Walking Photo Tours and Street Photography Workshops in NYC

Tour & Street Photography Workshop Reviews

SNYC has had hundreds of very satisfied customers from all over the world on our tours and workshops! See their reviews here and on Trip Advisor.

I have provided walking photo tours and street photography workshops for hundreds of visitors to NYC and New Yorkers alike. These are some of the reviews.
 

Review by John, United Kingdom

I really do need to say a big thank you for taking me on board and guiding me through the streets of New York. I have started to look at the photos and I am reflecting on the time I spent with you. As I reflect, I realise that what you have to offer is invaluable and goes well beyond simply identifying possible photo opportunities. New York was really my first attempt at Street Photography and you taught me so much. I know I was probably more focused on the buildings than the people but I did take in everything you said and I did learn a lot. I came home much wiser and a much better photographer for what you taught me. In the days after the workshop, I found myself using what you had taught me and more importantly looking at what was in front of me with a completely new perspective. I came home a much better photographer and for that I will always be grateful.

As I think back, I will become increasing appreciative of the time you spent taking me to the boxing club, the bar and the street photographer. This added a completly new dimension to my experience and added much depth to my awareness and experiences of the city. Thinking back, these were invaluable occasions and I find myself talking all the time about them. They have certainly become a focal point of my discussions with people. I love being able to say that I met local artists and saw things a typical tourist may not see. I would love to return some day and have you show me more.

You may be interested to know that The New York Times published an article on Thursday 8th Dec about Advent Calendars. The relevance is that they talk about the most expensive one being one produced by Tiffany which is based on the “Equals Pi” work of Basquiat. I was so pleased that you had introduced him to me and had taken me to see the art at his studio. I do not care about the Advent Calendar at $150,000 but I am so pleased to be able to say I was at the door and I saw the work on the wall. A big thing.

Thank you so much again, for everything. You really did make a difference to my skills, my perspective and my insights to the world of art.

December 2021

 

Review by Lucien, The Netherlands

Had a blast during this photo workshop, and some great fun too!

One that was one my bucket lust, and it did not disappoint AT ALL!!

Coincidences have a wonderful way of sneaking into our lives, and recently, one helped me tick a big item off my bucket list: street photography in New York City. As someone who travels the world giving keynotes, I’ve always found joy in taking a little extra time before or after work to explore new places—not just as a speaker, but as a curious observer behind the lens, always carrying a camera with me.

From Landscapes to City Life. For years, my camera has pointed mostly at sweeping landscapes and city skylines. But lately, things have shifted. It’s the rhythm of the city, the architecture, snippets of local life, and above all, the pulse and mood of a place that fascinates me most. There’s something magnetic about immersing yourself in a city’s unique vibe, camera-ready.

A Workshop in the Heart of NYC. A recent assignment in New York presented the perfect opportunity to dive deeper into this passion: A street photography workshop with Leanne Staples , a seasoned local photographer and tour guide in one. We kicked things off with a rich espresso at a lively barista bar tucked inside Grand Central Station, trading stories and laughs before hitting the bustling streets.

Those next few hours? Nothing short of magical. Leanne Staples was my guide through both iconic avenues and hidden corners, teaching me to see—and capture—New York as only a true local could. What surprised me was how easygoing New Yorkers are about having their photos taken, a stark contrast to what I’m used to in Europe! (Trust me, Leanne had some colourful ways of explaining this difference.)

Lessons from the Street : Leanne’s simple yet powerful advice opened my eyes (and camera) to new tricks:

• Play with reflections on glass and steel.

• Try unexpected angles and perspectives.

• Exercise patience—sometimes the perfect subject will step right into your frame if you just wait a moment longer.

Back in my hotel room, I found myself reliving the day, editing photos to enhance the light, contrast, and colour. Those edits sealed the experiences into vivid memories, leaving me hungry for more adventures—whether in New York, Barcelona, Prague, or even my own hometown of Roermond.

Why You Should Give It a Try: If you’re ever in New York and want a blend of mentorship, creative inspiration, and the quick-witted humour only a true New Yorker like Leanne can deliver, she’s the coach you need. Her practical tips, seasoned insights, and playful banter made every minute worthwhile.

Street photography isn’t just about snapping pictures—it’s about capturing the spirit of a place, celebrating its people, and maybe seeing the world (and yourself) from a brand-new angle.

So, next time you’re traveling, set aside a few hours to wander with your camera, like I do. You never know what you’ll find—or how it might change the way you see your surroundings. And be sure to always carry a camera!

ToursLeanne Staples