is partnering with art wolf and also with photour adventures to create an unique experience that joins the excitement of exploring the city on an olidaytours with the focus of photographing the most iconic nyc scenes while having a professional photographer guiding  you to create epic images..

The Flat Iron Building – one of the first skyscrapers in NYC

Join Fine Art Photographer, Michael Malandra of Suffern’s Elements Photography Gallery, Travel Photographer, Susan Magnano, from Photour Adventures and Oli from Olidaytours, as we teach you how to create, compose, and master your camera skills as well as the history of New York City.

Photour Adventures are sightseeing- workshops that put the adventure back in photography.

We invite amateur and professional photographers to join us on this NYC Photo Tour . 

We will take you to amazing locations all over New York City , guided by our professional and certified NYC sightseeing guide Oli from Olidaytours, and teach you how to work the light and your equipment to capture the beauty around you. Your camera is the tool but your imagination is what creates a beautiful and moving photograph.

Our tours caters to small groups and individuals who want to learn how to take better pictures and will do so with the backdrop of NYC as the classroom. 

Come all the way into Harlem to take amazing pictures

We will focus on:

*Cityscapes & Urban Architecture

*Street life & Photojournalism

*Long Exposures & Motion

*NYC Sunsets & Twlight ( Depending on tour)

So pack your bags, grab your tripod and most importantly… your Camera!

The Charging Bull – take pictures early in the morning on your Photour Adventure

We are headed off to NYC where the photography opportunities never cease. We’ll spend our time photographing the most iconic locations, amazing city skylines and the  fast pace street life.  We will work on improving your composition, developing your personal style and sharpening your photography skills. Not only will you leave with having an unforgettable experience, gaining knowledge of the city  but will have captured amazing pictures to prove it. So join us on our next adventure.

Comments are closed.

Hier geht es direkt auf die deutschsprachige Seite: www.olidaytours.de

• Sample Photos

Testimonials

• Giving Back
• Quiz: Which Experience Is Right For You?

Private Photo Journeys

• NYC Influencer Photo Shoots
• Professional Photoshoot In NYC
• Engagement Photoshoot In NYC
• NYC City Hall Wedding Photo Shoot
• Commercial Photography
• NYC Deals & Recommendations
• Your Perfect NYC Itinerary [Personality Quiz]
• Custom NYC Trip Planning
• Art & Culture
• Food & Drink
• Travel Tips

Jessica Festa January 15, 2016 NY Your Way 2 Comments

Want a local New Yorker + licensed tour guide to help you plan an unforgettable trip tailored to your interests? Then check out our Custom NYC Travel Planning . We can help you experience the best of New York!

Table of Contents

Say goodbye to selfies and bad vacation photos, as this experience is part tour, part photo shoot.

On a Private Photo Journey you won’t just get a certified NYC tour guide and local showing you around, but a professional photographer snapping photos of you and your group — which are yours to keep.

When booking, choose from one of our popular itineraries (listed below). Or, let us know any of your must-see NYC tourist attractions/desired experiences to have us create something custom.

We know New York like the back of our hands, and can work with you to develop the tour of your dreams.

Please also note your group size and how many hours you’d like to explore for.

Private Photo Journey

Itinerary Suggestions:

If any of the below itineraries are of interest please note the tour number on your booking form. Note that our tours do require a fair amount of walking. If you’d prefer to just stay in one location, please click here to book a photoshoot .

Tour 1: Times Square / Central Park / Upper East Side / Brooklyn Bridge [2 hours]. Our most popular 2-hour itinerary. This classic itinerary showcases the best of NYC.

Tour 2: Times Square / Central Park / Upper East Side / Bushwick [2 hours]. A bit of classic New York; a bit of funky Brooklyn through Bushwick street art.

Tour 3: Times Square / Central Park / Upper East Side / Grand Central [2 hours]. Classic New York with a mix of nature and architecture.

Tour 4: SoHo / Brooklyn Bridge / DUMBO [2 hours]. A mix of cast iron buildings, iconic Brooklyn Bridge shots, and gorgeous skyline views.

Tour 5: World Trade Center / Brooklyn Bridge / DUMBO [2 hours]. Enjoy street art, the famous Brooklyn Bridge, and some of the best skyline shots in NYC.

Tour 6: Greenwich Village / SoHo / World Trade Center [2 hours]. This itinerary has a more neighborhoody vibe with beautiful architecture and street art.

Tour 7: Times Square / Central Park / Upper East Side / Brooklyn Bridge / DUMBO [3 hours]. Our most popular 3-hour itinerary! Similar to Tour #1, but instead of ending in the middle of the Brooklyn Bridge we’ll walk the entire structure into Brooklyn for epic skyline shots.

Tour 8: Times Square / Central Park / Upper East Side / Brooklyn Bridge / Bushwick [3 hours]. A full mix of classic New York with funky Brooklyn, with an extremely wide array of photos to be taken, from nature to street art.

