REVIEW · NEW YORK CITY
New York City: Solo or Couples Photoshoot in Times Square!
Book on GetYourGuide →Operated by Bee Lively Photography · Bookable on GetYourGuide
A great NYC photo needs direction, not luck. This 45-minute private shoot moves from Rockefeller Center to Times Square with a pro calling the shots and keeping things moving. I love that you’re not left to figure out poses and angles on your own, and you’ll get a clear, fast photo plan that ends with iconic Midtown backdrops.
You’ll also like the turnaround: high-resolution digital photos delivered within 72 hours, usually 20–50 shots. One thing to consider: Times Square is busy and loud, so comfortable shoes and patience with crowds help, and you’ll need to account for one subway fare (not included).
In This Review
- Key things that make this shoot worth it
- 45 Minutes, Two Icon Stops: Rockefeller Center to Times Square
- Finding Your Photographer at Rockefeller Center (in front of the flags)
- Rockefeller Center: classic lines, quick posing, real NYC energy
- Times Square finish: turning chaos into clean portraits
- Making It Yours: customize beyond Midtown (Central Park, DUMBO, Brooklyn Bridge)
- Photo Delivery, Quantity, and Value at $249
- Should you book this solo or couples Times Square shoot?
- FAQ
- Where do we meet for the photoshoot?
- How long is the shoot?
- How many photos will I receive?
- When will I get the photos?
- Is the photoshoot only in Midtown, or can the location change?
- Is the subway fare included?
- What should I bring?
- Who is this photoshoot suitable for?
Key things that make this shoot worth it

- Pro guidance from Bee Lively Photography means you get coaching, not just a camera click
- Rockefeller Center to Times Square gives you two “wow” locations in one short session
- 20–50 high-resolution images in 72 hours so you can share fast
- Solo or couples friendly private setup with direction for poses and pacing
- Customizable route if you want Central Park, DUMBO, or the Brooklyn Bridge instead of the default
- Built-in pacing: a quick walking leg (about 10 minutes) keeps the shoot efficient
45 Minutes, Two Icon Stops: Rockefeller Center to Times Square

This isn’t a half-day “tour that includes photos.” It’s a tight, 45-minute photo mission designed for one goal: leave with great images from places you’ll actually recognize on a NYC map.
The flow is straightforward. You start at Rockefeller Center, get time for a photo stop and a bit of sightseeing there, then you walk roughly 10 minutes. After that, you hit Times Square for the final photo stop and finish in the same area—right in the middle of the visual chaos that makes the city instantly feel like the city.
Why that matters for you: if you’re in New York for a short trip, you don’t want to spend your best light hunting angles and asking strangers to take your picture. This format keeps your energy focused. You’ll get a photographer’s eye for framing and a second set of eyes for what looks best in a crowd.
The only real “watch-out” is the setting. Rockefeller Center and Times Square are popular because they’re dramatic, not because they’re quiet. If you’re the type who hates crowds, go in with the right expectations: you’re there for the energy, and the photographer will help you work around it.
Also, keep in mind that the route can be changed. The default is Midtown Manhattan with Rockefeller Center and Times Square, but your shoot can be tailored to match the places you care about most.
You can also read our reviews of more tours and experiences in New York City.
Finding Your Photographer at Rockefeller Center (in front of the flags)

Meeting point clarity is underrated, and this one is simple. You’ll meet at the Rockefeller Center Plaza, in front of the flags. That matters because the first few minutes set the tone for the whole session. If you’re flustered at the start, it shows in photos.
Your host/greeter is available in English and French, and the shoot is private. That’s a big deal in New York. Even if you’re taking photos with a partner, you’re not sharing the same space and posing time with a larger group, which keeps the session calmer and more focused.
What I’d plan for personally (and you should, too):
- Wear comfortable shoes. You’ll be standing and walking short distances with no long breaks.
- Bring water. Midtown weather can change fast, and you’ll want steady energy.
- Think about your “quick change” options. If you want to adjust clothing, do it before you arrive, not mid-walk.
From reviews, Bee (Bee Lively Photography) stands out for being patient and giving repeat attempts until you feel right. That’s a practical superpower. In street photography, one pose can look great from one angle and awkward from another. A patient photographer buys you better results without making you feel rushed.
One more note: this private Midtown shoot uses one subway fare for convenience, and that fare (listed as $2.90) is not included. If you’re budgeting, treat that as a small add-on.
Rockefeller Center: classic lines, quick posing, real NYC energy

Rockefeller Center is one of those places that photographs well even when you’re moving fast. The architecture gives you strong vertical lines, and the area works for both solo portraits and couples shots because there are angles that feel “designed” even when you’re standing on a sidewalk.
In this session, Rockefeller Center is your first photo stop, plus a short sightseeing moment. That timing is smart: you start with a location that helps you settle in. You’re not thrown straight into the busiest scene first. Instead, you get early shots while you’re still fresh, and you can adjust your comfort level as you go.
What you’ll likely appreciate in this part:
- A structured start. You’ll get direction on where to stand and how to hold the pose.
- Clear subject framing. Rockefeller Center’s environment makes it easier to separate you from the background.
- Options for different looks. Solo portraits and couple portraits can feel varied even with only a short time window.
Is there a drawback? Yes: Rockefeller Center is still a tourist magnet. You may see foot traffic in the background, and you might need a little cooperation to get clean frames. The upside is that a pro knows how to time shots and pick angles that reduce distractions.
If your goal is a “New York postcard” look without spending hours arranging the perfect moment, this first stop is doing the heavy lifting. It’s also a solid anchor point if you decide to customize the route, since Midtown starts strong either way.
Times Square finish: turning chaos into clean portraits

