NYC Nightlife – In Photos

Photography by Pete Heck

And New York is the most beautiful city in the world? It is not far from it. No urban night is like the night there… squares after squares of flame, set up and cut into the aether. Here is our poetry, for we have pulled down the stars to our will. ~ Ezra Pound, American poet

NYC-Flag-974x1451
Times Sqare Texting
Street Dance New York
NYC-Radio-City-974x646
The Fountain in front of Radio City
Skating at Rockefeller
Brooklyn Bridge Walking Lane
Manhattan Bridge
Brooklyn Bridge with Jane's Carousel

93 Comments... Read them below or add one of your own
  • Tom
    February 27 2012

    Awesome pics! Can’t wait to get to NYC and America in general! πŸ™‚

    • Pete
      February 27 2012

      Thanks Tom!! It’s an amazing city and bring lots of memory cards, you’ll end up with a lot of photos

  • February 27 2012

    Love these pics…There is no place like New York:)

    • Pete
      February 27 2012

      Agreed, it’s definitely unique, we love it!! Thanks D.J.!

  • February 27 2012

    Great pics, looks like shooting RAW is working out well. I love the last picture, DUMBO in general is a great little area of Brooklyn.

    • Pete
      February 27 2012

      It’s been night and day working with RAW images. Thanks Justin!

  • February 27 2012

    Gorgeous photos Pete, I can’t decide which is my favourite. But I love the desaturation to the photos, it really shows the spirit of New York.
    Ayngelina recently posted..Food Friday: Pulled Pork Poutine

    • Pete
      February 27 2012

      Thanks Ayngelina. There is something about NYC in B&W as well.

  • February 27 2012

    holy … wow…. fabulous photos…. so impressed!!! perfectly captures spirit and mood… full credit to anyone with such a creative eye – a talent that can’t be taught…

    • Pete
      February 27 2012

      Humbled Andy, thank you. I hope your a having a wonderful time in Thailand πŸ™‚

  • February 27 2012

    Radio City Music Hall with the taxi is my favorite. Awesome shots guys!

    • Pete
      February 27 2012

      Cheers Matthew, that’s one of my faves as well… It was also a big fave of Jaime from BA Backpacker as he’s the biggest Kelly Clarkson fan we know πŸ™‚

  • February 27 2012

    Gorgeous work Pete! Love the colour, both vibrancy and de-saturation.

    • Pete
      February 27 2012

      Thanks so much Ter. You’d have fun here with the camera, it’s just too damn photogenic.

  • EurotripTips
    February 27 2012

    Amazing. I can never get enough of NYC by night!

  • Kim
    February 27 2012

    Amazing photos!

    • Pete
      February 27 2012

      Thanks Kim!

  • GORGEOUS shots! Love the Radio City Music Hall shot!!!

    • Pete
      February 28 2012

      Thanks Andi, that was one of my first shots in the city. It’s one of my faves as well.

  • Patricia
    February 27 2012

    WOW! WOW! WOW!!!

    <3 patricia

    • Pete
      February 27 2012

      Thank you P-RK πŸ™‚

  • February 28 2012

    Stunning shots! I am traveling to NYC in April for the first time. These photos are inspiring and exciting:)

    • Pete
      February 28 2012

      Bring lots of memory if you love taking photos. It’s quite addicting πŸ™‚

  • February 28 2012

    This photos are so awesome, you’ve really captured the beauty and culture of New York. I imagine you must have so many shots from your visit, it must have been hard to choose!

    • Pete
      February 28 2012

      Thanks Elise, in the 6 weeks we have been here, I’ve kept over 700 shots. It’s been the most photos in any location.

  • February 28 2012

    Nice shots! Makes me miss home a bit.

    • Pete
      February 28 2012

      Thanks Michael πŸ™‚ If this was my home, I’d miss it too. Heck, I’m going to miss it, and it’s not my home.

  • Vicki Lee
    February 27 2012

    Oh these are the shizzzz!!!!! My faves are the Brooklyn Bridge. Thanks.

    • Pete
      February 27 2012

      Thanks Vicki! And you are the first person to use “shizzz” on our site, you should win a prize πŸ™‚

      • Vicki Lee
        February 28 2012

        Heheh. I’m so proud :-}
        Let’s make my prize a free walk over the Brooklyn Bridge. Thanks!

  • February 28 2012

    I feel like all my comments on your site are along the lines of, “Wow, great shots!” But that’s just because it’s true! I especially love the first one.
    Amanda recently posted..Up Close With Dinosaurs in the Everglades

    • Pete
      February 28 2012

      Thanks Amanda, too kind. I’m really happy how these turned out, and it was definitely a lot of work. So again, thank you πŸ™‚

  • February 27 2012

    My favorite images in this post are the bridge shots. But I like all of these. I think you did a nice job of capturing some of the rampant energy that exists in my city. And I soooo agree with every word of Ezra’s quote. What a statement.