Tour 9: Lower East Side / Williamsburg Bridge / Williamsburg / Bushwick [3 hours]. This Brooklyn-focused itinerary offers skylines, street art, and bridges all in one.

Tour 10: Central Park / Radio City Music Hall / Rockefeller Center / St. Patrick’s Cathedral / Grand Central / Bryant Park (with Empire State Building view) / Times Square [3 hours]. See the main Midtown highlights! This is an especially popular option during the holidays when the windows on Fifth Avenue are decorated.

Custom Route: We love creating custom itineraries! Please note that this service incurs a one-time $50 fee to cover additional planning time.

Booking something longer than 3 hours? If you decide to combine any of the above itineraries you don’t have to pay an additional fee.

In your booking form, you’ll be able to note which itinerary you want or if you’d like something custom.

If there is something very specific you want in terms of a custom tour theme please email us to make sure it’s possble first. Feel free to also email us if you have questions about the above itineraries – [email protected] .

Want even more photos and poses, and don’t necessarily care about a tour?

Check out our Custom NYC Shoots ! With this option, you get *more* photos – each of which is individually edited (if you choose the “edited” package) vs batch edited (as is the case with the tours).

You can also choose to get all of the RAW photos taken (if you choose the “Unedited” shoot). RAW files are not provided with the tours.

Moreover, you get a pre-shoot call where we’ll go over a concept for the shoot based on what your goals are. We can also discuss outfit changes and looks.

All Custom Shoots are led by Jessie on a Journey , who will look over your Instagram feed/mood board/inspiration photos to get a sense of your style, too.

This option is great for influencers, bloggers, creators, people wanting professional family/friend/couple shots, and those looking to elevate their personal brand (vs simply getting fun touristic photos around the city).

Learn more about our Custom Shoots here .

NYC Photo Tour Inclusions

Included in an NYC Photo Journey:

• Knowledgeable, local guide/photographer
• Hotel pick-up via subway (upon request)
• Photos of you and your group (usually ~70 images for a 2-hour tour and ~100 images for a 3-hour tour, depending on the pace of the group)
• New York taxes and fees

Not Included:

• Subway transfers
• Gratuities (optional, but always appreciated!)

See what our happy guests are saying about our New York City photo tours:

I am in love with my photos. Jessie did an awesome on the tour and an amazing job with photographing the day. I added the black and white option but didn’t realize how fantastic they would be. A highlight of my trip to NYC. Thrilled with the quantity and quality of the pictures. Everything I was hoping for when I booked and more. Dolores H.

This activity was so much fun!! It is definitely worth booking if you are considering. Not only do you get an endless amount of great, high quality, pictures, you also get a tour of NYC. We ended up finding our new favorite area once we ended in Dumbo. We spent the rest of the evening enjoying great food and drinks at the rooftop market our tour ended at, we wouldn’t have ever known the market existed! Shea C.

Click here to read more reviews from happy guests on TripAdvisor .

Then head here to book:

Pricing & Booking

Price : $185 per hour, per group of up to three people (not per person). There is a 2-hour minimum required.

To add more people there is a $50 flat fee per person (per day, if booking multiple days), which you will see when booking. Beautiful high-resolution photography of your group is always included. Click here to see examples on Instagram .

Photos: You’ll typically receive your digital folder of photos within 7 business days.  If you need your photos sooner you’ll have an option to purchase a fast turn-around upsell at checkout. 

• Note: We cull the photos and choose which ones to send to you. If you’d prefer to see all of the photos taken, you’ll need to book a Professional Shoot – Unedited Package , which gives you access to the entire SD card.

Copyright & Usage: Note that the photographer retains the copyright of the photos. You can use the photos for personal use, though please note they cannot be sold for profit or used for commercial purposes. Please get in touch if you have a different usage request.

Bookings: Please email us using the form below with your desired date(s) and time to book this tour or use the “Book Now” link above.  If you don’t see a timeslot that works for you please email us and we will try to work with your availability. Also note that tours after 4pm are only possible in the summer due to lighting. 

Cancellation Policy: Our cancellation policy is as follows:

• Cancellations made at least 30 days in advance receive a 90% refund
• Cancellations made between 73 hours and 29 days out from the tour departure receive a 50% refund
• Cancellations made within 72 hours of the tour departure are non-refundable

Please keep in mind that guides block their schedules when a booking is made, turning away other tours to be available for yours. In order to effectively run our business while ensuring guides are always compensated, we do not provide 100% refunds.

Also keep in mind that all of our experiences are private, meaning that if you cancel we don’t have other people making up that cost, which public tours are able to do.

If you need to reschedule please email us at [email protected] and we can try to accommodate as best as we can. As long as your scheduled guide can accommodate your request, we’re happy to reschedule at no charge.

This being said, we do offer a 100% refund if a tour is canceled due to inclement weather.

