Photograph Ellis Island Like a Pro

Level up your Ellis Island photos with a plan for angles, light, and movement. Mix grand spaces with intimate details for a complete visual story.

Shot List

• Harbor Approach — ferry bow framing the islands.
• Liberty Silhouette — from Ellis Island promenade, late afternoon.
• Great Hall Symmetry — centerline from the second‑floor balcony.
• Balcony Portraits — soft window light, flags for context.
• Artifact Close‑ups — tags, trunks, chalk marks, ticket stubs.

Light & Lenses

Golden hour warms the brick; midday is great indoors.

Motion & Wind

• Brace against railings; shoot bursts on the ferry.
• Use higher shutter speeds outdoors; step inside to reset.
• Keep microfiber cloth handy for sea spray.

Composition tip: Include people for scale in the Great Hall; exclude for timelessness — shoot both.