8 Rooftop Photoshoot Ideas (That Are Safe for Everyone!)

Editor’s Key Takeaways: Explore rooftopping’s thrilling history and discover safer, inspiring locations for your photography.

Angela Nikoulau, Russian Rooftopper, Photographer and Model

“Rooftopping” emerged a decade ago, showcasing daring heights through dangerous selfies taken on skyscraper ledges, bridges, or construction cranes. This extreme selfie trend features individuals like Angela Nikolau, known as “The Girl Who Takes the World’s Riskiest Photos.” As a self-taught photographer and urban explorer, her passion for rooftopping has earned her over 1 million Instagram followers.

However, rooftopping doesn’t always involve dangerous thrill-seeking. With the evolution of smartphone photography and social media, it is possible to produce viral-worthy photos safely. Creativity is essential, and there are numerous inspiring locations to safely capture stunning images.

  • The history and origins of rooftopping
  • Features of the world’s riskiest selfie-taker
  • The consequences of rooftopping gone wrong
  • Inspiring and safe photoshoot locations like apartment rooftops, balconies, city parking garages, infinity pools, rooftop gardens, fire escapes, landmark skyscrapers, and warehouse or industrial settings.

Introduction

A decade ago, a wild trend began to surface online: photos of individuals dangling their feet over rooftop ledges of skyscrapers, standing atop bridge towers, or precariously perched on construction cranes. This phenomenon, known as “rooftopping,” arose from photographers and adventurers searching for ever-more shocking and extreme selfie locations, moving beyond the typical rooftop photoshoot.

If you need a visual reference, a quick Google image search for “rooftopping” will reveal how extreme the trend can get. One prominent example is:

That’s Angela Nikolau, a young Russian model and photographer who has gained significant recognition online, earning the title of “The Girl Who Takes the World’s Riskiest Photos.” As a self-taught photographer and urban explorer, her high-risk images have attracted over one million followers on Instagram.

But is it possible to capture these vertigo-inducing shots without resorting to daredevil tactics?

Yes, you can still capture stunning aerial and panoramic cityscapes without putting your life at risk. With smartphone photography and social media, almost anyone can take and share a viral-worthy photo. Creativity is key, and we have some inspiring rooftop photoshoot ideas that don’t require scaling or sneaking onto high places.

But first, let’s delve into a little history on rooftopping…

The Origin of Rooftopping and the Next Generation

Margaret Bourke-White atop the Chrysler Building. c. 1930 in black and white.
Margaret Bourke-White atop the Chrysler Building. c. 1930

Rooftopping, or roofing, has existed long before the past decade. Iconic photographs of skyscraper views can be traced back to the late 1800s and early 1900s. Notably, photographers like Margaret Bourke-White captured breathtaking aerial views, pioneering this unique angle of urban storytelling.

Initially, it was about capturing stunning city shots from high vantage points with a moderate level of risk—not the heart-stopping images we see today. These historical images aimed to showcase breathtaking cityscapes—elevated views of bustling urban life and beautiful architecture. In contrast, today’s trend often focuses on shock value and adrenaline.

Typically, these images are taken by individuals lacking climbing experience, all in pursuit of a photo that can be shared on social media to demonstrate their daring exploits. The risk is magnified by a lack of safety measures, which has led to tragic accidents.

Some argue that these photos intend to showcase incredible cityscapes from unique perspectives, suggesting that these “daredevils” are adventurous urban explorers and avant-garde photographers. However, others contend that many high-climbing selfie-takers are merely thrill-seekers hoping for instant fame on the internet, often disregarding their safety.

The World’s Riskiest Selfie-Taker

Angela Nikolau is renowned for her daring selfies taken atop some of the world’s tallest buildings and structures, often balancing or lying on narrow ledges or even performing gymnastics inches from the edge. Her fame on Instagram has been explosive; her audience craves her adrenaline-filled, risky images. Nikolau consistently delivers a steady stream of high-altitude photos and videos featuring her acrobatic feats, first-time climbs, and illegal summits.