Please see our Terms & Conditions for full information (section 3).

• Latest Posts

Jessica Festa

Latest posts by jessica festa ( see all ).

• 10 Unique Coffee Shops For An Experiential Sip In NYC - December 6, 2023
• 73 Unique Ways To Enjoy Romance In NYC (Beyond Central Park) - October 13, 2022
• Your Ultimate Guide To Visiting NYC In Winter (73 Experiences!) - September 19, 2022

Estoy interesado en una sesión de fotos Del tour No 1. Me podrían decir cual es el precio?

Estoy de visita en NY entre el 20 junio y 25 junio.

La.sesion de fotos es privada? La requiero en idioma español.

My wife and I are visiting NY for the first time Nov 11-14 and was looking for photo journey tour. Just to let you know, we did book a 2-hour session on November 14 with you at 10:00am on Trip Advisor. We are looking forward to this photo session with you. We like the energy and vibe that we saw about you on YouTube, just a beauty to watch.

See you soon and looking forward to our trip,

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed .

New York Private Photo Tours

Street photography workshops, see nyc through the eyes of a street photographer and lifelong new yorker.

Are you traveling to New York – or are you a local who wants to focus on street photography?

Want to learn the best places to photograph the sites, cityscapes, and people of the city – or do you want to spend an entire day learning the tips, tricks, and secrets of a street photographer?

Custom NYC Photo Tours

*All tours are private and customizable to your specific interests.

3-Hour Photo Tour: 325 USD

*Customized gift certificates are available.

Contact James to schedule a custom photography tour.

Capture Real New York

Visit both iconic and off-the-beaten-path locations. See sides of the true New York that would be difficult to find on your own.

James is a professional photographer and certified New York history guide, so in addition to photography instruction, you will learn about the history of the neighborhoods, architecture, and people that you are photographing.

All New York photography tours are customized to your exact needs, interests, schedule, and skill level and are private for you, your family, or your traveling group.

In addition, when you sign up for the course you will receive James’ downloadable e-books, The Essentials of Street Photography and Street Photography Conversations to brush up on your street photography before the photo tour and workshop begins.

He has been practicing the art of street photography since he first picked up a camera, has worked as a portrait and fine art photographer in New York since 2005, has had a regular feature for the NY Daily News reporting on different neighborhoods of the City through street portraits and interviews with locals, is a certified New York tour and workshop guide (so get ready for some history!), and has sold and licensed his photography of New York to collectors and companies from around the world.

James is the author of The Essentials of Street Photography and The New York Photographer’s Travel Guide .

Read James’ article on exploring and photographing New York, featured in Digital Photographer Magazine.

Watch at 10-minute documentary about James’ work:

Most popular photo tour itineraries:.

Route 1 (3 or 5-hour):  My most popular photo tour begins on Broadway and Houston street, heads south through Soho, explores Chinatown, visits the Manhattan Bridge and then heads back north through the Bowery and into the Lower East Side.

While there are iconic views, this is less of the iconic ‘Chrysler Building’ skyscraper New York and more beautiful old buildings, incredible street photography with some of the most interesting people in the city, graffiti, colored walls, incredible alleys, gambling Chinese men and women in a park, and a lot of other things along those lines. On a 5-hour workshop you have the option to stop in Chinatown for a dumpling lunch. Departs in SoHo.

Route 2 (3-hour): This new route focuses on Brooklyn’s industrial waterfront. It’s an amazing, beat-up, and beautiful area of old factories of all types, old buildings, quirky things, a defunct railway, and most importantly a gorgeous waterfront with incredible views of Manhattan (and a great waterfront Park to see them from). We also visit the iconic Green-Wood cemetery, one of the most beautiful places in New York, located at the highest point in Brooklyn, with incredible views of the city.

Route 3 (3-hour):  My most popular night route covers more of the ‘iconic’ and ‘famous’ New York. The first half is spend exploring Central Park at dusk, including Bow Bridge, The Mall, The Lake, Bethesda Terrace and Arch, Sheep Meadow with an incredible Cityscape view, Gapstow Bridge, and much more. We will then take the subway to midtown, where we will photograph Bryant Park and the Empire State Building, the New York Public Library, Grand Central and the Chrysler Building and it’s exquisite lobby. Departs in Central Park.

I offer custom routes as well depending on your needs and interests, including straight street photography days. Workshops can be done any time of day or night.

“My girlfriend and I recently signed up for James’ photo tour and workshop of NY (we were taking photos primarily in Central Park and Midtown). In such a short period of time, James not only gave us an excellent one-on-one intro course on the technical side of photography but he also shared several spectacular venues for skyline, nature, and architectural shots, gave us some great tips on his favorite restaurants in the City, and also took some amazing shots of the two of us! Our time with James was a lot of fun, and, without a doubt, the highlight of our four days in New York. We would highly encourage anyone who’s contemplating it to go for it!”

