Castle Clinton
Castle Clinton is a circular 19th-century sandstone fort sitting at the edge of Battery Park, and its low, rounded walls make for a striking foreground element against the backdrop of New York Harbor and the Statue of Liberty beyond. Position yourself outside the fort to use its weathered red-brown walls as a frame, or get low near the entrance arch to emphasize the historic stonework against the sky. The surrounding park gives you room to back up and include the full structure with the harbor in frame. Golden hour light in the late afternoon hits the south-facing walls warmly, while overcast days bring out the texture in the rough sandstone without harsh shadows. A wide-angle lens works well for environmental shots, while a short telephoto lets you compress the fort against the water and passing ferries behind it. (Manhattan, New York, United States)
