Why A Wonder "New York New York. If I can make it there, I'll make it anywhere," and that goes for photography too. The lower Manhattan skyline at night is magical. It is truly the "Big Apple."
Where The magic of the lower Manhattan skyline at night is best captured from pier 2 at Brooklyn Bridge Park. Here you have the leading lines of the old piers drawing the eye toward the distant skyscrapers and the setting sun over lower Manhattan just as the office towers light up. Both sunset and Blue Hour are fabulous. The park can be reached by public transportation via subway and buses. Check on current New York City transit sites and maps. Be sure to check for updates as service is sometimes changed or interrupted. There are also parking garages in the area but they are costly. If you are traveling via the Metro North commuter lines (new.mta.info) be sure to check when service ends at night. Maps of the New York City subways are also available at this site.
When This can be captured at any time of year. In good weather get there early as standing room may be limited if there are many photographers and you will need a place for your tripod.
Photography You will want a wide-angle lens and a tripod to best capture the scene. It's going to be a long exposure so it is best to have a cable release, remote or intervalometer to trigger your camera to avoid moving your lens or set a time delay on your camera. Use mirror lock-up if your camera is not mirrorless. Consider single shots and also panoramas which are great for the sweeping views. The park offers other photographic opportunities as well, such as athletic courts, playgrounds, picnic areas and people watching. There is also the historic Jane's Carousel at the park. The park is near the Brooklyn and Manhattan Bridges too, which are also great photo opportunities and there are many good restaurants in the area.
(c)Fran Gallogly Photography