– Bruce and Irina

“ James’ photography tour of New York is an absolute must! It was our first time in New York City and his tour was the first ‘to-do’ item on our list. The invaluable knowledge of the most famous street photography locations that James shared with us was inspiring, and seeing New York City through his lens and talent was refreshing. James provided numerous tips and techniques that will go a long way to improve our street photography and general photography. From locations, to getting up close and capturing the right moment, James was able to share his knowledge and demonstrate in person how he works. James is a lovely chatty, talented young man and his career and photos are an absolute genius to all walks of photographers! We highly recommend anyone visiting New York to arrange to meet up with James.”

– Andrew and Mazza.

“While traveling the States, I had the opportunity to walk the streets of NYC with James learning first hand the tips and tricks to street photography. He opened my eyes to a whole new type of photography. I learned the art of taking photos of people in their natural state and making my photos say something. The things I have learned from James have improved my photography as a whole. It was an awesome experience and would definitely do it again!”

– Damon O’Reilly.

“Tired of great memories from our holidays but disappointing photos we decided to book the custom photo tour with James, armed with our various cameras and little or no knowledge he really showed us some interesting sights and locations and how best to set our cameras to get the best shots. It was a totally unique day that really added to a great holiday we would definitely recommend the tour to anyone. The kids both had a great time and let me tell you they are hard to impress!”

– Jacqueline Fung

“It’s not often that a person can enjoy the sites of one of the greatest cities in the world, learn photography from a pro, enjoy exotic food and make a new friend all in the bargain. That’s exactly what we got from the street photography workshop we took with James Maher. It was fun to learn how to become a better photographer while discovering so much about the different neighborhoods of Manhattan. His tips for getting the right apertures, ISO’s and learning how to frame an interesting scene will surely come in handy for any type of photography. Despite being a novice and a more experienced photographer, James was able to seamlessly give us individual instruction, almost anticipating our next question. James truly has a gift for being both a fantastic photographer and a superb teacher. We’re looking forward to another workshop with him in the near future.”

– Susan Supak and Colleen Larsen

“Always on the lookout for new ways to explore photography, I recently read an article about James Maher. I had never tried street photography, but it sounded intriguing, so I Googled James, learned about his street photography, ordered his books, and quickly signed up for one of his photo tours. To say that I enjoyed it would be an understatement: James’ enthusiasm for photography and for New York City combines to create an exciting, rewarding, and unforgettable experience.

Taking me to some of the best intersections in the City for street photography, he taught me about zone focusing and about capturing images of people without being obvious. Concentrating on my camera’s settings, he instructed me about using different modes and different exposures to capture images with the greatest impact. Occasionally, I would need to ask a person if I could take a photo; James told me the best ways to approach him/her to get permission. Between shoots, he would point out the beauty of the City, including its architecture and some very creative and colorful graffiti.

All in all, it was a terrific workshop! Street photography was completely new to me—I can’t imagine a better introduction than James provided. I wholeheartedly recommend him to anyone who wants to expand his photographic horizons. It’s fun, enlightening, and fascinating, and James is a genuinely nice guy and a superb teacher! I plan to sign up for another workshop, in a different area of the City, next year.”

– Joe Routon

What you will / can learn:

• The best locations to photograph iconic buildings and landmarks
• The best locations for photographing people
• Photography basics (if needed, for beginners)
• Street photography tips, tricks, and techniques
• All the tricks for capturing close-up candid portraits
• Camera settings and zone focusing techniques
• Capturing gesture, expression, and emotion and telling stories with your images
• Street portraiture
• And, of course, what we will learn will be tailored to your skill level, what you want to see, and what you want to learn!

Now Let’s talk about you

What do you want to see and what would you like to improve? The best part aspect of this job is getting to know people from all over the world!

[email protected]

(917) 494-6712

Read The Glass City Column

Download The New York Photographer's Travel Guide

Sign up and you will also receive the twice-a-month   Glass City Photo Column , which includes:

• Commentary on Photography, Creativity, and Urbanism
• Photographer and History Features
• Photo Book and Project Write-ups
• Fun photo insights and inspirations

• Safari Calendar
• Custom Photo Safari
• Virtual Photo Workshops
• Gift Certificate
• NYC Safari Events Calendar
• Meet the Pros
• Things to Do in NYC
• NYC Tourism Info
• Top 10 Things to Do in NYC
• One Day Itineraries
• Photo Tips Podcast
• Photo Tips Blog
• Camera Meter Checker
• Photo Cheat Sheet
• Photo Resources
• NYC Sunrise & Sunset Times

NYC THROUGH A DIFFERENT LENS

Small & private groups., one on one instruction.

LEARN PHOTOGRAPHY WHILE VISITING NYC

Professional nyc photographers.