    I will forever be so glad that you two came to NYC for a spell, even more glad that you fell in love with it like I have.

    • Pete
      February 28 2012

      Thanks Kirsten. This city never sleeps, and you always need to have a camera in tow. It’s hard not to fall in love with it.

      Such kind words, and we too will be forever glad that we had the chance the time to spend time with you,. See you in Turkey πŸ˜‰

  • February 28 2012

    stunning pics! love them.

    • Pete
      February 28 2012

      Thanks Hayley!!

  • jan
    February 28 2012

    New York is my favourite big city. Your photos take me there.

    • Pete
      February 28 2012

      Thanks Jan! I feel the same way when I look at other destination posts. It can virtually transport you there. It’s funny though, I prefer looking at photo posts from cities that I’ve been to. Thanks again πŸ™‚

  • February 28 2012

    Black and white is such a good choice for these city shots. But my favorite is the one with the touch of color–Radio City. The whole collection belongs in one of those fancy coffee table photography books. Classic! and Classy!
    Vera Marie Badertscher recently posted..Exploring Western Plateaus and Canyons

    • Pete
      February 28 2012

      Thanks Vera πŸ™‚ To be honest, I’m thinking of putting together one of those fancy coffee table photography books hopefully in time for Christmas this coming year, and comments like yours just gives me more incentive. Cheers!

  • February 28 2012

    I live in New York, and I think your pictures look great. Given how warm it’s been this winter it’s amazing your pictures capture the crisp chill we should be having!

    • Pete
      February 28 2012

      Thanks Terry! The weather has been extremely cooperative, although I kinda wish I would have had the chance to see some more snow in Central Park. Oh well, hopefully next winter we can come back. All the best!

  • February 29 2012

    Those are really great pics. You have caught the shine and fun of NY City night life so beautifully!
    rashmi recently posted..Your Vacation is Whatever & Wherever You Want it to Be

    • Pete
      March 1 2012

      Thanks Rashmi! I’m a bit of a perfectionist and this post took me a long time because I wanted to get the mood just right.

  • Candice
    February 29 2012

    Beautiful pictures. Incredible.

  • Jarmo
    February 29 2012

    Amazing photos! I can’t believe I still haven’t visited NY, but a friend did just invite me there again. So hopefully this year I’ll finally make it. I think the one with music hall is my favorite! or maybe the last one… I don’t know, so many to choose from πŸ™‚

    • Pete
      March 1 2012

      Thanks Jarmo, I hope you make it there! It’s such a beautiful city.

  • Claire
    February 29 2012

    WOW those are amazing photos. Love all your posts from New York, REALLY, REALLY want to go and see if for myself!

    • Pete
      March 1 2012

      Cheers Claire. The city won us over and then some. So photogenic!

  • Alouise
    February 29 2012

    I love these photos. The black and white one of Radio City Music Hall is fantastic. Now I really want to go back to New York.

    • Pete
      March 1 2012

      Thanks Alouise, that one seems to be a crowd favorite πŸ™‚

  • Abby
    February 29 2012

    Love the Radio City Music Hall shot! I used to work down the street and never tired of it. Maye it’s because I was living in NYC on September 11th, but the first shot sort of stabs my heart — in a good way.

    • Pete
      March 1 2012

      I’m glad it does Abby. I really wanted to put emphasis on the flag in the first photo and make it stand out.

  • February 29 2012

    Love these! Make me miss NYC so much

    • Pete
      March 1 2012

      We’ve only been away for 2 days and I feel like I’m missing it too.

  • Ali
    February 29 2012

    I love these photos! Amazing! Really makes me want to go back to NYC now.

  • February 29 2012

    Beautiful pics and I love the desaturated effect. Especially the skating at the Rockefeller Center. And great quote by Ezra Pound.
    Cherina recently posted..Long-Haul Travel: A Frequent Flyer’s Survival Guide. PART II

    • Pete
      March 1 2012

      Thanks Cherina. We thought that quote fit the tone of the post perfectly πŸ™‚

  • Jess @ Used York City
    February 29 2012

    Gorgeous photos! I always love a good street performance!

  • Wow, these are really, REALLY great. Some of the best night photos I’ve seen of NYC!

    • Pete
      March 1 2012

      Too kind πŸ™‚ Thank you, one of the best compliments one can receive. I’m humbled.

