REVIEW · NEW YORK CITY

New York City: Solo or Couples Photoshoot in Times Square!

5.0 · 13 reviews 45 min From $249 Operated by Bee Lively Photography · Bookable on GetYourGuide
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Times Square is easy to remember and surprisingly hard to photograph well. This private session with Bee Lively Photography gives you a professional eye, useful posing help, and a fast route from Rockefeller Center to the bright heart of Midtown.

I like the private format, which keeps the session focused on you rather than a larger group. I also like the choice of location: keep the planned Midtown route, or ask Bee about Central Park, Dumbo, or the Brooklyn Bridge. The main drawback is the price, $249 per person, before the subway fare and any optional print purchases.

The strongest practical point is the turnaround. You receive the digital images within 72 hours, usually 20 to 50 high-resolution photos. That makes this a good fit for a short New York visit, though anyone hoping for a full-day portrait session will find 45 minutes brief.

Key points at a glance

New York City: Solo or Couples Photoshoot in Times Square! - Key points at a glance

  • Rockefeller Center meeting point: Find Bee in front of the flags at Rockefeller Center Plaza.
  • Times Square finish: The session moves through Midtown and ends among New York’s famous lights and signs.
  • Private solo or couple session: You get the photographer’s attention without sharing the shoot with strangers.
  • Flexible locations: Ask about Central Park, Dumbo, or the Brooklyn Bridge instead of the standard Midtown route.
  • Fast photo delivery: Expect your edited digital images within 72 hours, generally 20 to 50 files.
  • One subway fare may apply: Budget $2.90 for the New York City subway, which is not included.

What this New York photoshoot actually gives you

New York City: Solo or Couples Photoshoot in Times Square! - What this New York photoshoot actually gives you

This is not a sightseeing tour with a camera added on. It is a short portrait session built around two of Manhattan’s most recognizable places.

You meet Bee at Rockefeller Center Plaza, in front of the flags. From there, the session uses Rockefeller Center and Times Square as its main backdrops. You are accompanied by a photographer who knows the city and can guide the shoot, rather than being left to guess where to stand or how to pose.

That distinction matters. New York is full of famous views, but a famous view does not automatically make a good photograph. A professional photographer can help with position, timing, posture, and repeated shots. The available feedback about Bee points especially to patience. One person noted that she spent extra time getting each image right and repeated shots until the result felt satisfying. That is useful if you feel awkward in front of a camera.

The session is offered for one person or a couple. Since it is a private group, you are not waiting while another party takes its turn. You can focus on portraits, couple photos, or a mix of posed and city-setting images.

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Starting among the flags at Rockefeller Center

New York City: Solo or Couples Photoshoot in Times Square! - Starting among the flags at Rockefeller Center

Rockefeller Center is a practical starting point because it gives you a recognizable New York setting before the session reaches Times Square.

The meeting point is specific: Rockefeller Center Plaza, in front of the flags. That is better than a vague instruction to meet somewhere near Rockefeller Center, especially in a busy part of Manhattan with several entrances and nearby buildings. I would arrive a little early, check that you are at the plaza, and keep your phone available in case you need to coordinate with Bee.

The center offers a different look from Times Square. You can expect a more structured architectural setting, with the plaza, buildings, and public space providing a clean city backdrop. The photos here can feel more composed and less visually crowded than those taken later in Times Square.

Rockefeller Center is also a useful place to begin if you need a moment to settle into the session. Most people do not feel completely natural during the first photograph. Starting with a few early shots lets you get used to the camera before reaching the louder, more crowded finish.

Wear shoes that you can walk in comfortably. The experience lasts only 45 minutes, so you do not have time to stop and recover from uncomfortable footwear. Bring water, but do not plan on food or drink being supplied during the session.

The short Midtown route to Times Square

New York City: Solo or Couples Photoshoot in Times Square! - The short Midtown route to Times Square

The advertised route includes a roughly 10-minute movement between stops and finishes at Times Square. The standard plan is compact, which is one of its strengths. You get two major New York settings without spending most of the booking traveling across the city.

The exact movement may depend on the route chosen for your session. The practical information says the private Midtown shoot uses one subway fare for convenience, and the fare is $2.90. That cost is not part of the $249 price. Even if your meeting and photo points are close enough for part of the route to be on foot, I would keep the subway fare in your budget and follow Bee’s direction on the day.

This is not a long walking tour. The value is in the photographs and the photographer’s guidance, not in a detailed history lesson about Midtown. You may hear useful city context along the way, but the main purpose is to reach good photo spots and make the most of the short session.

Because the route is tight, tell Bee your priorities early. If you mainly want couple portraits, say so. If you want solo photos with more variety, mention that too. A clear request helps the photographer use the limited time well.

Finishing under the Times Square lights

New York City: Solo or Couples Photoshoot in Times Square! - Finishing under the Times Square lights

Times Square is the grand finale, and it gives your photos a very different mood from Rockefeller Center.

Here, the signs, screens, lights, and constant movement create the unmistakable New York setting many people want in a souvenir photograph. It is also a visually demanding place. Backgrounds can become crowded, and people are always moving through the frame. A photographer who knows how to work in that setting is more useful than a simple phone camera and a passerby.

I would expect Times Square images to feel energetic and unmistakably urban. You may want a few straightforward portraits, but it is also worth allowing room for wider shots that show the setting around you. The result should give you both a record of your visit and a sense of place.

The session finishes at Times Square, so you are well placed to continue sightseeing afterward. You can explore the area, find a meal, or make your way to another Midtown stop without returning to Rockefeller Center.

One caution: Times Square is not a quiet portrait studio. If you want calm, uncluttered pictures, ask about a different location. If you want New York’s biggest visual signature, however, it makes sense as the final stop.