“We turn picture takers into image makers” - NYC Photo Safari

Photo tours of New York City

New york landmarks, new yorker hotel, the historical new york post office, the empire state building, and more, central park, central park's lakes, bridges, unique constructions, vegetation, and much more, new york by night, night time at un headquarters, grand central terminal, the chrysler building, the rockefeller center, and much more, houston street, the james hotel, balthazar restaurant, and more, what is citifari.

Come Tour With Us!

You say it better, "fantastic tour was one of the highlight of my trip. thanks for being so accommodating.", "i really enjoyed the tour and walked away with some really fun photographs of nyc. i learned several new things and i'm excited to be able to apply them. thanks for offering a different way to experience nyc", "thanks for an amazing photo tour loved every minute and everyone likes my pictures", "our guide was very helpful and welcoming. even though i have been taking photos for a while i learned quite a lot. i live in the city, but i found areas to photograph that i have never been before. ", "loved the tour. francois is a wonderful photographer and i got some great photos to share with my family and friends. i'm planning on doing a video and book of my night tour and landmarks tour. ", "great tour and great guide. learned about soho and my camera at the same time. learned how to look at colors and objects in a more complete way. thanks for a great way to spend a saturday morning in nyc.", "citifari and jean helped me get over my initial idea of manual settings on a dslr being cumbersome and too hard to understand. this tour transformed my interest in photography completely within those two hours. i can't believe i had been missing out so far.", news and tips, other resources.

Walking Photo Tours & Street Photography Workshops in New York City

Personalized walking photo tours and street photography workshops by independent licensed New York City tour guide and photographer Leanne Staples.

I’m Leanne Staples (hello!) an independent licensed New York City tour guide, photographer, artist and writer and I love New York City and photographing it!

I specialize in unique, off the beaten track sightseeing and photography tours , as well as group street photography workshops throughout New York City. I have been providing tours and workshops for over 13+ years now to individuals, small and large groups, and even schools.

Read more about how Shoot New York City began (and watch an interview with me on BronxNet Television)

Tours and workshops can be arranged in Harlem, Coney Island, Bushwick, Long Island City, Dumbo and many other neighborhoods throughout all of NYC’s five Boroughs.

Wherever we visit, it’s always about the spirit of place.

Tours and workshops can be customized to your particular desires including urban landscape, abstract, street photography and graffiti tours, to name a few possibilities.

You will also learn about some of NYC's interesting facts and history, and for those that need it, gain valuable assistance with composition and basic camera functions, helping you to achieve your best photos.

My popular street photography workshops cater to photographers of all levels who are interested in learning the art of street photography. These urban photo walks are a great way to explore the city and are ideal for visitors to NYC and New Yorkers alike.

Upcoming Street Photography Workshops

Recent Reviews

My tours and workshops have been loved by hundreds of people, earning me a Travellers Choice award on Trip Advisor in 2020 . Here is a small sampling of the many reviews I’ve been given. You can read more of them on my reviews page or on Trip Advisor .

The Deepest New York Experience I Have Had

The tour of Harlem and El Barrio was a journey in the deepest human side of street photography. Thanks to her, I felt so connected to the local people. I love Leanne's approach to photography, the way she made me connect with every corner of the streets, with every building, every light and every shadow in such an immediate and spontaneous way.

Meeting Leanne made me feel I have truly met New York in its deepest essence. She is very knowledgeable of the areas we visited and of the history and culture of this wonderful city. I cannot wait to come back again and have a new tour with her. Highly recommended!

Review by Vincenzo, Cambridge, UK

it definiitely made me step out of my comfort zone, but that's a beauty of it. New York is awesome city and every part of it is hugely different. Definitely a place to come back!

Leanne was a wonderful guide through Chinatown for our photo tour. Her eye is amazing and she really showed us how to take great photos.

Top Experience and Pictures!!! - It was great to do this tour of SoHo with Leanne. She is very professional and opens up new perspectives. Thanks Leanne and see you next time

Newsletters

Curious Frame is a long-form newsletter where I share my thoughts on photography and it is always about ‘seeing with new eyes’.

• Share full article

Advertisement

Supported by

Blinken Tours China to Promote Some Ties, While the U.S. Severs Others

Tensions over economic ties are running high, threatening to disrupt a fragile cooperation between the U.S. and China.

By Ana Swanson

Ana Swanson covers trade and U.S.-China economic ties and is traveling with Secretary Blinken in China.

Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken cheered on the sidelines at a basketball game in Shanghai on Wednesday night, and spent Thursday chatting with students at New York University’s Shanghai campus and meeting American business owners. It all went to emphasize the kind of economic, educational and cultural ties that the United States is pointedly holding up as beneficial for both countries.

But hanging over those pleasantries during his visit to China this week are several steps the U.S. is taking to sever economic ties in areas where the Biden administration says they threaten American interests. And those will be the focus of greater attention from Chinese officials, as well.

