For Brooklyn Bridge family photos, go at sunrise: the walkway is at its quietest, the light is soft, and you can get the stone towers and cables behind you without a crowd in every frame. Then walk down into DUMBO for cobblestone streets and waterfront views. Many Brooklyn photographers on Book Holiday Photos shoot outdoors, and a good one will plan the session around safety as much as views.
Why the Brooklyn Bridge is worth the early alarm
The Brooklyn Bridge is one of the most recognizable places in New York. Its granite towers with their pointed arches, the web of steel cables and the wooden walkway raised above the traffic all make for photos that say exactly where you are.
The walkway is also one of the busiest in the city. By mid-morning on a nice day it fills with visitors, tour groups and people commuting on foot. With kids, that means less space and more waiting. At sunrise, it's a different place: mostly runners, a few photographers, and room to breathe.
Sunrise on the bridge
When: plan to be on the walkway around sunrise and finish within the hour. Sunrise times change a lot through the year, from before 6 a.m. in summer to after 7 a.m. in winter, so confirm the exact meeting time with your photographer for your date.
Light: early light is soft and warm, and much kinder to faces than midday sun. It also means kids aren't squinting.
Where on the bridge: the areas near the towers are the most photogenic, with the arches overhead and the cables fanning out. The section closer to the Brooklyn side gives you the Manhattan skyline behind you.
Kids at sunrise: an early start is easier with some ages than others. Babies and toddlers who wake early often do well. School-age kids may need a bribe of breakfast afterward. Teenagers may need a bigger bribe.
Walkway safety with kids
The walkway is shared, narrow in places and busy even early in the morning.
- Stay to the side. Never stop in the middle of the walkway. Pick spots where you can step to the edge without blocking anyone.
- Hold hands with small children. Toddlers can dart off quickly, and people move fast here, including runners. Keep little ones close between photos.
- Watch for anyone on wheels. Cyclists now have a separate lane on the roadway level, but scooters and the occasional bike still appear on the walkway.
- Strollers are possible but awkward in busy moments. A carrier is often easier for babies.
- No climbing. Nobody sits on the railings or climbs anything for a photo, ever.
- Dress for wind. It's often colder and windier on the bridge than on the street. Bring a layer for everyone.
DUMBO streets and the waterfront
DUMBO, the neighborhood at the Brooklyn end of the bridge, is full of old warehouse buildings, cobblestone streets and views of both bridges.
- Washington Street. The famous view of the Manhattan Bridge framed between brick buildings, with the Empire State Building visible through the bridge's arch from the right spot. It's extremely popular, and it's a real street with real cars. Photograph from the sidewalk or when the street is clear, and never stand in traffic.
- Cobblestone side streets. Quieter blocks nearby have the same textured streets and brick walls without the crowd, and work well for walking photos.
- The Archway under the Manhattan Bridge. A large public space beneath the bridge, partly covered, with a dramatic industrial feel. Useful if the weather turns; our rainy day photo plan covers the other options.
The waterfront: Brooklyn Bridge Park
Below DUMBO, Brooklyn Bridge Park runs along the water with views straight across to Lower Manhattan.
- Pebble Beach, a small stretch of shoreline right by the Manhattan Bridge, with the skyline across the water.
- Jane's Carousel, a restored vintage carousel in a glass pavilion by the water. Lovely in the background of a photo, especially when lit.
- Lawns and paths where toddlers can run around between photos.
Rules to check before you go
Different parts of this area are managed by different organizations, and the rules for professional photography differ:
- Brooklyn Bridge Park runs its own film and photography permit system, separate from the city's. Its current rules include site fees, applying in advance and, at the time of writing, permits issued for weekdays only. Check the park's official site for the latest before planning a session there.
- The bridge walkway and DUMBO streets fall under city rules. Requirements depend on things like equipment and location.
These rules change, so part of planning an outdoor session is checking the current requirements for the date and spot. Ask your photographer who handles permits, and check yourself too. If a weekend is your only option, the bridge and DUMBO streets may be a better choice than the park.
Planning one hour here
Treat the bridge and the DUMBO streets just below it as one walk. A realistic hour might look like this:
- Meet near the Brooklyn end of the bridge at sunrise, so the walk to the towers is short.
- 20 to 25 minutes on the walkway near the Brooklyn tower: family together, kids on shoulders, walking photos.
- Walk down into DUMBO, about 10 minutes with kids.
- 20 to 25 minutes on the streets: Washington Street from the sidewalk, quieter cobblestone blocks, the Archway.
Keep it flexible depending on crowds and the kids' energy. Crossing the whole bridge on foot takes longer than people expect, so skip it during a one-hour session.
Quick answers
When is the best time for Brooklyn Bridge family photos?
Sunrise. The walkway is quietest, the light is soft, and you can get photos without crowds behind you.
Is the Brooklyn Bridge safe for photos with small kids?
Yes, with care: stay to the side, hold small hands, and watch for runners and anyone on wheels. Never sit on or climb the railings.
Do you need a permit to take photos in Brooklyn Bridge Park?
Brooklyn Bridge Park runs its own permit system for professional photography, with fees and limited days. Check the park's current rules before your date.
Find your photographer
Browse photographers in Brooklyn who shoot outdoors, and tell them you'd like the bridge and DUMBO. Not sure the early start suits your family? Compare it with outdoor family photos in NYC or our Central Park guide.