There are countless reasons why you should shoot your film or photo project in the Hudson Valley and Catskills region of New York State, but finding the perfect spot can be an overwhelming task. The Hudson Valley offers numerous locations of historical significance and natural beauty, from high-profile cityscapes to off-the-beaten-path gems hidden away from the public eye. Here are some tips to help you find your ideal film or photo shoot location in the Hudson Valley and Catskills.
What is the Hudson Valley?
The Hudson Valley is an hour north of New York City and is one of the most well-known regions in America. The iconic landscape has served as the backdrop for many award-winning films, as well as millions of photographs. There are endless places to shoot here, but with so many options, it can be difficult to know where to go. Fear not!
Rockland County – Nyack
Rockland County is bordered by Orange County, New York to the north, Putnam County to the west, Westchester County to the south, and Columbia County to the east. The county has several diverse geographies including dense suburban areas of just a few acres to mountain ranges with gorges hundreds of feet deep. The rock formations in the area have been date back to two billion years ago. The range of natural diversity combined with excellent infrastructure makes this an excellent location for film or photo shoots. Rockland offers easy access to major highways as well as trains which can transport your gear quickly and affordably anywhere you need it to go while still being close enough to NYC that filming or photography on location there would be much easier than in other rural locations further upstate or downstate.
Putnam County – Yorktown, Carmel, Patterson
If you’re looking for a bit of country living, Putnam County is worth exploring. There are plenty of outdoor activities to be enjoyed at parks like Sunken Meadow and Main Lodge Park. From city life to scenic natural wonders, there’s something for everyone here. The towns of Patterson and Carmel are perfect if you want a little more urban feel, while Yorktown has that rural charm. With so many great options, it might be hard to choose just one! It all depends on what type of location your film or photo shoot needs – we have everything from lush forests to suburban areas with some industry. That’s why our website offers an interactive map with all these locations laid out on the map – no matter where you live in the Hudson Valley and Catskills, we have a place for you!
Dutchess County – Rhinebeck, Red Hook, Garrison
Choosing a great location for your shoot can make or break your photo shoot. The Hudson Valley, with its mix of old-world charm and modern amenities, is just perfect for this. You could find yourself shooting on a dock at the historical Hudson Riverfront Maritime Museum in Rhinebeck, capturing high-school grads coming out of an Indian castle in Red Hook, or traveling up to Garrison to photograph newlyweds at a mansion overlooking the lush green hills of the Hudson River.
Ulster County – Woodstock, New Paltz
Woodstock has been a top draw for decades, with its legendary status being revived time and again. It is best known for its popular music festivals that still occur every year, attracting thousands of visitors. Nearby are other hotspots like New Paltz. A sister city to Woodstock, it’s a great place to visit any time of year thanks to its charming downtown full of boutique shops, restaurants, inns, and hotels – not to mention opportunities for engagement photos or family portraits.
Sullivan County – Liberty, Monticello, Chazy
Sullivan County is a scenic location with a rich history and is home to the Chazy Generating Station, a landmark known for its red brick towers. With many different iconic landscapes, you’re sure to find your perfect shooting location! From Kingston to Liberty, there are plenty of outdoor activities that can make your shoot even more interesting! One great spot is Stewart Park located on Route 52 in Liberty; enjoy the amazing views of the valley while hiking through this beautiful park.
Greene County – Windham
Windham is a destination for nature lovers, artists, music festival attendees, and anyone looking to get away from it all. It’s also a great place to find a stunning location for your next photo shoot or film production. With stunning mountain views, vast fields of lush greenery, quaint shops with sidewalk cafe’s on Main Street, and beautiful homes with trees that line each side of the road- Windham has something special for everyone.
Columbia County – Fort Ann, Hudson Falls
Fort Ann is a small town just outside of Watervliet, New York. It is on the Mohawk River, with a beautiful stone bridge that crosses it. This is one of my favorite shots to take when I’m photographing at Fort Ann. Fort Ann also has a mill (ironically located next to an overpass), and plenty of old warehouses you can choose from for filming your scene. Nearby, there are many different lakes that could be used as backdrops – including Hammond Lake, which is popular with fishermen. Fort Ann also offers some residential areas perfect for smaller scenes such as people walking down the street or sitting on their porch swing.
Delaware County – Delhi
Delaware County is great for families that want to escape the hustle and bustle of a big city while still having the conveniences of modern life nearby. If you are considering Delaware County as your film or photo shoot location, there are many beautiful historic homes throughout our region. For photographers looking for modern rustic, see what we have to offer with scenic views of rolling hills, farmland, waterfalls, valleys, and mountains. The best way to find out more about these opportunities is by contacting us.
Alluvion Media + Alluvion Vacations – Providing the Best Film and Photo Shoot Locations in the Hudson Valley and Catskills
Alluvion Media provides a number of photography and film locations in the Hudson Valley and Catskills. We represent some of the most iconic properties in the region with a track record of working with top production companies from around the World on film, video, photography, advertising, art, and other productions.
Whether you are looking for a quaint mountain town, abandoned farmhouse, industrial backdrop, cityscape, or anything in between, Alluvion Media has a location to suit your needs.
From concept sketches to set design, our team of creative professionals work alongside you every step of the way to make your vision come true.
We are here to provide a number of photography and film locations in the Hudson Valley and Catskills. Give us a call at 845-518-2750 or log on to alluvionmedia.com today!
