Review · NEW YORK CITY PHOTO TOURS & PHOTOSHOOTS

New York City: Photoshoot – Times Square

★ 5.0 · 6 reviews 15 minutes - 1 hour From $176 per session (up to 10) Operated by Marcio Honorato Photography · Bookable on GetYourGuide
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Times Square is easy to visit and surprisingly hard to photograph well. This private session puts Marcio Honorato’s 14 years of experience to work, helping you pose, face the right way, and find better angles around the signs, crowds, and bright lights. You also stop near Rockefeller Plaza, giving your photo set a useful change of scene.

I like two things here: all the best edited photos are included, and you get them within 48 hours, often sooner. The private format also suits couples, families, and small groups who want direction instead of taking turns with a phone. The main consideration is time: a 15-minute booking will be brisk, while a full hour gives you room to relax and use more than one location.

Key points at a glance

New York City: Photoshoot - Times Square - Key points at a glance

  • Meet at Hard Rock Cafe New York: This is the stated starting point for the session.
  • Pose at two classic Midtown locations: The route includes Times Square and Rockefeller Plaza.
  • Get 50 to 80 edited photos: You do not need to pay for extra images from the session.
  • Receive the finished photos within 48 hours: The fast turnaround is useful for a trip still in progress.
  • Book a private group of up to 10: You get personal guidance rather than a large shared tour.
  • Choose your language and session length: English, Portuguese, and Spanish are available, with sessions ranging from 15 minutes to one hour.

Why a Times Square photo session can be worth it

New York City: Photoshoot - Times Square - Why a Times Square photo session can be worth it

Times Square gives you the unmistakable New York backdrop, but it is not a calm studio. The space is crowded, the surroundings are visually loud, and there is plenty happening around you. That is exactly why a professional can help.

Marcio guides your poses and looks for the strongest angles instead of leaving you to guess what to do with your hands. You can expect the session to focus on usable portraits, family shots, couple photos, and social media images rather than a long commentary about the city.

This is a private group experience for up to 10 people, so the photographer can work with your party rather than moving from one large group to another. That matters most if you are marking a special occasion, such as an engagement, family trip, or birthday.

The experience currently has a perfect rating from six published bookings. The praise is especially consistent on three points: Marcio’s friendly manner, his ability to work in difficult weather or crowded conditions, and the quick delivery of polished photos. One couple used the session for an engagement, while a family received photos they considered among their best in years.

That does not mean every session will feel effortless. Times Square can be crowded, and cold or wet weather may affect your comfort. Still, the photographer’s role is especially useful in those conditions. You are not paying only for someone to press the shutter. You are paying for help with timing, positioning, and keeping the group focused.

More photo tours and shoots in New York City:

Meeting at Hard Rock Cafe and getting started

New York City: Photoshoot - Times Square - Meeting at Hard Rock Cafe and getting started

Your meeting point is Hard Rock Cafe New York. Arrive ready to walk and with your group together, since transportation to the photo locations is not included.

The session begins with a meeting with Marcio and a move toward the selected photo spots. The supplied route lists Times Square first, followed by a photo stop at Chip City Rockefeller Plaza, NYC. The exact flow can vary with the session length and the selected location, so a one-hour booking gives you more breathing room than a short slot.

You do not need to arrive knowing professional poses. Guidance is part of the service. If you are taking family photos, you can expect help arranging people and finding a workable position. Couples can use the private setting to take more personal portraits without asking strangers to handle a phone.

Wear comfortable walking shoes. This is not a sit-down portrait appointment, and some walking is involved between the starting point and the photo areas. Check the forecast before you leave and dress for the conditions. A warm coat may be necessary in winter, but remember that bulky clothing can affect the look of some portraits.

Times Square: the main New York backdrop

New York City: Photoshoot - Times Square - Times Square: the main New York backdrop

Times Square is the central draw. Its huge screens and unmistakable Midtown setting give your pictures an immediate New York identity. You do not need a long stop here to get recognizable images, but you do need someone who understands where to place you.