Even as the Biden administration tries to stabilize the relationship with China, it is advancing several economic measures that would curb China’s access to the U.S. economy and technology. It is poised to raise tariffs on Chinese steel , solar panels and other crucial products to try to protect American factories from cheap imports. It is weighing further restrictions on China’s access to advanced semiconductors to try to keep Beijing from developing sophisticated artificial intelligence that could be used on the battlefield.

This week, Congress also passed legislation that would force ByteDance, the Chinese owner of TikTok, to sell its stake in the app within nine to 12 months or leave the United States altogether. The president signed it on Wednesday, though the measure is likely to be challenged in court.

Mr. Blinken’s visit, which was expected to take him to Beijing on Friday for high-level government meetings, had a much more cordial tone than on the trip he made to China last year. That trip was the first after a Chinese spy balloon traveled across the United States, tipping the American public into an uproar.

In a meeting with the Shanghai Communist Party secretary Thursday morning, Mr. Blinken said direct engagement between the U.S. and China was both valuable and necessary.

“We have an obligation for our people — indeed an obligation to the world — to manage the relationship between our two countries responsibly,” he said.

Speaking to students at the N.Y.U.’s Shanghai campus later that morning, he said the educational exchanges the students were engaged in provided a “ballast” for a complicated and confrontational relationship.

Since President Biden met with the Chinese leader, Xi Jinping, in California in November, the U.S.-China relationship has seemed more stable, with nothing like the dramatic ups and downs of the trade spats under former President Donald J. Trump.

But the Biden administration has still been marching toward a more restrictive economic relationship with China.

That includes controls on semiconductor technology, which are being raised by both sides as a more prominent issue than ever before. The Biden administration has been weighing further export controls, particularly on factories that have been helping produce advanced semiconductors for the Chinese tech giant Huawei.

“By explicitly trying to degrade Chinese tech capabilities, especially on advanced AI, the United States has moved export controls to the forefront of the U.S.-China agenda,” said Emily Benson, a trade expert at the Center for Strategic and International Studies, a Washington think tank.

In a call between Mr. Biden and Mr. Xi earlier this month, both leaders raised the technology controls as matters of central importance.

Mr. Biden emphasized that the United States would continue to take necessary actions to prevent advanced American technologies from being used to undermine its own national security, without unduly limiting trade and investment, according to the White House.

Mr. Xi said that putting new sanctions on China was not “de-risking,” but creating risks. If the United States was bent on “containing China’s hi-tech development and depriving China of its legitimate right to development, China is not going to sit back and watch,” he said, according to the official Xinhua News Agency.

U.S. officials say their restrictions are necessary given China’s authoritarian government and statist economic model. But the moves have rankled Chinese leaders and pushed tensions over economic measures to their highest point in years.

The measures are not just emanating from the U.S. government: Susan Shirk, the author of “Overreach: How China Derailed Its Peaceful Rise,” said that China had pivoted toward a more self-sufficient industrial policy, and has been seeking to supplant the United States as a high-tech superpower under Mr. Xi.

“Xi openly acknowledges that while he wants China to be less dependent on other countries, he wants to keep other countries dependent on China ‘as a powerful countermeasure and deterrent’ as he put it, ‘against them cutting off supply,’” Ms. Shirk said.

China, too, has allowed security concerns to affect a greater proportion of its economy, even as Mr. Xi and other Chinese leaders have tried to reassure foreign businesses that their investment is welcome. A new national security law has extended Beijing’s reach into Hong Kong, threatening the city’s status as a financial hub. American executives have been alarmed by China’s investigations of foreign firms, as well as the country’s broader rules against sharing data and information with foreigners.

Despite China’s complaints about the U.S. government’s efforts to crack down on TikTok, China itself has for decades banned other Western social media services. Apple said last week that Beijing had ordered it to remove WhatsApp and Threads from app stores in China.

Mr. Blinken and other U.S. officials have emphasized that American export controls, sanctions and other restrictions being imposed on Chinese tech companies apply to only a small fraction of the broader U.S.-China relationship. Elsewhere, trade is encouraged, they say.

In a report this week, the U.S.-China Business Council, a group of 270 American companies that do business in China, estimated that U.S. exports to China supported more than 900,000 American jobs in 2022, though goods exports fell in 2023 due to China’s lackluster economy, U.S. tariffs and other factors.

“It is important for us to remind U.S. lawmakers and those in influential positions that every state and congressional district in the U.S. maintains its own economic and trade relationship with China, and changes in U.S.-China trade policy should be considered very carefully,” said Craig Allen, the group’s president.

Ana Swanson covers trade and international economics for The Times and is based in Washington. She has been a journalist for more than a decade. More about Ana Swanson

Recommended

Live updates, hotel in trendy nyc neighborhood quietly converted into shelter for migrant families.

• View Author Archive
• Email the Author
• Get author RSS feed

Contact The Author

Thanks for contacting us. We've received your submission.

Thanks for contacting us. We've received your submission.