Times Square is famously loud and busy. That’s also why it’s so fun to photograph. For this shoot, Times Square is your final photo stop and you finish there—right where your “we’re really in NYC” photos land.
A short session works in Times Square because you’re not trying to stay focused for hours. You’re aiming for a handful of strong images that capture energy without turning the shoot into a marathon.
What makes Times Square workable in a guided shoot:
- You get pose direction for a crowded environment. The photographer can help you find positions that look good even when the background is active.
- You’ll get rapid shot variety. With a pro directing you, you can go from one style to another—like a more polished look to a more candid-feeling one—without guessing.
- You’re not stuck asking strangers to help. The whole point is you don’t have to stop your day to find someone willing to take your picture.
One consideration: if you’re sensitive to crowds or you’re prone to getting overwhelmed, Times Square may feel like sensory overload. For that reason, build in a calm mindset. This is less about quiet intimacy and more about upbeat NYC energy.
From the review details, Bee often spends extra time to get things right and repeats shots until you’re happy. In a place like Times Square, that kind of patience helps. If you don’t like how a specific shot looks, you can keep adjusting instead of walking away with a “close enough” photo.
And then you’re done. You finish at Times Square, so you’re already in the area most people want to explore afterward.
Making It Yours: customize beyond Midtown (Central Park, DUMBO, Brooklyn Bridge)

The default plan is Midtown Manhattan with Rockefeller Center and Times Square. But the experience is described as fully customizable based on your location preferences, including options like Central Park, DUMBO, or the Brooklyn Bridge.
That flexibility is valuable if:
- You already have a neighborhood you’re staying in and want photos that match your trip.
- You’d rather trade Times Square’s noise for a calmer landmark vibe.
- You’re traveling with a specific NYC “must-see” in mind and want your photos to feel like part of that story.
Practical reality check: customization may shift how the 45 minutes are used. If your route includes a different area, you might need to factor in walking time and any subway use required for reaching that location. The booking notes already call out one subway fare for convenience in the Midtown setup, so if you move locations, you should expect the photographer to work out the best efficient path.
Language is also a plus if you’re more comfortable expressing ideas in another language. The host/greeter includes English and French, which can make it easier to communicate what you want your photos to feel like.
If your main priority is a super-quick, iconic Midtown set, stick close to the default. If your priority is variety and personal significance—choose your spots. This kind of shoot is most memorable when it reflects your exact NYC trip, not just the most famous corners.
Photo Delivery, Quantity, and Value at $249

Let’s talk value, because this is where you’ll feel the difference between a guided photo shoot and a random selfie attempt.
Price is $249 per person for 45 minutes. For that, you get:
- A professional photoshoot for 45 minutes
- All digital, high-resolution photos taken during the session
- Typically 20–50 photos
- Delivery within 72 hours
- Physical photo prints available for additional purchase
That 72-hour delivery is a big deal. Most people don’t want to wait weeks to see the results of their New York moment. Fast turnaround also helps you share photos while you’re still in travel mode.
In terms of quality, the reviews are consistent about two things: Bee is patient and the photos turn out amazing. Patient is more than a personality trait here. In real life, great portraits often require a few tries—small adjustments to angle, stance, and expression. When a photographer takes the time to repeat shots until you’re satisfied, the final set is usually stronger.
Quantity matters too. A range like 20–50 photos means you should have options: a few “hero” images, some casual ones you still love, and backups if you’re picky about one specific background element.
Now the one cost you need to budget separately: the shoot uses 1 subway fare for convenience in the Midtown plan, listed at $2.90, and it’s not included in the booking price. If you’re doing the shoot and also planning to ride subway anyway, it’s not a deal-breaker—but it’s smart to include it in your mental total.
What’s not included: food and drink, travel costs beyond that noted fare, and any admission fees if applicable. In practice, that means you should treat this as a photo-focused service. Plan to eat separately and keep the session itself simple.
Lastly: not allowed items include alcohol and drugs. If you’re thinking of celebrating with a drink, keep it for after your photos.
Should you book this solo or couples Times Square shoot?

Book it if you want iconic NYC photos without spending your vacation micromanaging poses. The 45-minute format is ideal for short trips, and the Rockefeller Center-to-Times Square route gives you a recognizable “NYC hit” in one session.
You’ll especially like it if:
- You’re going solo and want professional direction (not just a phone on a timer)
- You’re traveling as a couple and want flattering posing guidance
- You care about getting images quickly, with delivery within 72 hours
- You like the idea of a private setup where you’re not sharing your time slot
Skip it if you hate crowds and loud places, because Times Square will be part of the experience. Also, the experience is listed as not suitable for children under 18 and people over 70, so check that fit before you commit.
If you’re in the Midtown area and you want photos that look like you planned them, this is a solid use of time—and your future self will thank you when you see the set delivered fast.
FAQ

Where do we meet for the photoshoot?
You meet at the Rockefeller Center Plaza, in front of the flags.
How long is the shoot?
The photoshoot lasts 45 minutes.
How many photos will I receive?
You’ll generally receive between 20 and 50 high-resolution digital photos from the session.
When will I get the photos?
The photos are delivered within 72 hours after your shoot.
Is the photoshoot only in Midtown, or can the location change?
The Midtown Manhattan route is the default, but it can be customized based on your location preferences, including options like Central Park, DUMBO, or the Brooklyn Bridge.
Is the subway fare included?
The private Midtown Manhattan shoot uses 1 subway fare for convenience, but that fare (listed as $2.90) is not included in the booking price.
What should I bring?
Bring comfortable shoes and water.
Who is this photoshoot suitable for?
It’s a private group experience and is wheelchair accessible. It’s listed as not suitable for children under 18 and people over 70.















