NYC Senior Travel Session: From Times Square to Central Park

Senior

Last April, I packed up my camera gear, my second shooter (who also happens to be my mom), and my son Lane (official BTS videographer extraordinaire) and headed to New York City for an unforgettable NYC senior travel session with Aralyn. She brought her mom, Kim, and her aunt Ashley along for the adventure, and together we tackled NYC like pros.

Day One: Exploring the City

To start the trip, we kicked things off with a private Real Tours of NYC experience led by the amazing Laura. She whisked us through SoHo, Chinatown, Greenwich Village, and a few other iconic neighborhoods. It was a whirlwind tour, packed with cobblestone streets, colorful storefronts, and the kind of charm that only New York can deliver. We couldn’t help but stop every five feet to snap photos (and by “we,” I mean me and my mom—because yes, she was right there shooting alongside me).

Tip: If you’re planning a tour like this, wear comfy shoes and pack light—you’ll want to be able to move quickly between locations without sacrificing style!

Day Two: The Morgan Library & Moody Magic

The Morgan library was one of the highlights of Aralyn’s NYC Senior Travel Session. If you’ve never been, it’s like stepping into a storybook. This was once a family’s personal book collection (casual, right?), and now it’s a museum where you can take pictures—but only if you’re very, very quiet and don’t use flash.

Aralyn brought two outfits: a timeless black dress with an elegant hair bow and a casual jeans-and-top look. The black dress against the backdrop of towering bookshelves and stained glass windows was pure magic—so moody, so classic. It felt like we were shooting on the set of a period drama. Her casual look brought a laid-back vibe to the space, giving us the perfect variety.

Tip: If you’re visiting the Morgan Library, book your tickets in advance—they sell out quickly! And remember, no flash photography is allowed, so be prepared to work with natural light.

Donuts & Downtown

After finishing at the library, we decided to head to Angelica’s Bakery for a much-needed snack break. If you know me, you know I can’t resist their glazed donuts. They’re perfection. (Maybe it’s the NYC water? The minerals? Whatever it is, they’re doing it right.) We sat outside, enjoyed the sunshine, and refueled before diving back into our packed day.

Next, we picked up the pace and headed to Times Square for those quintessential NYC shots, wandered through Chinatown for vibrant and lively backdrops, strolled SoHo for chic, urban vibes, and then made our way to Central Park.

Cherry Blossoms & Broadway

Finally, we made it to Central Park, which was a dream with the cherry blossoms in full bloom creating the kind of backdrop photographers dream of. The soft pink blooms, Aralyn’s natural glow, and the energy of the city combined to give us some of the most stunning photos of the trip.

Later during the trip, we swapped our cameras for tickets and hit Broadway! My group (Lane, my mom, and I) went to see Six—and let me tell you, it was phenomenal. Meanwhile, Aralyn and her family caught Hamilton. Two Broadway blockbusters, one unforgettable trip.

Quick Tip: If you’re planning a travel session, one of the hardest parts is finding those perfect spots to shoot. But don’t worry—I’ve got you covered! I put together a free guide to help photographers scout locations for travel sessions. Grab your free Scouting Locations Guide here and make your next session a breeze!

Wrapping It Up

By the end of the trip, we were both exhausted and exhilarated, running on adrenaline and glazed donuts. We covered so many iconic NYC locations, captured a variety of amazing photos (which you can scroll through in this post!), and had an absolute blast doing it. Aralyn and her family were such a joy to work with, Lane crushed the behind-the-scenes video work, and my mom? Well, she proved once again why she’s the best second shooter I could ask for.

Why I love senior travel sessions

One of the best things about senior travel sessions is the chance to make memories that go way beyond the photos. It’s about the adventure—whether it’s exploring somewhere totally new or revisiting a place you already love. There’s something so special about sharing that experience, laughing along the way, and capturing it all as you go. At the end of the day, it’s not just the pictures that matter—it’s the stories, the connections, and the unforgettable moments

If you’re thinking about booking an NYC Senior Travel Session, let’s make it happen!? NYC is full of unique spots that create unforgettable photos. Let’s plan your dream shoot—click here to get started!

And don’t forget to grab my free Scouting Locations Guide—it’s packed with tips to help you make the most of your session. Trust me, you’ll thank yourself later! Senior Sunday Spotlight

Every Sunday, I love taking the time to spotlight one of my seniors. It’s such a fun way to share more about their unique personalities, favorite things, and plans for the future—along with their incredible photos, of course!

Here’s Aralyn’s Senior Sunday Questionnaire. Scroll through her answers and enjoy getting to know a little more about her!