A hotel in one of New York City’s trendiest neighborhoods has been quietly serving as emergency housing for migrants for the past several months.

Mayor Eric Adams’ administration recently awarded a $12.3 million emergency contract to a not-for-profit social service provider to run a “city sanctuary facility for families with children” at 235 Meeker Ave. in Williamsburg, Brooklyn — the address of the Hotel Le Jolie .

The Department of Homeless Services issued the contract to the Brooklyn-based St. P.A.U.L.S. Inc. to manage the facility.

Hotel Le Jolie was converted into a shelter for migrant families sometime last year, on a temporary basis.

“They are having St. P.A.U.L.S. take over the operation. Nothing functionally changes,” a source familiar with the shelter operation said over the weekend.

The source said DHS was using temporary staff at the site and hoped the not-for-profit group would provide better services for migrant families.

A person answering the phone at the location claimed the hotel was closed for “renovations” when asked if it had rooms available for tourists.

On the hotel’s Facebook page, a visitor asked last November, “Is the Hotel Le Jolie closed or still open for business?”

There was no reply.

The hotel staff’s last replies to reviews on Tripadvisor for the 55-room boutique accommodations were posted in April last year.

With the shelter system bursting at the seams, the city has gotten creative in finding housing for the influx of migrants.

Last August, the Adams administration even opened a shelter at the popular McCarren Park located on the Williamsburg-Greenpoint border.

When asked about the new contract for migrants staying at the Hotel Le Jolie, a Department of Homeless Services spokesperson said, “This is not a new site — has been open for quite some time.”

The Post reached out to Hotel Le Jolie management and St. P.A.U.L.S. for comment.

The migrant crisis has been a boon for Big Apple hotels still hurting from the loss of tourism during the COVID-19 pandemic.

More than 100 hotels have agreed to convert into emergency shelters for migrant families and individuals who have flooded the city from the southern border — with the government footing the bill for the rooms.

In January, the Adams administration inked a new emergency $76.69 million contract with the Hotel Association of New York City to provide “last resort” shelter to migrant families.

Under the contract, 15 hotels in Brooklyn, Queens and the Bronx will make blocks of rooms available to asylum-seeking families for up to 28 days under the “vouchering program” running through July.

The Post reported last September that the city extended contracts with the hotel association for three years at a staggering price tag of $1.3 billion — nearly five times the original $275 million deal — just to pay rental fees to the vast network of hotels converted into emergency shelters.

Adams has moved to curb mushrooming migrant costs by setting 30- and 60-day shelter stay limits for individuals and families, respectively.

Nearly 200,000 migrants have arrived in the Big Apple since spring 2022, overwhelming the city’s shelter population and forcing DHS to rely on hotels and to set up massive tent cities in Floyd Bennett Field, Creedmoor Psychiatric Center and on the grounds of Kennedy Airport.

New York City is forking over an average of $387 per day to put up a single migrant household in taxpayer-funded shelters, recent data from City Hall shows.

City Hall claimed the costs to combat the migrant crisis could hit $10 billion through the next fiscal year.

The recently approved state budget provides the city $2.4 billion to help cover migrant costs while the federal government has provided little financial support.

Share this article:

Advertisement

More From Forbes

The black crowes impress as ‘happiness bastards’ tour rocks and rolls on.

• Share to Facebook
• Share to Twitter
• Share to Linkedin

The Black Crowes perform on stage in support of their ninth studio album 'Happiness Bastards,' now ... [+] available via Silver Arrow Records. Friday, April 19, 2024 at Byline Bank Aragon Ballroom in Chicago, IL

“Alright!” shouted a clearly excited Chris Robinson last week as the Black Crowes performed on stage in Chicago. “Friday night at the rock and roll show!”

Following last month’s release of their latest studio album Happiness Bastards , their ninth, the Crowes performed Friday night in Chicago at Aragon Ballroom about halfway through the U.S. leg of their current tour, a lengthy jaunt set to take them abroad next month ahead of fall and winter dates in support of Aerosmith’s rescheduled “Peace Out” North American farewell tour.

“When we saw we were coming back to the Aragon, we were very excited,” said Robinson late, noting the group’s first performance in the picturesque room in almost 25 years. “And we’re very excited to have Glyders opening for us. They’re from this town, check them out,” he continued, lauding the work of the Chicago-based, psychedelic garage rock trio (as a cardboard cutout of Chuck Berry looked on from the venue’s balcony).

Glyders perform on stage as the opening act for The Black Crowes. Friday, April 19, 2024 at the ... [+] Aragon Ballroom in Chicago, IL

Over the course of 35 minutes, Glyders offered up a rewarding, lo-fi opening set.

Microsoft Warns Windows Users Of Ongoing Russian Hack Attack

New apple id password reset issue hitting iphone ipad and macbook users, new ios 18 ai security move changes the game for all iphone users.

