Equipment Used:
Camera: Canon EOS R5
Lens: Canon RF15-35 f2.8
Team:
Photographer: Sal Cincotta
Model: Brandon & Amber
A Behind the Scenes Look at a New York City Destination Photoshoot
There is something undeniably electric about a destination photoshoot in a city like New York. The towering architecture, the constant movement, and the sheer scale of the streets provide a backdrop that you simply cannot replicate in a studio. However, taking your work on the road means dealing with “bogeys” (pedestrians) and unpredictable elements, making it the ultimate test of a photographer’s adaptability.
In this behind the scenes look, we are breaking down how to manage a couple’s session in the heart of the city while maintaining a high level of creativity and professional polish.
The Art of Posing for Destination Portraits
When you are on a destination photoshoot, the location is a character in itself, but the focus must remain on the subjects. Posing a couple in a busy urban environment requires a balance of structure and fluidity. One of the best ways to create a dynamic look is to focus on “lines”. For example, having a subject extend their leg rather than just lifting it creates a sense of elegance and length that translates beautifully on camera.
Small adjustments make a massive difference in the final frame. Subtle movements, like pushing the chin out and down or “turtling” the neck, help define the jawline and prevent unflattering shadows. These techniques might feel awkward for the models in the moment, but they ensure that the resulting images look effortless and sophisticated.
Creating Natural Motion in an Urban Setting
A key element of any successful behind the scenes process is capturing authentic movement. Stiff, static poses can feel out of place in a city that never stops moving. We often ask our subjects to walk together to create a sense of life in the photos.
Interestingly, people often struggle to “walk normally” once a camera is pointed at them. To fix this, encourage your subjects to maintain a natural pace and focus on each other rather than the lens. Incorporating elements of the wardrobe, such as a flowy dress, can also add a layer of production value. By having the subject pull or adjust the fabric, you create secondary motion that catches the light and adds a sense of high-fashion flair to the session.
Managing Environment: Dealing with "Bogeys"
One of the most challenging parts of a high-profile destination photoshoot is the environment itself. In New York, you are constantly battling crowds. The phrase “hang tight, I got a bogey” is a staple of the behind the scenes experience in any major city.
Patience is your best tool here. Sometimes you have to wait for the perfect gap in traffic or pedestrians to get that clean, iconic shot. While waiting, use the time to refine the details. Check the placement of a hand on a lapel or ensure the jacket is buttoned correctly. These small “dapper” details elevate a standard portrait into something truly professional.
Why Interaction Matters
At the end of the day, a destination photoshoot is about telling a story. Whether it is a soft kiss, a shared laugh, or a serious, editorial look, the connection between the subjects is what sells the image. By alternating between having the couple look at the camera and look at each other, you provide a diverse gallery of images that feel both intimate and grand.
New York City offers a playground for photographers, but the principles of posing, movement, and patience remain the same no matter where you travel. Take these behind the scenes tips with you on your next trip to ensure your portraits are as legendary as the locations themselves.
