blizzard

Photographing New York in Winter

Winter in New York City can be a harsh time to be here. Endlessly dark months and bitterly cold temperatures seem to drag on forever and force us to be mostly indoors. There is beauty to be found even during these darker months, however. Over the years I’ve found it creatively necessary to go out in inclement weather and hunt for images. When there’s a snow storm I see it as a limited window of time where everything visually familiar about the city changes in unexpected ways. It’s like being in live painting or an apocalyptic movie set.

There’s a thrill of anticipation of what a familiar spot might look like under particular weather conditions. I’ve found the experience of just being out there very creatively fulfilling.

Here’s a collection of some of my favorite stills from exploring during winter storms over the years. Some of these images haven’t been shared before. Hope you like them!

Times Square New York City Winter Snow Storm Street Photography by Eric Van Nynatten

Times Square, New York City, Winter 2022

Tribeca Soho New York City Winter Blizzard Snow Storm Street Photography by Eric Van Nynatten

TriBeCa, New York City, Winter 2021

Times Square New York City Winter Snow Storm Street Photography by Eric Van Nynatten

Times Square, New York City, Winter 2020

Times Square New York City Winter Snow Storm Street Photography by Eric Van Nynatten

Times Square, New York City, Winter 2017

Dumbo Brooklyn Manhattan Bridge Umbrella New York City Winter Blizzard Snow Storm Street Photography by Eric Van Nynatten

Dumbo, Brooklyn, Winter 2017

Times Square New York City Winter Snow Storm Street Photography by Eric Van Nynatten

Times Square, New York City, Winter 2017

The Roxy Hotel Tribeca Soho New York City Winter Blizzard Snow Storm Street Photography by Eric Van Nynatten

TriBeCa, New York City, Winter 2021

Times Square New York City Winter Snow Storm Street Photography by Eric Van Nynatten

Times Square, New York, Winter 2020

Tribeca Soho New York City Winter Blizzard Snow Storm Street Photography by Eric Van Nynatten

TriBeCa, New York City, Winter 2021

Radio City Music Hall New York City Winter Snow Storm Street Photography by Eric Van Nynatten

Radio City Music Hall, New York City, Winter 2017

Lower East Side New York City Winter Snow Storm Street Photography by Eric Van Nynatten

Chinatown, New York City, Winter 2022

Times Square New York City Winter Snow Storm Street Photography by Eric Van Nynatten

Times Square, New York, Winter 2022

Downtown Manhattan Woolworth Building New York City Winter Snow Storm Street Photography by Eric Van Nynatten

Downtown, New York City, Winter 2022

You can shop for prints here.

For more work you can check out my Instagram - @ericvannynatten

Blog: Observations part 3

I revisited these images recently from a photo walk I did back in winter 2018.

I had wanted to photograph the court houses in downtown Manhattan during a snowstorm for a while. I didn’t know exactly how I would approach photographing this location or what exactly I’d find but It’s alway a bit of an adventure and exploring options is what fascinates me most about this kind of photography.

This a walkthrough and a bit of the thought process behind each image.

All images shot on iPhone 8 Plus and processed using VSCO and Snapseed.


It didn’t snow as heavily as I wouldn’t liked but the area was empty and quiet.

It didn’t snow as heavily as I wouldn’t liked but the area was empty and quiet.

A closer look at the pillars. I wanted to include them in the composition but that will prove difficult.

A closer look at the pillars. I wanted to include them in the composition but that will prove difficult.

Moved on from trying to include the full height of the structure. Decided to shoot from behind so the pillars could ‘‘frame’’ the subject instead.

Moved on from trying to include the full height of the structure. Decided to shoot from behind so the pillars could ‘‘frame’’ the subject instead.

A little more pulled back. I love the ridges and shadows so this composition gave a closer view of them which I thought worked quite well. My issue now was the fence that I didn’t like being in the shot.

A little more pulled back. I love the ridges and shadows so this composition gave a closer view of them which I thought worked quite well. My issue now was the fence that I didn’t like being in the shot.

Wide lens view. Waiting for different subjects to walk past as usual.

Wide lens view. Waiting for different subjects to walk past as usual.

Wide lens view.

Wide lens view.

I notice the snow accumulating on the base of the pillars and it works quite well. How to incorporate it into the composition?

I notice the snow accumulating on the base of the pillars and it works quite well. How to incorporate it into the composition?

Closeup view of the snow. Fixes the fence problem too.

Closeup view of the snow. Fixes the fence problem too.

Then three subjects with colored umbrellas come by.

Then three subjects with colored umbrellas come by.

Got my shot!

Got my shot!

Another option with a lone subject but I tend to prefer a pop of color.

Another option with a lone subject but I tend to prefer a pop of color.

Moving on to another spot further down the street. I always see if the same composition concept applies at another spot too. I love the Woolworth Building and I can’t help but photograph it every time I’m near.

Moving on to another spot further down the street. I always see if the same composition concept applies at another spot too. I love the Woolworth Building and I can’t help but photograph it every time I’m near.

E337AB3F-747A-4E52-9667-2B5A3127BBAA.JPG
A little more pulled back

A little more pulled back

Love the arches just around the corner.

Love the arches just around the corner.

I love the the City Hall subway entrance, especially the old steel lettering. Hard to incorporate it into a workable composition but here’s my quick attempt.

I love the the City Hall subway entrance, especially the old steel lettering. Hard to incorporate it into a workable composition but here’s my quick attempt.

Hope you enjoyed the walkthrough and a little peak into my process. 

For more work you can check out my Instagram

Instagram - @ericvannynatten