Manhattanhenge 2025: Capture the Perfect Sunset with These Expert Tips
Manhattanhenge, the twice-a-year phenomenon where the setting sun aligns perfectly with Manhattan's street grid, is back! While Thursday's initial showing faced cloud cover, anticipation is building for the next opportunity to witness this breathtaking spectacle. Learn how to capture the perfect Manhattanhenge photo with insights from a seasoned photographer.
Gary Hershorn, the director of photography for ABC News Digital, has been a dedicated Manhattanhenge observer for over a decade. He shared his expert tips with the New York Times, helping photographers – amateur and professional alike – get ready to document this magnificent show.
Hershorn emphasizes the importance of checking the forecast. While Wednesday evening was a "bust" due to overcast skies, there's hope for better visibility. And if you miss it this week, there will be a second opportunity in July.
Finding the perfect vantage point is key. Hershorn recommends double-wide streets with traffic in both directions, such as 14th, 34th, or 42nd Streets. He once favored 34th Street to capture the Empire State Building in the foreground, but new construction has since obstructed the view. 42nd Street remains a reliable option.
The Park Avenue bridge next to Grand Central Terminal offers elevation, but be prepared for crowds and potential interference from police managing traffic. Hershorn's preferred spot is a one-way bridge across 42nd Street between First and Second Avenue, though the view has narrowed due to tree growth. Plan to arrive early, as spots fill up quickly.
Consider shooting from outside of Manhattan. For a "reverse Manhattanhenge" sunrise during the winter, Weehawken, New Jersey, offers an ideal perspective. Queens might also work for a sunset view, but the United Nations building could obstruct the foreground.
Surprisingly, smartphones can sometimes produce better Manhattanhenge photos than traditional cameras. Smartphones' HDR function balances light more effectively, capturing both the bright sun and the details of the street.
"It’s one of those moments where the phone can actually produce a better quality image than a camera does,” Hershorn said.
Don't just focus on the sun; capture the scene. Hershorn encourages photographers to embrace the chaotic energy of Manhattanhenge: “It’s a scene that you want to capture. It’s a scene that you want to be a part of, like a party.”
He added that 42nd street becomes “hysterical” during Manhattanhenge with the sounds of taxi cabs and people trying to navigate through the crowd.
Manhattanhenge is more than just a photo opportunity; it’s a chance to pause and appreciate the beauty of our urban landscape. As Hershorn says, “All I want to say to them is, just stop your life for five minutes and watch. Don’t be in such a hurry to get somewhere. The people are not moving. So calm down, open your car door, stand up and just watch.”
Will you be trying to capture Manhattanhenge this year? What are your favorite vantage points? Share your thoughts and photos in the comments below!
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