In 2025, New York City photographer Kien Quan implemented a unique strategy to capture Manhattanhenge, an event known for attracting tens of thousands of people. Despite the widespread anticipation for the celestial alignment, Quan's efforts, like many others, were ultimately affected by unexpected cloud cover, highlighting the unpredictable nature of outdoor photography.
Key Takeaways
- Manhattanhenge draws immense crowds, making prime photography spots difficult to secure.
- Photographer Kien Quan used a 20-foot monopod to gain an elevated perspective above the crowd.
- Despite careful planning, 2025's Manhattanhenge event was largely obscured by clouds.
- The event occurs twice annually, around May 30 and July 12, when the setting sun aligns with Manhattan's street grid.
Navigating the Manhattanhenge Phenomenon
Manhattanhenge is a highly anticipated photographic event in New York City. It occurs when the setting sun aligns precisely with the city's east-west street grid. This alignment bathes the streets in a unique golden light, creating a dramatic visual.
However, the popularity of Manhattanhenge also means significant crowds. Thousands of people gather on specific cross streets, often hours in advance, hoping to get the perfect shot. This creates a challenging environment for photographers.
Event Crowds
According to photographer Kien Quan, tens of thousands of people typically fill the streets during Manhattanhenge. Many hold smartphones and professional cameras, all vying for a clear view.
Kien Quan's Innovative Approach
For the 2025 Manhattanhenge event, photographer Kien Quan devised an unconventional method to overcome the crowd challenge. He arrived with an exceptionally long monopod, extending approximately 20 feet into the air.
Quan's setup involved mounting his camera body and a telephoto lens atop this tall monopod. This allowed him to position his camera high above the heads of the assembled crowd, theoretically providing an unobstructed view of the sunset.
"It’s a flash mob of traffic violations, it’s the poop cruise for photographers who drop $200 on presets made by a chatbot… And I’m no better."
— Kien Quan, Photographer
Despite his humorous self-assessment, Quan's strategy aimed to capture an image that would be impossible for those standing at street level. He openly acknowledged the significant financial investment in his equipment, stating his setup cost around $5,000.
The Risk of Elevated Photography
Using such an extensive monopod posed inherent risks. Quan expressed understandable nervousness about the stability of his expensive camera gear at such a height. Precision was critical to ensure the camera remained secure while capturing images.
After carefully selecting his camera settings, Quan patiently awaited the moment the sun would align. His unique vantage point was expected to give him a significant advantage over other photographers.
Manhattan's Unique Grid
Manhattan's street grid is rotated about 30 degrees east from true geographic north. This specific orientation is why Manhattanhenge does not coincide with the equinoxes or solstices, unlike Stonehenge, from which the event draws its name.
Unexpected Cloud Cover Deters Efforts
Despite Quan's meticulous planning and innovative equipment, the 2025 Manhattanhenge event encountered a major setback. Just as the sun was about to align, heavy clouds moved in, obscuring the view.
The sudden appearance of the clouds disappointed thousands of onlookers and photographers. Many had waited for hours, some reportedly up to 12 hours, to witness the rare spectacle.
"The next thing you know, clouds blanket the sky. People still push, cameras still click in full disbelief that everyone who came out was bamboozled by the weatherman."
— Kien Quan, Photographer
Quan showed the photograph he managed to capture at the end of his video. When compared to images of what a clear Manhattanhenge looks like, his photo clearly illustrated the impact of the cloud cover. The dramatic effect of the sun illuminating the street was absent.
Optimal Viewing Locations
Wider cross streets in Manhattan offer the best views for Manhattanhenge. These include 14th Street, 34th Street, 42nd Street, and 57th Street.
Understanding Manhattanhenge
Manhattanhenge is a biannual event where the setting sun aligns precisely with Manhattan's east-west street grid. This creates a striking visual effect as the sun illuminates the north and south sides of every cross street.
The event typically occurs around May 30 and July 12 each year. While the exact dates can vary slightly, it usually takes place near the Memorial Day holiday in May and close to the Major League Baseball All-Star Break in July.
- May Alignment: Occurs in late May.
- July Alignment: Occurs in mid-July.
The name "Manhattanhenge" is a nod to Stonehenge in England, where the sun aligns with ancient stones during the solstices. However, due to Manhattan's specific street grid orientation, its alignment dates differ from the astronomical equinoxes and solstices.
While the 2025 event was largely a disappointment for many due to the weather, photographers and enthusiasts are expected to return in large numbers for the 2026 alignments, hoping for clear skies to capture the iconic New York phenomenon.