2027 New York City Street & Architecture
2027 New York City Street & Architecture
5 Days
Nov 1-5, 2027: Limited: 1 left
Limited to 4 participants
Experience New York City through architecture, street life, skyline views, and the magic of changing light.

Quick Facts

Skill Level i

Intermediate, Advanced

Fitness Level i

Moderate

Terrain

Flat Walkways, Walking Long Distances

Location

New York City

Tuition

$1,650

The Experience

New York City Architecture, Skyline, and Street Photography Workshop is a small-group urban photography experience built around seeing New York with more intention. Rather than rushing from landmark to landmark, we will slow down and study how the city changes with light, weather, movement, reflections, architecture, and human activity. New York gives us an incredible range of photographic possibilities, from quiet morning moments on the bridges to the glow of the skyline after dark, and this workshop is designed to help you recognize and capture those moments with greater purpose. Limited to four participants, this workshop combines field instruction, creative exploration, and practical problem-solving in one of the most visually layered cities in the world. We will work on building stronger compositions, choosing the right lens for the scene, using tripods and filters when appropriate, and making better decisions in fast-changing urban environments. The goal is not simply to visit iconic locations, but to help you come away with stronger images and a deeper understanding of how to photograph the energy, architecture, and emotion of a major city.
2027 New York City Street & Architecture

What You Will Learn

In the Field

  • Stronger urban compositions
  • Architecture with intention
  • Skyline and blue-hour technique
  • Long exposure cityscapes
  • Intentional camera movement
  • Adapting to changing conditions

Beyond the Capture

  • Pre-workshop planning and preparation
  • Image review and critique
  • Editing techniques
  • Image selection
  • Gear and kit planning
  • Location / timing / conditions planning
  • Visual storytelling

Through The Lens

Planning Your Trip

Nearest Airport

John F. Kennedy Intl Airport / LaGuardia (JFK or LGA)

Lodging Suggestions

Recommended lodging area: Midtown Manhattan, especially near Times Square, Bryant Park, Penn Station, or Grand Central subway access. Hampton Inn Manhattan / Times Square Central, Hilton Garden Inn New York Times Square, South Motto by Hilton New York City Times Square, Moxy NYC Times Square, Hilton Garden Inn Central Park South / Midtown West, Hotel Edison Times Square

Transportation

We'll be using primarily the NYC Metro for transportation with an occasional Uber/Taxi

What's Included:

  • Pre-workshop preparation Zoom session
  • Post-workshop image review / editing Zoom session
  • In-field photographic instruction and coaching
  • Access to the Benton Downs Alumni Community
  • Small-group coaching (max 4 participants)
  • Daily logistical planning & location guidance
  • Architecture, skyline, and street photography instruction
  • Long exposure, tripod, and blue-hour guidance
  • Admission to Vessel at Hudson Yards

What's Not Included:

  • Transportation or airfare to and from the workshop destination
  • Travel insurance
  • Medical, evacuation or emergency expenses
  • Personal expenses and incidentals
  • Photography equipment and personal gear
  • Meals, snacks, and beverages except those specifically identified as included

Itinerary

Arrival, Orientation, and First Evening Photography Session

Day 1

Arrival, Orientation, and First Evening Photography Session

Participants will meet no later than 3:00 p.m. at a location selected shortly before the workshop based on weather, light, and the best sunset opportunity. The meeting point may be indoors if conditions are poor, or near our first shooting location if the weather is favorable. We will begin with introductions, a review of workshop logistics, city safety, and initial tips for photographing New York’s architecture, street life, and skyline. From there, we will move into our first field session and work toward a sunset or blue-hour location without relying on rush-hour transit. After the evening shoot, we may gather for dinner nearby before ending early so everyone can rest for the next morning’s sunrise session.

Sunrise, City Exploration, and Evening Light

Days 2-4

Sunrise, City Exploration, and Evening Light

We will follow a flexible field-based rhythm built around the best available light, weather, and photographic opportunities. Most mornings will begin before dawn as we travel to a selected sunrise location to photograph first light, skyline views, bridges, waterfronts, or quieter city scenes before the city becomes busy. After the morning session, we will typically break for breakfast or return to the hotel for a short rest and gear reset before heading back out. Midday and afternoon sessions may include architecture, street photography, Central Park, interiors, neighborhoods, ferries, or other locations chosen for the day’s conditions. Each evening, we will position ourselves for the strongest sunset, blue-hour, or night photography opportunity available. Exact locations may shift based on weather, crowds, transit timing and safety.

Final Sunrise Session and Departure

Day 5

Final Sunrise Session and Departure

Our final morning will begin with one last sunrise photography session at a location selected for the best available light, weather, and logistics. After the shoot, we will return to the hotel area with plenty of time for breakfast, packing, checkout, and luggage storage if needed. The workshop officially ends at 10:00 a.m., allowing participants with later flights the option to continue exploring and photographing New York on their own before departure.

What Our Students Say...

You Walk Away Learning So Much!

I have attended several photography workshops, including with some National names – this one is a class apart. David and Barry bring their down to earth style to the workshop and you walk away learning so much – while actually taking pictures. This is a hands-on lesson – which makes it really interesting. I would absolutely do a workshop with them again.

Arun K

No Matter Your Skill Level, You Won’t Be Disappointed!

Sign up for a workshop! Through the one on one coaching of David and Barry, I came away with more confidence in my ability to get great landscape and astrophotos. No matter your skill level, you won’t be disappointed.

Rhonda H

Taking My Photos To Another Level!

This was a great workshop for me. I learned several things that definitely help take my photos to another level.

Marian K

One of the very best!

I’ve participated in a number of photographic workshops. This was one of the very best!

Michael Griffith

Instruction and Independence!

This was a terrific workshop whether you are a beginner or a more experienced photographer. If I needed help or had a question either David or Barry was right there. If I wanted to wander off and work on my own composition, I could do that. The perfect balance of instruction and independence.

Benton Downs meets and exceeds my expectations

My priorities for a workshop are always to see new places, especially at my age, learn something new, get feedback on my compositions in camera, get ideas for compositions or small scenes or creative ideas that I may not be seeing, meet new people, be in a small group, and offer all of that for an affordable investment. Benton Downs meets and exceeds my expectations by going above and beyond by adding in a zoom meeting before and after each workshop, by offering editing or critique advice during or after the workshop, and with their friendliness and caring about each participant. Anything else is a bonus. I would highly recommend BDW as one of the top workshop groups in the country. Thanks Barry and David!

Roberta K.

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Payment Details

Tuition: $1,650

Your tuition is due in full at the time of booking to reserve your spot.