Ten Inspiring Locations for Yoga Photography in NYC.
Most of the world has seen New York City in movies. It’s an iconic place to take photographs.
Hidden amidst the skyscrapers and busy streets are the world-famous parks and other pockets of serenity, perfect for capturing the beauty of yoga through photography.
Having lived and photographed yoga in NYC for 8 years, I got to know some of the best places to photograph yoga in NYC. Spots where the harmony of nature and the slick backdrops of urban landscapes merge to create breathtaking locations for yoga photography. If you know of some I have forgotten, let me know if the comments below!
New York City Yoga Photography Tips:
Make Mini Yoga Mats. Let’s just say NYC is not always the cleanest of places. if you have an old yoga mat you can cut little squares or other shapes to place under your hands, feet, head and other body parts. That way you don’t have to have a visible mat in your photos, but can still keep your body and outfits clean when you are practicing asana on icky surfaces.
Watch Out for Vehicles! Whether walking, biking, or taking yoga photos in the streets, remember New York City has a little of everything. There are distracted drivers and anxious people who are in a hurry. There are delivery people on various motorcycles and scooters trying to make a living by moving quickly. There is whatever the latest space age hoverboard is when you read this, with an adrenaline junky on board. On the other hand, there are lots of bike lanes and most people listen to the lights and crosswalk signs. Just stay aware of your surroundings.
My Favorite Photo Locations in Manhattan
Yoga in Times Square
With all the tourism isn’t always easy, but on summer solstice the city closes the streets for Solstice in Times Square, featuring free yoga classes and lots of yoga photography opportunities! But I have gotten fun shots there even when the streets are open, you just have to be more creative and expect some funny looks from tourists (the native New Yorkers aren’t shocked by much.)
2. Central Park
Central Park is a giant oasis in the heart of Upper Manhattan, and offers lots of opportunities for capturing yoga amidst trees and plants and rocks. There are cool architectural backdrops, from the iconic Bethesda Terrace with its grand staircase and stunning lake views to the picturesque Sheep Meadow with its expansive green fields with the NYC skyline in the background. Central Park provides a variety of settings that make for gorgeous yoga photographs.
3. Battery Park
Battery Park, located at the southern tip of Manhattan, offers a captivating backdrop for yoga photography that seamlessly merges the cityscape with the serenity of the waterfront.
There are stunning views of the Statue of Liberty (although it will be tiny in the background of your photos), Ellis Island, and a vast expanse of the Hudson River.
The park features wide-open spaces, meticulously maintained gardens, and cute pathways that highlight the grace and strength of yoga poses. The juxtaposition of the urban skyline with the natural elements creates a visually striking contrast that adds depth and character to your images.
Photo: Cholthicha Srivisal of Breathe Pilates in Singapore doing a forearm stand split with New Jersey skyline.
4. The Flatiron Building
The Flatiron Building, with its iconic triangular shape and architectural splendor, offers a mesmerizing backdrop for yoga photography in the heart of New York City. Standing tall at the intersection of Fifth Avenue and Broadway, this historic landmark commands attention and admiration.
Posing against the backdrop of this architectural marvel, the elegant lines and majestic presence of the Flatiron Building create a sense of strength and balance. The interplay of light and shadows, coupled with the bustling energy of the city, adds an element of dynamism to your yoga photography, capturing the essence of movement and balance.
Photo: Heeki Park doing Eka Pada Hastasana with the Flat Iron Building in the background.
5. Brooklyn Bridge
Nestled along the East River, Brooklyn Bridge Park boasts breathtaking views of the iconic Brooklyn Bridge and the Manhattan skyline. The park's sprawling lawns, waterfront promenades, and scenic piers provide a diverse range of settings for your yoga photography, allowing you to find the perfect spot to strike a pose.
On the other side of the river, you can get another cool view of the Brooklyn Bridge from the Seaport neighborhood.
Photo: Sean Langhaus from Warrior Bridge doing a one-armed handstand with the Brooklyn Bridge in the background, from the Seaport neighborhood.
My Favorite Photo Locations in Brooklyn
6. Brooklyn Botanical Gardens
Escape the city's hustle and bustle by venturing into the enchanting botanical gardens scattered throughout NYC. I took this photo of my favorite Sanskrit teacher Manorama was at the Brooklyn Botanic Garden. There is also the New York Botanical Garden, and Queens Botanical Garden. All locations offer lush greenery, blooming flowers, and serene landscapes that serve as idyllic settings for your yoga photography.
Photo: Sanskrit teacher Manorama at the Brooklyn Botanic Garden.
7. Prospect Park in Brooklyn
I lived in Brooklyn for eight years, and I have probably taken more yoga photos in Prospect Park than anywhere else. It is a verdant oasis nestled in the heart of Brooklyn, designed by Frederick Law Olmsted and Calvert Vaux, the same team who designed Central Park.
The park features lush green lawns surrounded by towering trees and a lake that is the home of frogs, ducks and swans. The park has diverse landscapes, from rolling meadows to hidden groves.
Long Meadow, with its expansive grassy fields, is great for practicing yoga to get warmed up.
Photo: Julia Abramova doing Wild Thing variation in the Grecian Shelter at Prospect Park.
8. Coney Island
Coney Island, with its vibrant and nostalgic atmosphere, presents a unique and captivating backdrop for yoga photography. This iconic location in Brooklyn offers a dynamic blend of seaside charm, vintage amusement parks, and lively boardwalk scenes.
The colorful rides, bustling crowds, and historic architecture provide a playful and energetic contrast to the calm and centered practice of yoga.
Whether capturing a warrior pose against the vibrant murals or finding balance on the sandy shores, Coney Island offers endless possibilities for creating captivating and memorable yoga photographs.
You can see the Coney Island Ferris Wheel in the background of this picture of Siewli Stark practicing parivrtta Parsvakonasana.
Cool Backdrops in Manhattan and Brooklyn!
9. Murals and Street Art in Brooklyn and Manhattan
New York City is renowned for its vibrant street art scene and creative spirit, and provides a captivating canvas for blending the practice of yoga with the colorful world of murals and street art.
I have spent lots of times taking photos with the murals in Williamsburg, which probably has the most options, but there are great murals and street art throughout Brooklyn and in lower Manhattan, too!. The vibrant colors, intricate details, and thought-provoking imagery create a visually stimulating backdrop for capturing the beauty and power of yoga through photography.
10. NYC Streets
NYC parks are beautiful spots for yoga photos, but the streets are just as fun. Bring a piece of fabric and you are ready for the cover of Vogue!
NYC is a city with a distinctive vibe, and you can get great shots almost anywhere. But you can find some great little public gardens and small parks all over Manhattan and Brooklyn.
While you are on your way to the iconic spots on this list, keep your eyes open and be mindful of all the visually interesting surroundings. And have fun!
Photo of visiting Jivamukti Yoga teachers Carol Issa (Paris) and Juliette Allard (Barcelona).
New York City may be known for its fast-paced lifestyle, but there are some chill places that are ideal for photographing yoga surrounded by trees and nature. There are also gritty urban locations that can contrast the soft aspects of a yoga practice, or emphasize the strong ones. From beautifully sculpted Central Park to the street art of Williamsburg, the city offers a variety of sweet locations to practice asana and to create cool videos, too!
Ready for a Professional Yoga Photo Shoot in NYC?
I return to NYC several times a year to work with old clients and meet new ones. If you want to build your yoga portfolio, promote your classes or studio, or just document your journey in yoga, hit me up!
