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NYC photo scavenger hunt: 40 things to find and shoot.
Forty things that say New York, written to be found on public ground in any borough without paying for anything. Print the list, split into teams and shoot. This list is about things. For places, start with the NYC photo spots page.
Printed from rawly.app/nyc-photo-scavenger-hunt
Rules box
- Public ground only. Shoot from sidewalks, parks and plazas. No private property, no trespassing, no climbing.
- Ask before you photograph people. Strangers and children only with a yes. For the people items, shoot hands, backs and silhouettes.
- Keep the subway clear. Never photograph inside the subway in a way that blocks people. Every item here can be shot from the street.
- Stay out of traffic and bike lanes. Shoot from the sidewalk. Never step into the roadway for a frame.
- Nothing costs money. No item needs a ticket or a purchase.
How the hunt works
Choose a start.
Pick a neighbourhood from the NYC photo spots page, or start anywhere. Every item can be found in any borough.
Set a clock.
Give each team the same list and the same time limit, then meet back at one spot.
Shoot it live.
One frame per item is enough. Take it where you find it, not from a gallery.
Where to start: 40 public photo spots across the five boroughs.
The 40 things
Numbered 1 to 40 in six groups. Tick them off as you shoot, on paper or on screen.
Streets
Buildings
Transit
Water and bridges
People and life
Details
Scoring idea for teams
- 1 point per item. One clear frame of the item counts.
- Bonus for a double. One shot that holds two items scores 3 points instead of 2, so find the frames that overlap.
- Best frame bonus. When time is up, vote on the best frame of each group. The winner of each group scores 1 extra point.
- Tie-break. If teams tie, the team with the most doubles wins.
Play it on Rawly
In Rawly, start a club round on a topic, such as steam and water towers. Everyone shoots live in the app within the round's time, and those who shot vote for the best frame. There are no gallery uploads and no filters.
Rawly is free on iOS and Android, for people 18 and over. This list is for anyone.
More: NYC photo spots · NYC photo walks · photo scavenger hunt · photo clubs
Questions
What should be on a NYC photo scavenger hunt list?
Things that are typical of the city and free to find on public ground: water towers, fire escapes, brownstone stoops, steam from the street, yellow cabs, bridge cables and deli signs. The 40 on this page are grouped into streets, buildings, transit, water and bridges, people and life, and details.
How do you score a photo scavenger hunt?
Give 1 point per item and a bonus for one shot that holds two items. When time is up, vote on the best frame of each group and give its team 1 extra point. Count doubles to break a tie.
How long should a photo scavenger hunt take?
Plan 90 minutes for 10 to 12 items, or half a day for all 40. Set a clock, give every team the same list and meet back at one spot.
Can kids do it?
The list is for anyone, and families can use it with an adult along. Strangers and children are photographed only with a yes. The Rawly app is for people 18 and over.
Do I need a permit for a photo scavenger hunt in NYC?
Generally, permits are not required for casual photographers or tourists, according to the Mayor's Office of Media and Entertainment. Stay on public ground with a hand-held phone or camera and do not claim exclusive use of City property.