Your photographer helps with the best angles and poses. That support is valuable because a quick snapshot in Times Square can easily include awkward spacing, distracted faces, or too much background clutter. A professional session gives you a better chance of getting a clean composition while keeping the setting visible.

A 15-minute option can work if your main goal is a handful of fast portraits in Times Square. It will suit you if you have a packed sightseeing schedule and only need a short record of the trip. Expect less flexibility, though. There may be little time to repeat poses or adjust the group if the area is crowded.

The one-hour option is the safer choice for families and larger groups. It gives Marcio more time to arrange everyone, work through several poses, and respond to the conditions around you. The included material says 50 to 80 edited photos per hour, so check the available duration and exact photo count when booking, especially if you choose a shorter session.

Cold and wet weather have not stopped the photographer from producing strong results, but you should still plan sensibly. Comfortable shoes and suitable clothing will make it easier to stay relaxed. A cheerful attitude helps too, particularly when a group has to wait briefly for a clear angle.

Rockefeller Plaza adds a calmer second setting

The second listed stop is Chip City Rockefeller Plaza, with a photo stop around Rockefeller Plaza. This gives the session a change from Times Square’s large screens and dense visual activity.

That contrast matters in a photo set. Times Square supplies the high-energy New York image, while Rockefeller Plaza can give you a different architectural setting and a less repetitive background. The two stops help your final collection feel like more than the same portrait copied 50 times.

The exact number of poses and time at each place depends on your booking length. On a 15-minute session, the route will be tight. During a full hour, you have a better chance of getting a mix of group arrangements and individual portraits.

The wider service also lists Central Park, DUMBO, the Brooklyn Bridge, Rockefeller Plaza, and Times Square among possible New York locations. The description says you can choose between Manhattan or Brooklyn, but the stated meeting point and route for this experience focus on Midtown. If you want Central Park, DUMBO, or the Brooklyn Bridge instead, confirm that location before booking rather than assuming every stop is included in one session.

Same backdrop, a different kind of shoot:

What the photographer contributes

Marcio Honorato says he has 14 years of experience photographing people. For you, the practical benefit is direction. He can help you choose poses, find angles, and make the most of each location.

Many people feel awkward in front of a camera, especially in a public place. A private photographer who gives clear instructions can keep the session moving and reduce that uncertainty. You do not need to invent a pose every few minutes.

The personal side also matters. Marcio has been praised for being friendly and keeping people in good spirits during very cold weather. That is useful for families with children, couples taking engagement photos, and anyone who does not normally enjoy formal pictures.

The language choices are English, Portuguese, and Spanish. If one of those is your preferred language, it can make posing instructions easier to follow. The group stays private, so you are not sharing the photographer’s attention with another booking.

The edited photos and the real value of the fee

New York City: Photoshoot - Times Square - The edited photos and the real value of the fee

The price is $176 per group of up to 10 people, not a per-person rate. For a family or group close to that size, the cost can be good value because everyone shares one private session and receives the finished images.

The package includes professional photography, pose and location guidance, a one-hour session when that duration is selected, and 50 to 80 edited photos per hour. It also says you receive the best photos from the session without paying extra for additional images.

That last point deserves attention. Some photo experiences advertise a low starting price and then charge separately for each finished image. Here, the stated package includes the edited photos from the session, which makes the final cost easier to understand. Confirm the exact number for a shorter booking, since the information specifically gives the 50 to 80 figure per hour.

You receive the photos within 48 hours. In practice, the supplied booking experiences include delivery in less than 24 hours, but 48 hours is the stated expectation you should plan around. That turnaround is handy if you want to post images during the same trip or use them soon after returning home.

Transportation between locations, entry fees for paid places, meals, and drinks are not included. The Times Square and Rockefeller Plaza stops do not require you to buy a meal or attraction ticket as part of the photo session, but you are responsible for getting to the meeting point and handling any separate costs connected with a location you request.

