Manhattanhenge / NY Street Photography Workshop (FEE BASED)

Just as anthropologists and researchers consider the history of Stonehenge in England's Salisbury Plain, excavations in the very distant future of Manhattan, in New York City, might also come under similar scrutiny. The sunrise's ideal alignment with several stones at Stonehenge on the Summer Solstice is of primary note for historians. But for an adjustment of 30 degrees in rotation, the alignment of Manhattan's grid of streets is another potential nod to the Summer Solstice. Okay, that is a stretch; however, as you know, we all want and need to find meaning in our surroundings, and Manhattanhenge is one of those observations.

Widely credited with coining the moniker Manhattanhenge, noted scientist Neil deGrasse Tyson speculates that future researchers might note the alignment with the sunset on two special days of the year as "cosmic signs of Memorial Day and, of course, the baseball's All-Star break." Tyson further comments, "With a turn to the West of about 30 degrees on the compass, Manhattan and its grid of streets could align nicely with the sunset on the Summer Solstice.

In 2025 that alignment of the city's grid with sunset happens on May 28th and July 12th. This workshop will have us in place and ready to capture stunning images of the May 28th sunset. We will be in New York City from May 27th through June 1st, 2025, and during that visit, we will explore just about every corner of the city! Each day will find us exploring various facets of the bustling metropolis that many consider the most fantastic city on Earth.

New York City comprises five boroughs: Manhattan, Brooklyn, The Bronx, Queens, and Staten Island. During our time there, we will visit all five! With an immigrant population of roughly 37%, New York City is a melting pot of cultural differences and norms, showcasing the best of each culture's food, fashion, and traditions.

Instructor Fee:
The instructor fee for this workshop is $1795. This fee covers all instructional and guiding services during the six days of the workshop and includes one (1) seven (7) day MTA pass per participant. I lived and worked in the Greater New York City area for almost nine years and have traveled to New York City extensively over the last 29 years. During my years of working in and visiting New York City, I traveled the subway system, both extensively and exhaustively. The subway system is the most effective and efficient way to travel in and between the city's five boroughs. Before our trip, we will conduct a briefing to discuss safety on the subway system and steps to maximize your security while on New York City streets. Long story short, with the appropriate level of self-awareness. I find New York City and its subway system efficient and safe.

Lodging:
Single-occupancy lodging has been arranged for each workshop participant. Each participant is responsible for the cost of their lodging. Upon checking in, each participant shall secure their room with their own form of payment.

We have reserved a block of rooms at the Jewel Hotel in Midtown Manhattan. The Jewel Hotel is centrally located near the Rockefeller Center, making it ideally situated for several of our intended shooting locations and a subway station.

If a workshop participant should elect to lodge at another hotel, they must inform the workshop instructor no less than one week before the commencement of the workshop. Lodging at another establishment is acceptable as long as the workshop participant acknowledges that they are responsible for meeting at predetermined locations throughout the workshop.

Dining:
New York City has a worldwide reputation for its culinary offerings, from a simple slice of New York pizza to a variety of ethnic offerings. As a frequent visitor, I would describe the city as a foodie paradise. Throughout the workshop, plans have been made to visit specific establishments for lunch and dinner. These establishments have been chosen based on their historical significance or universally accepted dominance in their field.

While dining in New York City can be described as an exorbitantly expensive experience, we have taken great care to select reasonably priced options. The cost of meals and beverages during this workshop is the sole responsibility of each workshop participant. We have crafted our workshop schedule to include these group dining experiences; however, if you should elect to dine on your own, that is fine. As with alternate lodging, the workshop participant again assumes the responsibility for meeting the group at predetermined locations.

We hope that workshop participants will join us in exploring New York City dining options and participating in the group camaraderie. It is hard to place a tangible value on the shared information at a group dining experience. Each workshop participant will have their own unique perspective on their shooting experience; this is the ideal place to share those perspectives.

What's Included:
Comprehensive Itinerary Showcasing The Best Scenes In New York City
Expert Guiding Service In and Around the NYC Area
Expert Photography Composition Advice
Expert Photography Technique Advice
Ad-Hoc Review And Critique Sessions
MTA Seven (7) Day Pass
Comprehensive Itinerary Of The Best Places To Shoot In New York City

What's Not Included:
Travel To And From New York City
Dining And Beverages Throughout The Workshop
Lodging And Lodging Expenses
Transportation Outside Of The MTA System