The Ultimate SUMMIT One Vanderbilt Photography Guide

A New York City sunset is remarkable on its own, but at SUMMIT One Vanderbilt, city sunsets are truly transformative. With its sweeping panoramic views, mirrored surfaces, and breathtaking height, SUMMIT offers amateur and professional photographers alike a unique opportunity to capture the magic of the city in its most stunning light.

This guide will walk you through practical sunset photography tips, technical advice, and insider tricks to help you make the most of this extraordinary location.

Why SUMMIT is the Ideal Spot for Photography

High above Midtown Manhattan, SUMMIT One Vanderbilt offers a front-row seat to some of the most breathtaking sunsets in the city. Its prime location provides an unparalleled vantage point, making it a dream destination for skyscraper photography. With clear glass walls, mirrored floors, and an open-air terrace, SUMMIT offers stunning perspectives of landmarks like the One World Trade Center, the historic Brooklyn Bridge, and the rolling greens of Roosevelt Island—all bathed in the golden hues of dusk.

Guests who have visited SUMMIT have described it as “a dreamscape,” with its reflective surfaces amplifying the colors of a New York City sunset. Whether you’re capturing the golden light of dusk or the deep blues of twilight, SUMMIT’s interactive experience offers endless angles for creative exploration. For those seeking rare opportunities, SUMMIT also hosts events like World Photography Day in August, where visitors can photograph NYC at sunrise—a once-a-year chance to see the city bathed in golden morning light.

Golden Hour and Blue Hour Tips

Timing is everything when it comes to photographing a sunset. Here’s how to make the most of SUMMIT’s skyline views during golden hour and blue hour, respectively:

Golden Hour (The Last Hour Before Sunset): The warm, golden tones of this hour are perfect for capturing the city in a soft, glowing light. At SUMMIT, the sun often reflects off the glass buildings, creating stunning highlights and natural lens flares.

Positioning: The outdoor terraces are ideal for wide-angle shots, with unobstructed views of the most iconic New York City landmarks. For reflective shots, head to Transcendence to capture the sunset bouncing off mirrored walls and ceilings.

Settings: Photographer Danny Barrera recommends bringing both a telephoto lens and a wide-angle lens—such as a 24-70mm or 14-24mm—to capture the full range of perspectives at SUMMIT. Alternatively, even a phone camera can produce stunning shots from this breathtaking vantage point.

Blue Hour (20–30 Minutes After Sunset): As the city lights flicker and the sky turns a deep hue, SUMMIT becomes even more magical. The contrast between the illuminated skyline and the darkening sky makes for dramatic compositions.

Positioning: Glass-bottomed ledges in Levitation let you frame the city’s sparkling streets below, while the outdoor terrace captures the full scope of the glowing Manhattan skyline.

Settings: Barrera emphasizes the importance of adjusting to the ever-changing light, recommending high ISOs and fast lenses to capture the moment creatively. You can also experiment with different exposures and embrace the dynamic atmosphere.

Composition Tips for Stunning Skyline Shots

To elevate your photos, focus on creative compositions that highlight both the skyline and SUMMIT’s unique architectural elements:

1. Use Reflections for Depth and Drama

The mirrored floors, ceilings, and walls in many of SUMMIT’s rooms allow for dynamic framing. Experiment with symmetry by aligning the skyline within the reflections or creating abstract shots where the city appears infinite.

2. Frame Iconic Landmarks

Use architectural elements like railings or glass walls to frame iconic landmarks and far-reaching scenery to create a sense of scale and perspective. Leading lines—such as building edges or nearby skyscrapers—can naturally draw the viewer’s eye to your chosen focal point.

3. Incorporate People for Storytelling

Add a human element by capturing silhouettes of other visitors against the skyline or the reflections in Unity. Capturing nearby action helps create a greater emotional tie to photos while further emphasizing the connection many people share with New York City.

4. Capture Motion:

During the blue hour, try long exposure shots of the streets below to capture light trails from passing cars. The glass-bottomed ledges in Levitation provide a perfect vantage point for even more Instagram-worthy photos.

A Once-in-a-Year Opportunity to Enjoy Sunrise at SUMMIT

While SUMMIT is famous for its sunsets, photographers have a rare chance to capture sunrise views during the annual World Photography Day event in August. Watching the city awaken with the first rays of sunlight is an unforgettable moment in time.

From the outdoor terrace, you can watch as the sun rises behind the East River, casting warm light across Manhattan’s skyline. If you’re lucky, you might even catch a sea of clouds rolling in around the surrounding skyscrapers—a sight few get to witness.

Of course, any time at SUMMIT is an opportunity to capture unforgettable photos. Whether it’s the golden glow of sunrise, the crisp clarity of midday, or the full-sun brilliance of lunch hour, each moment transforms the space into something new—drenched in light, reflection, and limitless perspective.

Plan Your Visit to SUMMIT Today

Whether you’re an experienced photographer or simply looking to improve your skills, SUMMIT One Vanderbilt offers endless opportunities to capture the magic of a New York City sunset. From its panoramic views to its innovative design, every angle is a masterpiece waiting to be framed.

Book your tickets today and discover why SUMMIT is the ultimate destination for sunset photography, unforgettable skyline shots, and once-in-a-lifetime moments.