New York City: Personal travel and vacation photographer

REVIEW · NEW YORK CITY

New York City: Personal travel and vacation photographer

  • 5.03 reviews
  • From $235
Book on GetYourGuide →

Operated by Marcio Honorato Photography · Bookable on GetYourGuide

Want photos that look effortless?

This 30-minute NYC photoshoot is built around getting you great angles fast, with a professional photographer guiding you to the best spots. You choose Manhattan or Brooklyn, and you’ll get iconic city backdrops like Times Square and Rockefeller Plaza.

I like the way Marcio Honorato Photography leans on real posing guidance. You’ll also walk away with 30–50 edited photos that are delivered within 48 hours, so you’re not waiting forever to relive the trip.

One consideration: transportation isn’t included, so you’ll need to get yourself to the meeting area and be ready for some walking. Flash photography isn’t allowed either, so plan on using natural light and listening closely to your photographer’s cues.

Key things you’ll notice right away

New York City: Personal travel and vacation photographer - Key things you’ll notice right away

  • A focused 30 minutes: quick, efficient, and designed for travel schedules
  • Marcio Honorato’s posing help: you’re not left to figure it out yourself
  • Iconic NYC photo backdrops: Times Square and Rockefeller Plaza are part of the plan
  • All edited photos included: 30–50 images, with no extra payment for more within that range
  • 48-hour delivery: you can share your NYC memories fast

A 30-minute NYC shoot is the smart way to get real photos

New York City: Personal travel and vacation photographer - A 30-minute NYC shoot is the smart way to get real photos
In New York, time disappears. That’s why I like formats that are short, clear, and goal-driven. This one is only 30 minutes, which keeps your trip from turning into a half-day photo project.

The experience is also designed around what makes travel photos fail. Most people stand somewhere pretty, guess at the pose, and end up with awkward angles. Here, your photographer takes control of the process—where you stand, how you turn, and how you frame yourselves—so you end with images that look like you planned it.

And because it’s a private group (up to 5 in each booked group), you can move at your pace. No waiting around for strangers to finish. No chasing someone who needs five minutes more.

You can also read our reviews of more city tours in New York City

Marcio Honorato Photography: posing skill meets calm guidance

New York City: Personal travel and vacation photographer - Marcio Honorato Photography: posing skill meets calm guidance
The big difference with a personal photographer is confidence. Marcio Honorato has 14 years of experience photographing people, and that background shows in how the session is described: he helps with poses and knows the best places in each location for photos.

In plain terms, you get someone who’s practiced at making regular tourists look comfortable in front of a camera. That matters in NYC, where the lights, signage, and busy streets can make people feel a little rushed. The session is kept tight, and the guidance is meant to help you look natural while still hitting the best angles.

From the reviews you can also pick up that communication is part of the value. One reviewer specifically highlighted that Marcio was empathetic, suggested places, and gave tips on tours, places, and restaurants around the city. That’s a nice bonus if you’re using the session as part of your trip planning, not just as a photo stop.

Times Square and Rockefeller Plaza: iconic shots, with professional direction

New York City: Personal travel and vacation photographer - Times Square and Rockefeller Plaza: iconic shots, with professional direction
The highlights spell it out: you’ll pose in front of Times Square and Rockefeller Plaza. These are the kind of landmarks that instantly read as New York, even years later when you’re scrolling your camera roll at 2 a.m.

What you should expect at these stops:

  • Your photographer will steer you toward angles that work with the surroundings.
  • You won’t just be standing still. You’ll be guided through poses and positioning.
  • The goal is photos that feel intentional, not like a hurried snapshot.

What makes these stops worth it

Times Square is famous for visual intensity. That means composition matters. If you’re standing wrong, the background can overwhelm you. If you turn the right way, you look sharp while the location still does its job.

Rockefeller Plaza (Rockefeller Center) gives you a different look—more structured and polished. Again, the photographer’s role is key: they’ll help you face the best direction for how the space frames you, and they’ll guide your stance so you don’t look stiff.

The main drawback to keep in mind

Even when a shoot is short, these places are visually busy. Flash photography is not allowed, and that can affect how people try to compensate with extra lighting from their camera. The fix is simple: follow your photographer’s direction and trust the setup. A pro knows how to work with available light without overdoing it.

Manhattan vs. Brooklyn: choose your vibe, then confirm your landmarks

The booking gives you a choice: Manhattan or Brooklyn. That’s helpful if you want your photos to lean into the classic Midtown feel or a more local, neighborhood energy.

Here’s the practical catch: the highlights also mention Times Square and Rockefeller Plaza, which are Manhattan landmarks. So if you choose Brooklyn, I’d treat this as a quick pre-shoot question for your photographer: confirm exactly which landmark moments are included in your route.

How to think about your choice:

  • If you want the most instantly recognizable NYC images, Manhattan tends to deliver that fast.
  • If you prefer Brooklyn’s feel, you may still get iconic city variety—but you should confirm the stops so expectations match what you actually want on your wall at home.

