To begin with, to shoot in New York City is a dream come true. It is the city of Woody Allen’s movies and Frank Sinatra’s songs. Here is the most iconic spot to eat your breakfast, like Audrey Hepburn did in “Breakfast at Tiffany's”. Every corner speaks for itself and inspires you for something amazing.

But shooting a portrait session in NYC can be tricky. No doubt there are lots of great locations. Yet, with a great place to shoot usually comes a great amount of people too (hello, each and everyone of almost 20 million people). Depending on the season, tourists flock to the city. Sometimes, let's be honest, crowds can spoil the whole experience of this magical megapolis. But there are couple months a year you can take the advantage of almost empty streets of one of the busiest places in the world.

Today I want to share with you my top 5 photography locations to shoot a Portrait Session in one of the most photogenic neighborhoods of New York City - West Village.

1. The corner of Grove St and Bedford St.

You all know this location! Unless you were born on another planet and don't know what a TV is. It is one of most recognized apartment building in the world. A place where all the kids of the 90's wanted to hang out. I'm talking about the apartment building featured in the show “Friends”. Remember Ross and Rachel? Monica and Chandler? Phoebe and Joey? I bet you do. Because of the wild popularity of "Friends", fans from all over the world gather here to gaze at the well-known hangout spot and make some pictures. Lots of pictures. Millions of pictures. But this can actually be very handy to you! While everyone is looking at one direction you can look at the opposite one. Charming houses of Grove St can be the perfect background to your portraits.

My top 5 PHOTOGRAPHY LOCATIONS in West Village.

2. Gay St.

A little stroll through the Grove St., will bring you to the Gay St. This is a nice peaceful tiny little block with the most photogenic exterior. Pro tip: a dumpster can spice up any photoshoot. And might be rewarding at the end.

3. Perry St.

Another well-known apartment is located here. Carrie Bradshaw from “Sex and the City” used to show off her high-end outfits on the front steps of one of the buildings here. It's a nice location with almost no people around. Just a bunch of girls here and there. You can get really creative! Keep in mind that people live here, so don't forget and follow the etiquette while shooting.

4. The corner of W 4th St and W 11 St.

One more charming street in the heart of West Village. The red brick of the buildings can create a very urban feeling and spice up any Portrait Photoshoot. Green leaves crawling up the walls are especially lovely in the summertime. Pro tip: stay hydrated all the time while shooting, especially in summer. Fun fact: I almost fainted making the portraits below.

5. Commerce St.

The street is lined with quintessential West Village townhouses. It gives you a vibe from one of the old movies about NYC. Very romantic and charming spot for your next Couples Photoshoot.

To sum up. West village is beautiful! If you want to achieve this charming movie feeling in your photos, Greenwich village is the right place. Plus, unlike many other neighborhoods in the city is typically not too crowded, which gives you more opportunity to get creative.

Have your own favorite spots in this neighborhood? Feel free to share them in the comments below!