I’m Leanne Staples (hello!) an independent licensed New York City tour guide, photographer, artist and writer and I love New York City and photographing it!
I specialize in unique, off the beaten track sightseeing and photography tours, as well as group street photography workshops throughout New York City. I have been providing tours and workshops for about 15 years now to individuals, small and large groups, and even schools.
Read more about how Shoot New York City began (and watch an interview with me on BronxNet Television)
Tours and workshops can be arranged in Harlem, Coney Island, Bushwick, Long Island City, Dumbo and many other neighborhoods throughout all of NYC’s five Boroughs.
Wherever we visit, it’s always about the spirit of place.
Tours and workshops can be customized to your particular desires including urban landscape, abstract, street photography and graffiti tours, to name a few possibilities.
You will also learn about some of NYC's interesting facts and history, and for those that need it, gain valuable assistance with composition and basic camera functions, helping you to achieve your best photos.
My popular street photography workshops cater to photographers of all levels who are interested in learning the art of street photography. These urban photo walks are a great way to explore the city and are ideal for visitors to NYC and New Yorkers alike.
Upcoming Street Photography Workshops
Recent Reviews
My tours and workshops have been loved by hundreds of people, earning me a Travellers Choice award on Trip Advisor in 2020. Here is a small sampling of the many reviews I’ve been given. You can read more of them on my reviews page or on Trip Advisor.
The Deepest New York Experience I Have Had
The tour of Harlem and El Barrio was a journey in the deepest human side of street photography. Thanks to her, I felt so connected to the local people. I love Leanne's approach to photography, the way she made me connect with every corner of the streets, with every building, every light and every shadow in such an immediate and spontaneous way.
Meeting Leanne made me feel I have truly met New York in its deepest essence. She is very knowledgeable of the areas we visited and of the history and culture of this wonderful city. I cannot wait to come back again and have a new tour with her. Highly recommended!
Review by Vincenzo, Cambridge, UK
Newsletters
Curious Frame is a long-form newsletter where I share my thoughts on photography and it is always about ‘seeing with new eyes’.