Washington Square Park MapShooting right in front of the arch can create a great, iconic background, but can also introduce very direct, harsh sunlight depending on the time of day. Sometimes finding a partially shaded area in one of the small bench seating areas around the perimeter of the park can create very nice and well balanced shots.
Washington Mews MapOne of the most popular photo spots on campus, this provides beautiful backdrops that are great for portraits. The only downside is it can occasionally be filled with lots of people taking pictures.
The Secret Fashion Alleyway (Jersey Street) MapThe alley next to the NYU Wagner school, on Jersey Street between Crosby and Lafayette, is very popular for street fashion photographers. It provides nice even ambient light, and makes for amazing portraits if you want a gritty New York urban background.
The Front of CAS MapThis has nice light colored brick and stone, with tall columns that can make great portrait backdrops.
Benches near Courant MapThis open seating area generally has nice crowds and greenery for portrait backdrops
NYU Law Plaza MapThis open area provides nice vibrant red brick backgrounds, and is a good semi-shaded area with ambient light.