Embracing the motto, “No limit, no control,” Nikolau revels in the thrill of extreme climbing, often without any safety equipment, showcasing a reckless disregard for safety. This lack of regard for safety raises concerns about the ethics and responsibility of social media influencers in promoting such dangerous behavior.

Rooftopping Gone Wrong

While there are still individuals drawn to rooftopping and others eager to hear about its thrills, I cannot endorse this behavior. The allure of those palm-sweating photos is undeniable, but has the trend gone too far?

The answer is, unfortunately, yes. The stark reality is that people have lost their lives in pursuit of the next extreme rooftop selfie. Between 2011 and 2017, there were 259 selfie-related deaths worldwide, with 48 resulting from falls. While not all falls were attributed to rooftoppers, there have been tragic instances of photographers falling from high-rise buildings, such as the heartbreaking case of Wu Yongning.

Therefore, instead of encouraging you to break into the highest building you can find and hang from the edge for the most extreme shot, I will focus on safer rooftop photoshoot ideas. These suggestions are tailored for the less daring photographers who still seek unique city portrait perspectives.

Inspiring Location Ideas for Rooftop Photos

1. Apartment Building Rooftop

Woman in white dress standing with her arms back and face to a dramatic, cloudy sky while standing on an apartment building rooftop.
Shoot during blue hour or against a dramatic sky to add a striking effect.

If you can legally access the rooftop of an apartment building, there are numerous possibilities—just be cautious. Avoid heading straight for the edge and taking unnecessary risks. Instead, opt for creative poses during blue hour, against city lights, or a dramatic sky, ensuring the model (or yourself) remains at a safe distance from the edge!

You can still capture the height and the expansive city in the background. Experiment with open poses to showcase clothing in fashion shoots, or try standing, sitting, or jumping poses for diverse perspectives and moods. Use natural elements like the skyline, clouds, and sunset to enhance your composition.

2. Apartment Balcony

Woman leaning out over an apartment balcony many stories up above a city.
Experiment with unique perspectives like leaning over an apartment balcony overlooking the city.

If you know someone living in a high-rise apartment, ask to shoot from their balcony or window. You can utilize a selfie stick for various angles to capture the view or shoot upwards to highlight the height of a building behind you. Alternatively, set the camera on a tripod inside the apartment and frame yourself in the window for a cozy indoor shot.

Consider shooting at sunrise, sunset, or during the golden hour for stunning natural lighting. A night portrait with city lights in the background can create twinkling bokeh, making for a magical urban atmosphere.

3. City Parking Garage

Young man posing on a rooftop parking garage with one hand on top of his head.
Capture your model against patterns, leading lines, or repetition for creative rooftop photoshoot ideas.

Every city has several public-access parking garages, making this option quite accessible. Locate an outdoor garage with multiple levels and head to the top. If you’re sufficiently elevated and distanced from the urban center, you can capture the city skyline in the background.

Utilize the gritty backdrop of the parking garage against the urban skyline to create striking fashion photography or portraits. Look for leading lines and repetition—perhaps from a spiral parking garage or in nearby building windows. The unique structure of the garage can also create interesting shadow play and depth in your shots.

4. The Infinity Pool Shot

Dark haired, tanned model sitting on ledge of infinity pool at Marina Bay Sands, Singapore.
The edge of an infinity pool creates a stunning shot against a cityscape.

Admittedly, this shot has become quite popular—who hasn’t snapped this iconic photo? I’m as guilty as anyone, but it remains enjoyable!

If you have a friend with access to a rooftop infinity pool, you’re in luck. For most of us, however, a hotel with a rooftop pool can provide a perfect opportunity.

Consider taking a weekend mini-break at a hotel in a city with a rooftop pool. Between lounging and enjoying cocktails, capture stunning shots as the sun sets. Shoot at sunset to highlight the warm hues against the city architecture, or create a silhouette against the city lights at night.

5. Rooftop Garden

Man standing at the railing of a rooftop garden looking out over city, taken from behind him.
Capture your model standing on a rooftop garden overlooking the city.