Same place, a different kind of evening:

Choosing a custom location instead

New York City: Solo or Couples Photoshoot in Times Square! - Choosing a custom location instead

The standard Midtown route is not your only option. The session can be customized around location preferences, with Central Park, Dumbo, and the Brooklyn Bridge specifically offered as alternatives.

That flexibility changes the value of the booking. You are not simply paying for a fixed walk between two points. You may be able to shape the session around the part of New York that means the most to you.

Central Park would suit you if you want a softer setting with open space and a break from the hard lines of Midtown. Dumbo or the Brooklyn Bridge would suit you if you want waterfront views, bridges, and a strong connection to Brooklyn. Times Square and Rockefeller Center are the better match if your goal is classic Midtown New York.

Do not assume every preferred location fits naturally into the same 45-minute route. Ask about the location when arranging the session, since changing areas can affect travel time and the number of places you can reach. A custom setting may be more personal, but the standard route is likely the simplest way to get two famous Manhattan backdrops in a short booking.

What you receive after the camera stops

New York City: Solo or Couples Photoshoot in Times Square! - What you receive after the camera stops

The package includes all digital, high-resolution professional photos taken during the session. The usual range is 20 to 50 images, and delivery is promised within 72 hours.

That range is helpful, but it is not a fixed guarantee of exactly 20 or exactly 50 files. The final number can depend on the shoot and the chosen location. I would think of it as a useful collection of finished images rather than a single hero shot.

A 72-hour delivery window is one of the most practical features. If your New York visit is short, you may still receive the photos while the trip is fresh. You can also use them for a personal post or share them with someone at home without waiting weeks.

Physical prints are not included. They can be purchased separately, so the $249 price covers the session and digital files rather than a printed album or framed photograph. If you prefer something tangible, ask about print costs before adding them.

Is $249 per person a fair price?

New York City: Solo or Couples Photoshoot in Times Square! - Is $249 per person a fair price?

At $249 per person, this is not a budget activity. A solo booking costs $249, while a couple booking at the listed per-person rate would cost $498. You also need to allow for the $2.90 subway fare if it is used, plus any food, drinks, admission fees, or physical prints.

The value comes from the private attention, the professional equipment and skill, the city guidance, and the finished set of high-resolution images. You are paying for more than a few quick snapshots. You are paying for help creating photographs that are difficult to produce alone in a crowded city.

I think the price makes the most sense for a special occasion, a first New York visit, an engagement-style session, or a couple who would otherwise have to rely on strangers for every photo. It is harder to justify if you only want one casual picture or already have a good camera and someone comfortable taking portraits.

The private format also matters. You are not sharing 45 minutes with another booking, and that can make the session feel more relaxed and efficient. The strongest praise for Bee focuses on her kindness, patience, and willingness to repeat shots until the subject was happy. That personal attention is part of what you are buying.

Who will enjoy this most

New York City: Solo or Couples Photoshoot in Times Square! - Who will enjoy this most

I would recommend this experience to:

  • Solo visitors who want more than a selfie in Times Square
  • Couples who want coordinated photos in famous New York settings
  • People marking a special trip or personal milestone
  • Visitors who feel unsure about posing and want direct guidance
  • Anyone who wants finished digital files within three days
  • People who want to request Central Park, Dumbo, or the Brooklyn Bridge

It is not suitable for children under 18 or people over 70, according to the stated restrictions. The experience is wheelchair accessible, and the host or greeter can communicate in English or French.

The booking is private, but it is still a short walking and city-based session. You should be comfortable moving between locations and wearing practical shoes. Alcohol and drugs are not allowed.

Simple ways to get better results

New York City: Solo or Couples Photoshoot in Times Square! - Simple ways to get better results

Start with clothing you can move in and feel good wearing. The session may involve walking, standing, and changing position, so stiff shoes or an outfit that needs constant adjustment can use up valuable time.

Bring water and arrive at the flags before the scheduled start. Since the meeting point is in a busy part of Manhattan, giving yourself extra time helps you begin calmly rather than rushing in.

Think about your preferred photo style before you meet Bee. Do you want mostly solo portraits, mostly couple images, wider city scenes, or close-up photographs? You do not need a complicated plan, but naming your priorities early can help shape the 45 minutes.

If you are nervous, say so. Bee’s patience is one of the most praised parts of this experience, and repeated attempts are part of the process. You do not need to know how to pose before arriving.

Cancellation and payment flexibility

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. The reserve-now, pay-later option also lets you hold a place without paying immediately, which is useful when your New York schedule is still changing.

Starting times depend on availability. Since the session ends at Times Square, check what you have planned afterward and leave yourself enough time for the next activity.

My call: book it if the photos matter

I would book this photoshoot if you want polished memories of New York and value having a patient professional direct the session. The combination of Rockefeller Center, Times Square, private attention, and quick delivery gives the experience a clear purpose.

I would skip it if $249 per person feels high for a short activity, or if you only want an informal snapshot. For everyone else, especially couples and solo visitors without a reliable photographer in their group, Bee Lively Photography offers a focused way to turn a short Midtown visit into a useful set of lasting images.

FAQ

Where does the photoshoot begin?

It begins at Rockefeller Center Plaza, in front of the flags.

Where does the photoshoot finish?

The standard session finishes at Times Square.

How long does the experience last?

The photoshoot lasts 45 minutes.

How many photos will I receive?

You generally receive between 20 and 50 digital, high-resolution professional photos.

When will I receive the photos?

The photos are delivered within 72 hours of the shoot.

Can I request a different location?

Yes. The session can be customized for locations such as Central Park, Dumbo, or the Brooklyn Bridge.

Is the subway fare included?

No. The private Midtown session uses one subway fare for convenience, and the $2.90 New York City subway fare is not included.

Can I cancel for a full refund?

Yes. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

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