Choosing the right session length

New York City: Photoshoot - Times Square - Choosing the right session length

The listed duration ranges from 15 minutes to one hour. Check the available start times and select the length that fits your group rather than choosing only by price.

Choose 15 minutes if:

  • You want a quick Times Square portrait.
  • Your group is small and ready to pose.
  • You have a tight sightseeing schedule.
  • You mainly want a few social media images.

Choose one hour if:

  • You have a family or group with several people.
  • You want both Times Square and Rockefeller Plaza.
  • You prefer several poses and combinations.
  • You are taking engagement or special-event photos.
  • You want the full stated allowance of 50 to 80 edited photos per hour.

A larger group needs more time simply to arrange itself. If you have six to 10 people, a full hour gives the photographer a fair chance to photograph everyone together and in smaller combinations.

Who will get the most from this experience

New York City: Photoshoot - Times Square - Who will get the most from this experience

This session is a strong fit if you want better photos without organizing the details yourself. Couples can use it for engagement pictures or a polished record of a New York visit. Families get help arranging people, which is much easier than trying to make everyone look toward one phone camera.

It also works for visitors who want photos for social media but do not want to rely on crowded public selfie spots. The service is private, and the photographer handles the technical side while you focus on looking natural and enjoying the moment.

It may be less suitable if you dislike posed photography or want a long walking tour with detailed sightseeing commentary. This is a photo session, not a general city tour. The main product is the finished image set.

You should also think about weather and clothing. The photographer can work in cold, wet conditions, but you may not enjoy standing outside for an hour if you are dressed poorly. Wear shoes you can walk in, check the forecast, and bring clothing that lets you move comfortably.

Booking details worth knowing before you go

New York City: Photoshoot - Times Square - Booking details worth knowing before you go

Cancellation is free up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. You can also reserve now and pay later, which keeps your plans flexible.

The experience is wheelchair accessible, though you should still consider the amount of walking involved and share any practical needs when arranging the session. English, Portuguese, and Spanish are available.

The meeting point is Hard Rock Cafe New York. Transportation is not included, so plan your route there in advance. Since the activity takes place in public Midtown locations, arrive ready to begin rather than expecting a private indoor studio.

Should you book the Times Square photoshoot?

Book it if you want a private, directed photo session with a clear final package. The strongest reasons are Marcio’s experience, his help with poses, the choice of English, Portuguese, or Spanish, and the inclusion of 50 to 80 edited photos without an extra image-buying fee.

I would choose the full hour for families, groups, and engagement photos. The 15-minute option makes sense only if you want a quick Times Square stop and can accept a faster pace.

If all you need is one casual snapshot, the price may not fit your plans. But if you want a useful collection of polished New York images, especially with several people, this is a practical way to get them without asking a stranger to take one hurried picture.

FAQ

Where does the photoshoot begin?

Meet at Hard Rock Cafe New York.

Which locations are included in the stated route?

The stated route includes a photo stop at Times Square and a photo stop at Rockefeller Plaza, near Chip City Rockefeller Plaza, NYC.

How long does the photoshoot last?

The available duration ranges from 15 minutes to one hour. Check the available start times and session length when booking.

How many people can join?

The experience is a private group booking for up to 10 people.

How many edited photos will I receive?

The package states that you will receive 50 to 80 edited photos per hour. You do not need to buy extra photos from the session.

When will I receive the edited photos?

The photos are delivered within 48 hours after the session.

Who is the photographer?

The photographer is Marcio Honorato of Marcio Honorato Photography.

Which languages are available?

The session is available in English, Portuguese, and Spanish.

Is the experience wheelchair accessible?

Yes, the activity is listed as wheelchair accessible. Some walking is involved, so consider your mobility needs when planning.

Can I cancel for a refund?

Yes. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. Reserve now and pay later is also available.

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