For this option, you’ll likely need to find a public rooftop garden in the city for lush, floral photoshoot ideas. Many hotels, restaurants, and museums may feature gardens that are accessible to the public. A quick search in your local city guide should yield results.

Once you find the ideal setting, experiment with various perspectives and angles. Shooting closer to the edge is often safe, as many rooftop gardens are enclosed with glass walls. Consider using natural light to enhance the vibrancy of the plants and flowers surrounding your model.

Consider a close-up macro shot of the model’s face next to a vibrant flower, with the out-of-focus city in the background, to achieve shallow depth of field. Alternatively, you can bring everything into focus to contrast the vibrant garden against the stark city architecture.

6. Fire Escape

Perspective of a guy sitting on high fire escape looking down at his feet dangling between buildings.
Go up an accessible fire escape and get creative.

This option is accessible for many city dwellers, as numerous older apartment buildings have fire escapes. However, if you do have access, approach with caution. Avoid hanging from railings or engaging in risky behavior.

Fire escapes offer creative opportunities distinct from rooftops. You can shoot upwards to capture the model from below or from above. If the stairs are metal with holes or slats, your angles can showcase the height effectively.

Photos taken on fire escapes can possess a gritty aesthetic, allowing for various patterns and perspectives. For example, the image above recreates the dangling feet view without the need to perch on a roof ledge. Experiment with framing and angles to capture the unique architectural elements of the fire escape.

7. Landmark Skyscraper

Silhouette of a man standing inside the glass box of the Ledge, Skydeck Chicago at Willis Tower, against sunset.
Visit local tourist attractions, like The Ledge, Skydeck Chicago at Willis Tower.

Many cities feature pay-access locations with breathtaking views. From towers with panoramic viewing platforms to rooftop restaurants, your city likely has a unique landmark skyscraper or structure waiting for you to explore.

While these locations may have been photographed countless times, challenge yourself to capture them in innovative ways. For instance, the CN Tower in Toronto offers a rotating restaurant and a glass floor viewpoint, along with the EdgeWalk, providing various levels of thrill! The EdgeWalk is relatively safe, as it involves being harnessed in.

8. Warehouse/Industrial Locations

Band photoshoot with saxophonist standing far in front of his band on warehouse roof with cityscape in background.
Get grungy with industrial settings and warehouses if you can.

This option may present more challenges and risks. Gaining permission to shoot in locations like an old warehouse or factory is often necessary, and trespassing may result in fines. Therefore, we recommend these locations only if you have permission, are accompanied, and are mindful of all safety precautions. Renting the space for a shoot might also be an option.

If you secure a warehouse rooftop for your photoshoot, there are countless inspiring ideas to explore. These locations work well for band or musician photos and fashion photography. The gritty aesthetic of industrial settings can enhance your shots, especially when featuring graffiti or textured walls.

Breathtaking Alternative Rooftop Photoshoot Ideas

While extreme rooftopping has seen a decline in popularity over the past few years, the pursuit of stunning aerial shots will never entirely fade. There will always be individuals, like Angela Nikolau, seeking the next big thrill.

For those less inclined toward extreme photography but still eager to capture breathtaking cityscapes from high perspectives, we hope these rooftop location ideas are helpful. For quick-access options, consider apartment rooftops, balconies, and fire escapes. If you prefer pairing your photoshoot with a mini-vacation or day trip, seek out hotels with rooftop pools, restaurants with rooftop gardens, or local landmark towers with stunning panoramic views.

In summary, while rooftopping has its allure, it is crucial to prioritize safety and creativity in your photography. Embrace the beauty of urban landscapes from safe, legal vantage points, and let your imagination guide you to innovative and visually stunning compositions.

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About the Author
Jennifer Berube

Jennifer is specialized in photography writing and has regularly contributed articles to sites like PictureCorrect, PHLEARN Magazine, and PhotoWorkout. You can connect with her on Facebook and LinkedIn.

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