  • Great work, guys! I LOVE NYC at night. Taking Mary and the kiddo there this summer.

    • Pete
      March 1 2012

      Thanks Bret, the city just comes alive at night. I had so many shots to choose from, it was difficult to narrow it down to the ones that were selected. I’m sure you guys will have a fun time in the summer (barring the heat we’ve been told about).

  • March 3 2012

    You really captured the beauty that is NYC. We’ve been a few times and still can’t get enough. Beautiful photos! ps- Congrats on the new look. Site looks great!

    • Pete
      March 4 2012

      Thanks Kieu! I can’t imagine getting tired of NYC, there is so much energy there. And thanks for the compliment on the new site, it was a lot of work πŸ™‚

  • The street performer photo and the last bridge photo are my favorites.

    • Pete
      March 4 2012

      Thanks Stephanie, the street performers are Dalene’s faves and mine are the ones on the Brooklyn Bridge.

  • Absolutely fabulous photos – some original captures of classic scenes and you really bring the personality of the city alive.

    • Pete
      March 4 2012

      Thanks Natasha. The city has so much personality, probably the most of any city we’ve been to. We can’t wait to get back.

  • March 5 2012

    Nice shots of the city. Great skylines.
    Kris Koeller recently posted..The Opposite House Hotel in Beijing, China

  • EurotripTips
    March 5 2012

    I love Rockefeller Center at night – there’s something magical about it, any time of the year. Good shots!

  • Jeff Dobbbins
    March 6 2012

    Wow. Stunning photos. Hope you’ll continue to visit NYC. As you can imagine, one can only hope to scratch the surface of all there is to see and experience. Really enjoyed seeing through your eyes (lens?)

    • March 6 2012

      Thanks Jeff! We’ve since moved on (SADLY), but were fortunate to spend six glorious weeks there! We have two more photo posts coming up on the next two Fridays. Hope you’ll come back to see them!

      • Jeff Dobbins
        March 6 2012

        Oh, great. I’ll look forward to seeing them.

  • Deb
    March 7 2012

    Love these. It really captures the energy of New York. My favourite is the first one, but they are all awesome. Looking forward to going back soon.

    • March 8 2012

      Thanks Deb! Woo hoo, and the first one is the only one I took, so your comment makes me happy! πŸ™‚

  • March 7 2012

    Great photos! They really capture true NYC nightlife.
    Maria D. recently posted..Travel Memes – Volume 1

  • March 9 2012

    Great shots! Makes me wish I had a tripod!

    • Pete
      March 10 2012

      Thanks Sherry! We only carry a little Gorilla Pod, but I’m thinking I have to invest in a full size. Makes it a little inconvenient for traveling but so worth it…

      • March 10 2012

        You have been to B&H Photo in NYC – right? it’s an institution and a photographers wet dream!
        I expect a whole post about your trip there too!
        Sherry recently posted..Valletta – Photography of a Historical City

        • Pete
          March 10 2012

          Of course I went there, and photographers wet dream is the perfect way to put it. Unfortunately the deal I made with Dalene is that I had to leave my credit card at home before I went πŸ™‚ It took a lot of restraint as I was drooling and dreaming and my wish list got longer and longer. Dalene just tells me to start selling photographs and I can get some new gear. Here’s hoping πŸ™‚

          • April 17 2012

            Hey Pete – on a slightly different note – do you use a plugin to create the postcard effects? I use Aperture for my post processing mainly and would love to create a post card look for a set up posts that I have coming up. Let me know if you have an advice. Thanks!

            • Pete
              April 18 2012

              Hey Sherry, I’m going to send you an email on this one how I can help out. Cheers!

  • Amer
    March 11 2012

    Really great photos of NYC! My favourite has to be the one from the (Brooklyn?) bridge

  • March 18 2012

    Stunning photos! You truly captured the essence of the city.

  • Sarah
    March 18 2012

    Amazing photos! I will be visiting NYC in November for the first time and can’t wait to over use my camera!!

    • Pete
      March 18 2012

      Thanks Sarah! Bring lots of memory cards πŸ™‚

  • May 19 2012

    Amazing shots…love the first one the most….

    • Pete
      May 20 2012

      Thanks mate! A lot of people seem to like that one.

  • Veronica
    August 14 2013

    These are all fantastic! I love the last one, its so magical.

  • March 2 2014

    Beautiful! Used to work right across from Radio City, makes me want to go back. Good times.
    A Cook Not Mad (Nat) recently posted..Things to Love in Australia

  • Susan
    October 7 2014

    Where did you stay in NYC?

    • October 7 2014

      We were actually house-sitting while we were there!

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