New York, New York; the Big Apple; the City that Never Sleeps — whatever you call it, this city has inspired creatives for centuries. With its incredible skyline, variety of urban scenes, and thriving and diverse neighborhoods, NYC is, naturally, home to a multitude of talented photographers.
These seven Instagrammers have taken full advantage of the city they call home and have dedicated their Instagram feeds to the thriving metropolis. Get to know a bit more about these popular photographers here.
Paola Franqui
Photographing NYC since: 2011
Three favorite spots around the city: Chinatown, the West Village, and Soho
“I love the surprises each of these neighborhoods has in store for me when I go on my frequent walks. My eyes are constantly searching, anticipating. It’s both a mental and physical exercise.”
What she loves about photographing the Big Apple:
“New York is a place of endless stories and discoveries. I always find a variety of photographic opportunities, from cityscapes to street portraits. The energy, people, smells, and chaos make this city one of the most dynamic places in the world — it’s where I feel the most alive. So when people see my work, I want them to feel a gateway to an unfamiliar side of the city. They’ll see the same streets and alleys, but through a different viewpoint.”
See more of Paola’s work (@monaris_)
Raheim Simon
Photographing NYC since: 2012
Three favorite spots around the city: Lower East Side of Manhattan, Bed Stuy/ Williamsburg neighborhoods in Brooklyn, and the Grand Concourse in the Bronx.
What he loves about photographing the Big Apple:
“I love capturing the mood of my city: That can range from candid portraits of kids buying ice cream to a city block with beautiful graffiti in a torrential downpour. It’s all exciting to me and I appreciate each experience like it’s my first time taking pictures.”
See more of Raheim’s work (@black_soap)
Davina Tan
Photographing NYC since: 2016
Three favorite spots around the city:
Tictail, Bakeri (both the Greenpoint and Williamsburg locations), and Sel Rrose
What she loves about photographing the Big Apple:
“NYC is so different from where I’m originally from — Malaysia. There’s so much rustic charm and vintage beauty in New York, especially in places like Brooklyn and downtown Manhattan. That atmosphere is what I love capturing and sharing in my photos.”
See more of Davina’s work (@heydavina)
Jeff Silberman
Photographing NYC since: 2014
Three favorite spots around the city:
The Top of the Rock, Central Park (Bow Bridge, the Mall, and Gapstow Bridge), and the Flatiron Building
What he loves about photographing the Big Apple:
“Some of the reasons I love photographing New York are quite prosaic: it’s an excuse to be outside and it’s an activity I can share with others, either in the moment or later on. On a deeper level, on some days, I feel like I commune with the city, in a way. After walking a dozen miles in a snowstorm through Manhattan, or riding the train to photograph the christmas tree at an empty Rockefeller Center before dawn, I feel like I’m on special terms with the city — that we share a secret, about its beauty, amid all the tourists and firetrucks and traffic. That’s why I love photographing New York.”
See more of Jeff’s work (@jssilberman)
Natalie Amrossi
Photographing NYC since: 2012
Three favorite spots around the city:
Dumbo, the top of Rockefeller Center, and midtown Manhattan
What she loves about photographing the Big Apple:
“There are so many reasons I love photographing New York City, but if I had to choose one, it would be that you never know what to expect. That element of surprise definitely keeps me excited to shoot every day.”
See more of Natalie’s work (@misshattan)
Gigi A
Photographing NYC since: 2012
Three favorite spots around the city: Central Park, Brooklyn Bridge Park Roosevelt Island
What she loves about photographing the Big Apple:
“New York City is such a beautiful and photographic city; I’m so lucky to call this place home. Taking pictures of this place has encouraged me to learn more about the structures I’m photographing, especially the ones with cultural and historical significance. I also love watching the changing of the seasons with the city as backdrop — it’s nice to see nature’s different colors complement man’s work.”
See more of Gigi’s work (@gigi.nyc)
Patrick Kolts
Photographing NYC since: 2007
Three favorite spots around the city:
The subway system, the Manhattan Bridge, and the Oculus.
What he loves about photographing the Big Apple:
“There is always a story to tell. I love how, with so many people around, I can constantly capture brief moments of others lives, which allows me to tell small stories or add to the ongoing story of New York City with every image.”
See more of Patrick’s work (@patrickkolts)
Headed to the City That Never Sleeps? Check out our guide to NYC!
