Old Westbury Gardens sits on a large estate in Old Westbury on Long Island, offering a mix of grand architecture, formal gardens, and landscaped grounds that feel worlds away from nearby New York City. At the center of the property is Westbury House, a stately mansion completed in 1906 for the Phipps family. The house reflects English country estate design, with red brick walls, tall chimneys, and long symmetrical façades. Surrounding it are carefully designed gardens, tree lined paths, ponds, and open lawns that stretch across more than 200 acres. Because the estate blends architecture and landscape so well, photographers can move easily between detailed garden scenes and wide estate views. The variety of settings makes Old Westbury Gardens one of the most versatile photography locations on Long Island.
Best Photography Opportunities
• The Grand South Lawn –
One of the most recognizable views on the estate is from the wide lawn behind Westbury House. From this position, the mansion rises above the garden terraces with clean symmetry and open space in front of it. A wide lens works well to capture the full façade while still including the surrounding landscape. Early morning light often illuminates the rear of the house and brings out the warm tones in the brick. Keeping part of the lawn in the foreground adds depth and helps emphasize the scale of the building. This is the classic composition that shows the estate in its most balanced form.
• The Walled Garden Paths –
The Walled Garden offers a completely different atmosphere from the open lawns. Narrow paths run between flower beds, trellises, and climbing plants that change with the seasons. A mid range lens works well here because it allows you to frame garden pathways leading toward fountains or architectural elements. During spring and summer, the garden becomes filled with color and texture. Early morning light filtering through the plants can create soft shadows across the stone paths. These scenes feel more intimate and detailed compared to the wider estate views.
• Reflecting Pools and Garden Statues –
Several formal water features on the estate provide reflection opportunities, especially when the water surface is calm. Photographing statues or garden structures reflected in the pool can create symmetrical compositions. Shooting from a low angle near the waterline strengthens the reflection and reduces background distractions. Overcast conditions often work well because they keep highlights under control and maintain even tones across the water surface. A longer focal length can help isolate reflections without including too much surrounding space.
• Tree Lined Paths –
The estate includes long avenues lined with mature trees that create natural leading lines. These paths are especially strong when photographed from the center, allowing the trees to form a tunnel like frame toward the distance. A moderate wide lens works best to emphasize the repeating trunks and canopy overhead. In autumn the leaves turn vibrant shades of yellow and orange, dramatically changing the color palette of these scenes. Early morning light can filter through the branches and create layered shadows along the path.
• Sunset Light on the Mansion –
Late afternoon and early evening light can create warm tones across the brick walls of Westbury House. As the sun lowers, shadows deepen along the building's architectural details and chimneys. A mid range zoom helps refine the framing of the house while adjusting for changing light conditions. If the sky has some cloud texture, it can add visual interest above the mansion without overpowering the composition. A tripod may help as the light fades and exposures become longer.
Best Time to Visit
Spring through early autumn offers the most colorful garden displays. Spring brings blooming flowers and fresh greenery throughout the Walled Garden and surrounding grounds. Summer provides full foliage and long daylight hours, though it can also bring larger crowds.
Autumn is especially rewarding for photography because many trees across the estate change color. Warm tones in the landscape pair nicely with the red brick of Westbury House. Early morning remains the best time for quieter conditions and softer light. Late afternoon is ideal for photographing the mansion as the sun lowers and adds warmth to the architecture.
How to Get There
Old Westbury Gardens is located in Old Westbury on Long Island, New York. The estate sits about 25 miles east of Manhattan and can be reached by car via the Long Island Expressway or Northern State Parkway. The estate is open seasonally (April to October) so check their website before planning your photography outing.
Parking is available on site for visitors. The gardens require an entrance ticket to access the grounds. Once inside, walking paths connect the house, gardens, and larger landscaped areas across the estate. Because the property is large, comfortable walking shoes are recommended for exploring different viewpoints. If you would like to shoot for a professional reason (engagement, family portraits, weddings etc) you need to request a permit atleast two weeks in advance.
Recommended Photography Gear
A wide lens is useful for capturing the mansion and large garden landscapes. A mid range zoom offers flexibility when photographing architectural details and garden scenes. A telephoto lens can help isolate statues, fountains, and distant architectural features across the estate.
A tripod can be helpful for sunrise or sunset sessions and when photographing reflections in the water features. A polarizer can reduce glare on water surfaces and deepen the sky on clear days. Since much of the photography involves walking between different gardens and lawns, carrying a lightweight kit makes moving around the property easier.
Nearby Photography Locations
• Sagamore Hill National Historic Site
was the home of President Theodore Roosevelt and sits on a scenic property overlooking Oyster Bay. The house and surrounding landscape offer strong historical and architectural photography opportunities. Walking trails also provide coastal views nearby.
• Planting Fields Arboretum State Historic Park
features formal gardens, greenhouses, and historic estate buildings. Seasonal plant displays and landscaped grounds provide year round photography opportunities. The estate's architecture pairs well with garden compositions.
includes several historic mansions and large open lawns overlooking Long Island Sound. The castle like Hempstead House is particularly striking for architectural photography. The property also offers coastal views and wooded trails.
provides quieter garden landscapes with walking paths and open meadows. The grounds are especially attractive during spring and autumn. It offers a more relaxed environment compared to larger estate gardens.
features forest trails, rocky shoreline, and elevated views over Hempstead Harbor. It offers a mix of woodland and coastal landscape photography. Sunset light over the harbor can be particularly rewarding.
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