Originally Posted by Flying Ninja

I've shot NYC and this is what I've used.

Canon 5DM3, 70-200mm L
F2.8
ISO 3200
Shutter Priority

You want to find a day when there is zero turbulence and zero haze. You can typically find these conditions after a cold front with a large air mass behind it has passed (typically about a day). This more or less allows you to be in the cold dense air that's typically free of weather and atmospheric particulates and allows for smooth air.

This goes without saying but there's already enough vibration from the engine to ruin a good shot. Therefore, avoid shooting in single shot mode. You're going to want to take a LOT of photos. Out of 50 shots, you might get 1 that's usable. So use continuous shooting mode.

Depending on what type of airplane you are using, consider blockage from the wing. For low wing airplanes, you'll get better shots from low altitudes. For high wing airplanes, you'll get better shots from high altitudes. If you're flying a high wing, you might want to consider flying above bravo over NYC. There's nothing quite like doing turns around a point at 7,500 feet while shooting out the window. If you're looking to shoot the Statue of Liberty, just be aware that there may be other GA airplanes flying around that location as well. Helicopters tend not to be an issue at night as their operations typically stops after sunset. But be alert. Keep in mind that turns around the statue is left turns. A low wing airplane will provide better shots vs. a high wing for the statue. Just stay out of Newark bravo. Circling around the statue will put you very close to the lateral surface boundary of that airspace.

You may consider slow flight. This will reduce blurring. Depending on how good of a shooter you are, blurring is a foregone conclusion in many of your shots that you will take home. Of course, no need to remind you that slow flight puts you closer to stall. If you are going to have a second pilot, have a plan before you launch so that your flight path and your subjects are understood. You do not want to be making last minute decisions as to where to go and what to shoot. The night that I shot, I flew solo, and had a nice headwind from the west to keep me really slow over the ground while I shot.

If you are going to fly above bravo just be careful with all that jet traffic. Just because you're outside of bravo doesn't mean you're in a jet free environment. Get on with NY Approach and explain your needs. If you choose not to talk to them, I highly suggest you get on 125.7 and monitor that frequency as if your life depends on it.

Shoot out the window instead of through it. The plexiglass is just another layer that light has to transmit through. If you can avoid shooting through it, all the better.

Good luck.