Manhattanhenge 2019: How to see it, get the best photos

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Thursday, July 11, 2019
How to get the best Manhattanhenge photos
AccuWeather has everything to know about Manhattanhenge, including how to capture the best photos.

Twice a year, the sunset aligns with the buildings in Manhattan in a way so perfect that amateur and professional photographers travel from near and far to capture it.

Manhattanhenge happens on approximately the same two days in May and then again on two days in July every year.

In 2019, the first one was May 29-30 and the second one will be July 12-13. July 12 will be a half-sun Manhattanhenge and July 13 will feature the full sun.

If you want to get a shot worthy of the occasion, follow these tips from AccuWeather:

  • Plan ahead: Be sure to check the weather and stake out your spot well before the sunset. As with any big event in New York City, Manhattanhenge attracts crowds.
  • Pick the right street: Find a street with an unobstructed view of the horizon. NYC Parks has outlined the best streets to witness the moment. They are:57th Street42nd Street34th Street23rd Street14th StreetTudor City Overpass, ManhattanHunter's Point South Park in Long Island City, Queens
  • Bring the right equipment and check your settings: If you really want the perfect shot, bring a tripod and a quality camera. Make sure your settings are ready for the low-light conditions. Pick a high aperture setting such as F/16 and make sure your ISO is the lowest possible for your camera.
  • Experiment with different subjects: Try picking something in the foreground to focus on, such as someone watching the sunset or a fountain. This creates a silhouette for a more appealing shot.