If you’re a photographer, odds are high that you need to find some free indoor photoshoot locations in NYC. It’s not hard, as there are loads of places that look great on camera and can be used for shoots, from steel foundries to public museums. The only problem is that most of the best ones are hidden gems nobody knows about or has access to. That’s why you can reference this list of some of the free indoor shooting locations NYC has to offer you for your next great photoshoot.
Why Are These Spots Neglected?
Libraries are great and they are the most popular free indoor photoshoot locations NYC has, but they aren’t the only option. You can find other options if you look hard enough. For example, many schools have rooms that they’ll let you use for free as long as you clean up after yourself and put everything back where it was before. Also, big box stores like Target often have sitting areas with couches and tables where people take pictures all day long, and sometimes even at night.
But there are still many indoor shooting spots around NYC that are neglected, or overlooked. The problem is that they’re not always easy to find and they don’t have the same appeal as places like libraries, which have a lot of foot traffic every day. You will probably need to invest some significant time and energy into finding the perfect location for your next photoshoot, but don’t get discouraged, as there are several free indoor photoshoot locations NYC has to offer you.
If none of these things work out for you and you still want to shoot indoors, check with your local community center or library; chances are good that one of them has room rentals available for a reasonable price. You can also speak to a concrete removal company about doing a photo shoot at a job site when it is not being used. This kind of setting is perfect if you are looking for a more industrial feel for your photos. If that doesn’t work, you could try a composite metal decking company instead.
The Top Sites for Free Indoor Photoshoot Locations in NYC
There are many excellent free spots to take some stellar photos around the city. For example, libraries are great places to shoot. They’re well-lit and tend to be quiet, making them an ideal spot for a photoshoot. Most libraries have plenty of seating and tables available as well as couches, so you’ll be able to find somewhere comfortable to sit down while you wait for other people to show up. Also, if you’re shooting during the day when the library is open but doesn’t have any events going on, no one will likely bother you or ask what you’re doing there.
On top of libraries, be sure to also consider some of these top spots for your next photoshoot session:
- Museums
- Schools (high school, college, etc.)
- Hospitals
- Libraries
- Construction Sites
As an added tip, if you’re looking for a place that has more than one floor, be sure to check out the basement as well. It’s often easier to get permission for a shoot in a basement than it is for an entire building. You can even think outside of the box with this approach and ask solar companies if you can use their facilities and lighting when they’re open. A septic company is another option you could try.
Offbeat Indoor Spots for Photoshoots
Offbeat locations are great for photoshoots but finding the right one can be tricky. Here’s a look at some of the best offbeat indoor locations in New York City that you can use for your next photoshoot:
- The Brooklyn Conservatory of Music – This school has an impressive collection of instruments and interesting decorations. You’ll also find an old piano on the third floor, which makes it a unique choice for any type of shoot. Be sure to look at some photos of the interior so you can choose an outfit that compliments the beautiful setting. Making the most of this location shouldn’t be too difficult, as it’s one of the best free indoor photoshoot locations NYC has to offer.
- The Tenement Museum – At this museum, there’s plenty to see, from historical architecture to artifacts from immigrants who once lived there (and even their original furniture!). It also offers tours where visitors learn about how people lived during different periods throughout history.
- The Old Stone House – Another historical building located in Brooklyn is The Old Stone House, which features several rooms filled with antiques as well as period objects from various eras throughout history. It’s perfect for any creative project because each room has its own distinct feel depending on what time period they used back then too. You may need to ask for permission before taking photos in this location, so be sure to plan ahead so you can avoid roadblocks when it’s time to take some photos.
- The Brooklyn Botanic Garden – The Brooklyn Botanic Garden is a huge green space with several outdoor and indoor gardens filled with beautiful plants and flowers. It’s the perfect location for anyone looking to add some greenery to their project! There are also several indoor spaces visitors can use as well, from conservatories to the library.
These spots are just a taste of some of the many free indoor photoshoot locations NYC has to offer photographers and models. Experiment and look around and you’re certain to find even more locations that get your creative spark going. Speaking to a roofing service and asking about some of their experience with buildings around the city may give you some more ideas on where to host your next photoshoot.
What If You’re Out of Town When You Need a Shooting Location?
