Capture the city's energy with a picture of one of Manhattan's busiest transportation hubs. With gorgeous architecture, bustling crowds of people and floods of natural, bright light, this spot is filled with liveliness.
Plan
Overview
Skill level
Easy
Accessbility
Public Location
Hours
Mon-Sun 5:30AM-2AM
Fee
Free
Pack
Wide-angle lens (16mm)
How to get there
N40° 45' 10.4425"W73° 58' 36.9664"
This shot was taken from the Apple Store balcony looking down onto the south end of Grand Central Station. Located at 42nd Street and Park Avenue in Midtown, enter into Grand Station Terminal via the street or train and make your way into the main ticketing hall.
By Subway:
- Closest Station: Grand Central Station (4, 5, 6, 7 Trains)
Tips
When to go
Best season
All months
Best time
Morning, Mid-day, Late afternoon
The terminal is completely indoors, so you can visit anytime.
In the morning, the sunrise will come through and the lighting can be too harsh. Once the sun is above the horizon there won't be as many shadows, so go midday for the best lighting.
Field tips
Using a wide-angle lens (16mm) will help to capture the frenetic energy in the room. It's a large space so you want to get everything in frame.
You need a permit to use a tripod at this location, so I just used the balcony ledge of the Apple store. You can set the camera on the railing and it will have the same effect as a tripod would.
To capture the movement of the commuters, utilize a shutter drag. This technique uses a slower shutter speed to capture motion of moving subjects in your shot.
Current weather
New York, NY
Rain, Overcast
39o
F
Fri
43o
37o
Sat
50o
40o
Sun
53o
45o
Mon
55o
41o
Tue
56o
46o
Blue Hour
11:22
39o
Rain, Partially cloudy
Sunrise
11:52
39o
Rain, Partially cloudy
Golden Hour
20:52
39o
Rain, Overcast
Sunset
21:34
39o
Rain, Overcast
Do nearby
Grand Central Station has so much more to offer than just transportation. Visit the shops or grab a bite to eat while you're there. The food hall has some really great restaurant options!