Either way, the session is guided. You’re not roaming randomly looking for good spots. The point is to let your photographer map the best options for your chosen area and your time limit.

The “what happens in 30 minutes” game plan

This is the schedule you’re really paying for: efficiency plus direction. You’ll meet your photographer, then head to the most iconic places for your selected area. The plan stays simple because the time box is tight.

A realistic flow usually looks like this:

  1. Meet and quick setup: you’ll get direction on what to expect, and you’ll start moving right away.
  2. Guided posing: the photographer helps you hold poses and adjust your stance for better angles.
  3. Landmark photo moments: you’ll be positioned for shots at Times Square and Rockefeller Plaza (as included in the session highlights).
  4. Finishing touches: you’ll likely get a few final variations so you have range in your edited set.

Because the session lasts only 30 minutes, you’ll get better results if you come prepared. If you’re still figuring out your shoes, hydration, and camera settings, that eats into the time you could spend getting better photos.

How the photos delivery works (and why it matters)

You’ll receive 30 to 50 edited photos, delivered within 48 hours after your photoshoot. That is a big deal for two reasons.

First, it’s fast enough to be useful while you’re still on your trip. You can show friends, post quickly, and update your memories while they’re fresh.

Second, it’s clear what you’re getting. The info notes there’s no need to pay for extra photos beyond the provided edited set. You receive all photos from the session—so you’re not stuck with the dreaded option of paying more just to get the better half of the gallery.

One more practical point: bring your own camera if you want extra photos. The session includes professional photos, but the option to take your own shots gives you flexibility for things like family members stepping in for selfies or extra portrait angles beyond the edited package.

What to bring to get the best results

New York City: Personal travel and vacation photographer - What to bring to get the best results
This shoot is short and outdoors, so your gear choices matter more than usual.

Bring:

  • Comfortable shoes (you’ll be walking between photo spots)
  • Your camera (for extra photos if you want them)
  • Water (staying hydrated helps you look relaxed on camera)

The most overlooked tip is shoes. If your feet hurt, your posture shows. And in a photo session with posing direction, relaxed body language is the difference between okay and great.

Also note: flash photography is not allowed. If you usually rely on flash for night shots, plan to follow the photographer’s technique instead.

Price and value: $235 for up to 5 people

New York City: Personal travel and vacation photographer - Price and value: $235 for up to 5 people
The price is $235 per group up to 5, for a 30-minute session. On the surface, it sounds straightforward—but the value comes from what’s included.

You’re not just buying “someone to take pictures.” You’re getting:

  • A professional photoshoot setup in NYC
  • 30 to 50 edited photos
  • 48-hour delivery
  • Posing help and guidance from a photographer with 14 years of experience
  • The photos are delivered within the included package range (no need to buy more edited photos beyond the provided set)

For families or small friend groups, this can work out well because the session cost is per group, not per person. If you’re traveling as a duo, it’s also a good way to avoid the awkward trade-off of one person holding the camera for the other.

If you’re traveling solo, it’s still a solid option if you care about photos that look like you hired someone—not like you asked a stranger.

Who this is best for

This session fits best when you want strong travel photos without turning your day into a production.

You’ll likely love it if you:

  • Want iconic NYC images fast (especially Times Square and Rockefeller Plaza)
  • Prefer guidance over guessing poses
  • Are traveling with a small group (up to 5)
  • Care about quick results, with delivery in 48 hours
  • Want edited photos delivered as part of the package

It may be less ideal if you:

  • Hate walking and standing outdoors for short bursts
  • Need lighting tricks like flash (flash is not allowed)
  • Have strict timing with limited flexibility for moving between landmarks

Should you book this NYC photo session?

I’d book it if you want a practical, guided photoshoot that respects your vacation time. The combination of posing help, 30–50 edited photos, and 48-hour delivery is exactly what you want when you’re visiting NYC and you don’t want to wait weeks to see results.

Before booking, do two quick checks:

  • If you’re choosing Brooklyn, confirm how Times Square and Rockefeller Plaza moments are handled in your actual route.
  • The accessibility info is a bit mixed, so if mobility is a concern, double-check suitability with the provider before you commit.

If you want photos that look planned, not accidental, this is the kind of NYC experience that makes your trip feel complete.

FAQ

How long is the NYC photoshoot?

The session lasts 30 minutes.

How many photos will I receive?

You’ll receive 30 to 50 edited photos.

When do I get the edited photos?

The photos are delivered within 48 hours after the photoshoot.

Can I choose between Manhattan and Brooklyn?

Yes. You can choose Manhattan or Brooklyn and your photographer will guide you to the best spots.

Is flash photography allowed?

No, flash photography is not allowed.

What should I bring?

Wear comfortable shoes, bring your camera if you want extra photos, and bring water.

What languages are available?

The live guide/photographer support is in English, Spanish, and Portuguese.

Is it wheelchair accessible?

The information includes wheelchair accessibility, but it also lists it as not suitable for wheelchair users and people with mobility impairments. If mobility affects your comfort or route, you should confirm suitability before booking.

Not for you? Here's more nearby things to do in New York City we have reviewed