If you’re out of town and need a photo shoot location, there are a few ways to find some. While you may have to change your methods depending on your time restriction and other factors, you can typically plan ahead to avoid common obstacles. Here are some common methods for finding the ideal photoshoot location in NYC when you’re out of town:
- Use a travel site to find a hotel with meeting spaces. This can help you understand your photo settings before you dive in.
- Check with local libraries, art museums, and bookstores about the meeting rooms they offer. Many of these places will let you use their space for free or at minimal cost if you’re working on something artsy like photography or filmmaking (and even if you’re not).
- Get yourself a library card if you plan on staying in the city for more than just one day. Libraries are usually open all week long and have lots of quiet corners where you can go unnoticed while shooting your images. You may even want to call ahead to see what kind of spaces your library has to offer for a photoshoot.
- If you’re looking for a public space, check out your city’s website. There are often maps of parks and other public areas where you can shoot without having to pay an entrance fee or get anyone’s permission. If all else fails, try taking photos around your own home. You might be surprised by how many beautiful places there are just outside your front door.
Applying these methods and widening your search terms will give you the best chances of success when you are looking for the ideal photo shoot location around the city. Also, don’t be scared to ask people who work in industries you may have never considered before. Oftentimes, these are the best types of locations as professionals like a deck builder or someone who offers a contractor service may have plenty of available space for a photo shoot. A residential painting service may also be able to provide you with a space.
Consider Work Settings and Job Sites
Everyone taking a photo in NYC is likely looking for some way to stand out and be unique. If you are simply going after all the same locations as everyone else, then you can expect your photos to be roughly the same. To combat this effect, you may need to start thinking about alternative places to take your photos so you can set them apart from all the rest.
As part of this effort, it’s a great idea to begin exploring workplaces and job sites as a potential haven for your photography. NYC is rife with corporate office space, job sites, and other empty indoor spaces that offer unique lighting and backdrops for some truly memorable photographs. While it may make you uncomfortable to speak to a building manager or a door contractor about using their space for your next photoshoot, doing so may just give you the edge you need to differentiate your pictures.
Start small and ask around to see if any of your friends, family members, or colleagues know of locations around the city that you may be able to use. From here you can expand your search by using local Facebook groups, craigslist, and other online discussion boards. By applying these strategies and leading with your best foot forward, you are certain to unveil some hidden spots that provide the perfect setting to help your photos stand out as fresh and original among a sea of copycats.
No Matter Where You Live, Visit Your Local Library
If you’re looking for a free space to rent, libraries are one of the best options. You can find them in big cities like New York and Los Angeles, but also in smaller towns. There are plenty of excellent benefits to visiting your local library. The first one is the fact that it’s free.
In addition to this, you can also get a permit to use the space. When you’re looking at the free indoor photoshoot locations in NYC, you should definitely research some of your favorite libraries and see what kinds of potential photo spots they have for you. If the location is under construction and working with smog testing companies, then you may have to adapt and choose a different library.
Remember that at most libraries, when you rent out a room, you can use the space for as long as you want. Using more public areas in a library may restrict your time, so be sure to ask questions upfront so you know what kind of timeframe to expect for your photoshoot. Libraries are great for small groups and individuals alike.
NYC Loves Libraries, So Look Around for The Ideal Location
If you’re looking for a quiet, spacious location with great props and backdrops (and don’t mind the occasional bookworm), libraries are an ideal free indoor photoshoot location. It’s easy to find them in your local area, too. The NYC Public Library system alone has over 100 locations across all five boroughs. Some of these will have more than just books, they’ll have plenty of chairs and sofas for your models to pose on as well.
The best part about shooting at a library is that it’s not always going to feel like a library; you can use the space however you want it to look. If you need it to be a cafe or bar, simply add some tables and chairs! If you want something more industrial-looking…no problem! Libraries come in all shapes and sizes, so making them look exactly how they fit into your final design should be an easy task.
Hopefully, this guide helps you find the best free indoor photoshoot locations in NYC. No matter where you live, there are plenty of local libraries and other spots that will work for your needs. Don’t be afraid to ask if there is anything else going on when visiting these sites, because sometimes it could be just what you’re looking for for your free indoor photoshoot locations in NYC.