New York City — 7 Nights / 8 Days

1‑Week Photography Workshop

A creative partnership between Simon Waldram Photography and Mike McMahon of SkyHighPhotography.

Small‑group, hands‑on training in one of the world’s most iconic cities.

Introduction

New York is a city built for photography. Towering skylines, glowing streets, dramatic viewpoints and a constant sense of movement create an environment where every corner offers a new composition. This workshop is the result of multiple dedicated research trips, during which Simon Waldram and Mike McMahon have explored the city extensively, tested compositions, studied light and refined the most rewarding locations.

Across seven days, you will photograph sunrise over the East River, sunset from the city’s highest viewpoints and the atmosphere of New York after dark. A major focus of this workshop is night photography, including long‑exposure cityscapes, motion, reflections and the unique character of the city at night.

Travel from the UK

Direct flights to New York are available from six major UK airports:

London Heathrow. London Gatwick. Manchester Airport. Edinburgh Airport. Glasgow Airport. Birmingham Airport.

This makes the workshop accessible from most regions of the UK, with frequent daily departures.

Arrival Requirements

To ensure all participants are ready for the first evening session, flights must arrive in New York early enough for you to travel to your hotel, check in and be prepared to leave for the first shoot by 8pm on Day 1. This is essential, as the workshop begins with a Nightscape session in the city.

Key Locations

This workshop covers a curated selection of New York’s most iconic photographic locations, including:

Radio City Music Hall. Empire State Building. Top of the Rock. The Edge. Central Park. Brooklyn Bridge. Brooklyn and DUMBO. Chinatown. Times Square. Grand Central Terminal. Hudson Yards. 5th Avenue. Flatiron District. Lower Manhattan.

Sunrise sessions focus on Brooklyn Bridge, the East River and skyline vantage points. Sunset and night sessions include Top of the Rock, The Edge, Times Square, Midtown architecture and waterfront compositions.

Daily Schedule

Mornings: Sunrise shoot at a key location. Late mornings: Guided walk‑throughs, composition work, street photography or architectural sessions. Afternoons: Free time for rest or independent exploration. Evenings: Sunset, blue hour and night‑shooting sessions, including long‑exposure work.

This structure ensures you experience the best light each day while still having time to enjoy the city.

Teaching Approach

This workshop is built around small‑group learning, allowing for maximum individual support. Instruction is practical, clear and delivered in the field. Topics include:

Composition and timing. Working with changing light. Long‑exposure techniques. Street and architectural photography. Building confidence in fast‑moving urban environments.

Suitable for all levels, from confident beginners to experienced photographers.

What You Will Gain

A varied portfolio of New York imagery. Experience shooting long‑exposure cityscapes and night scenes. Confidence working in a busy urban environment. A deeper understanding of light, timing and composition. Practical skills you can apply to future travel and city photography.

Who This Workshop Is For

Photographers who want to experience New York with a structured photographic focus. Those looking to improve cityscape, street and architectural photography. Anyone wanting to develop long‑exposure and night‑shooting skills. Travellers who prefer hands‑on learning in real locations, not classrooms. Creators who want to build a portfolio that captures the true character of the city.

Accommodation

Recommended hotels close to key locations and subway access:

Aliz Hotel Times Square. Hilton Times Square.

Participants are free to choose their preferred accommodation.

Note on Tourist Tax: New York hotels charge a nightly occupancy tax, along with state and city taxes. These vary by hotel and room type and are payable directly to the hotel at check‑in or check‑out.

What’s Included

Unlimited subway pass for the full week. Entry to the Empire State Building. Entry to Top of the Rock. Entry to The Edge. All guided sunrise, sunset and night‑shooting sessions. Hands‑on instruction throughout the workshop.

What’s Not Included

Flights to and from New York. Hotel accommodation. Meals, drinks and personal expenses. Travel insurance. Additional attractions or activities outside the workshop plan. Taxi, Uber or other transport not covered by the subway pass. Optional upgrades at viewing platforms. Camera equipment, accessories or rentals.

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Sky High Photography uk