One of the most Iconic photos you can take of of the Empire State Building is from Dumbo, Brooklyn. It is shot through the Manhattan Bridge "legs" as I like to call them. There are also many other great shots you can get while over there. Jane's Carousel is great on weekends with the kids playing and family time, but also during the week when it is empty can make an amazing moody capture.
Getting there: The Carousel is located in the DUMBO section of The Brooklyn Bridge Park, on the East River, between the Brooklyn and Manhattan Bridges. The Carousel is easily accessed from Park entrances at Dock Street or Main Street. http://janescarousel.com