“Cheers, everyone!” said bassist Eliza Weber early. Singer/guitarist Joshua Condon and drummer Joe Seger would soon find a groove during standout tracks like “Geneva Strangemod” and “High Time,” both from their 2023 full-length debut Maria’s Hunt.

Since we were first introduced in 1990, the Crowes have tallied a pair of platinum albums and three gold records, with Happiness Bastards , the group’s first studio album of original material in nearly 15 years, a worthy addition to their unique brand of southern-fried rock and roll.

Chris Robinson (left), Rich Robinson (right) and Erik Deutsch (back) perform on stage with The Black ... [+] Crowes during their 'Happiness Bastards' tour. Friday, April 19, 2024 at Aragon Ballroom in Chicago, IL

“There’s a little town about 90 miles south of Atlanta called Macon, Georgia,” Robinson explained Friday night in Chicago, spotlighting the group’s roots. “Little Richard is from Macon. And the Allman Brothers Band,” he began, just one day removed from the death of co-founding Allman Brothers guitarist Dickey Betts. “But there’s another: the greatest soul singer of all time, Otis Redding,” he continued. “Well, we jumped on that song and it goes like this,” said Robinson, setting up a late take on one of the biggest Black Crowes hits in Redding’s “Hard to Handle.”

While recent tours celebrated their Shake Your Money Maker record, this one makes the case for the new project, with the Black Crowes performing six songs from it over the course of about 95 minutes on stage Friday in Chicago.

As they do on the album too, “Bedside Manners” and “Rats and Clowns,” two of Happiness Bastards ’ more rollicking moments, kicked things off Friday night.

Nico Bereciartua (Left) and Sven Pipien (right) perform on stage with The Black Crowes during the ... [+] 'Happiness Bastards' tour. Friday, April 19, 2024 at Aragon Ballroom in Chicago, IL

Performing as an 8 piece group, drummer Cully Symington and keyboard player Erik Deutsch were set beside backing vocalists Mackenzie Adams and Lesley Grant atop a unique two-tiered stage built to resemble stacks upon stacks of vintage amplifiers and audio equipment.

Frontman Chris Robinson, who performed in front of a large mirror, was joined on stage by guitarists Rich Robinson and Nico Bereciartua as well as longtime bassist Sven Pipien. Festive lighting strung over, along and behind the stage flanked the group who performed under a massive “Happiness Bastards” banner hanging from the lighting rig over the stage.

“Good to see you all. Welcome to the ‘Happiness Bastards!’” said Chris early in Friday’s set. “We’ve got some new songs and we got some old ones - like this!” he said, shuffling left before pointing right at Rich on the slide guitar, ultimately bunnyhopping in reverse back to center stage as “Twice As Hard” rang out early in Chicago.

Sven Pipien (Left) and Chris Robinson (right) perform on stage with The Black Crowes during their ... [+] 'Happiness Bastards' tour. Friday, April 19, 2024 at Aragon Ballroom in Chicago, IL

Robinson was in fine form Friday, a rejuvenated frontman shimmying about while delivering a still impressive lead vocal, with the new music cementing a once unthinkable rebirth for the Black Crowes, who’ve continually staked their claim as one of America’s best rock acts since reforming in 2019.

From 1996’s Three Snakes and One Charm , “Nebakanezer” was an early highlight in Chicago. The gnarly dual guitar riffwork of “Horsehead,” from 1999’s By Your Side followed, providing one of Friday’s more rewarding one-two punches.

Rich Robinson of The Black Crowes performs on stage during the 'Happiness Bastards' tour. Friday, ... [+] April 19, 2024 at Aragon Ballroom in Chicago, IL

While “Oh Josephine” slowed things down momentarily, “Thorn in my Pride” found the group beginning to roll, with Chris on harmonica as the Crowes delivered an all hands, Stones-like jam to close the cut.

“Everyone say hello to Rich Robinson,” said Chris, gesturing toward his younger brother. With a wave of his right hand, Rich greeted the rapturuous Chicago crowd, soon strumming in the familiar opening licks to “She talks to Angels” on acoustic guitar.

Chris Robinson (left) and Rich Robinson (right) of The Black Crowes perform on stage during the ... [+] 'Happiness Bastards' tour. Friday, April 19, 2024 at Aragon Ballroom in Chicago, IL

From the new record, “Flesh Wound” followed, quickly proving to be a late high spot. The saccharine-drenched affair was a blast in the live setting, conjuring up the power pop stylings of Cheap Trick as the Black Crowes soared forward in fun fashion.

The brothers Robinson leaned in close, singing into the same mic during “Jealous Again” before closing with “Remedy,” with Chris back on harp as the new “Kindred Friend” wrapped things up in the Windy City.

“What is a band, other than something you dream up?” asked Chris rhetorically on stage in Chicago. “This band started in our mom and dad’s house in the 80s,” he continued, noting the pair’s humble roots. “And that dream will continue on.”

• Editorial Standards
• Reprints & Permissions