Colonnade Row
Colonnade Row is a striking remnant of 1830s New York, a stretch of Greek Revival townhouses on Lafayette Street whose tall Corinthian columns create a rhythm of light and shadow that rewards patient photographers. Only four of the original nine houses survive, and their weathered facades tell a story of age and persistence that makes them far more compelling than pristine landmarks. Shoot from the opposite sidewalk with a moderate telephoto lens, around 85mm, to compress the columns and flatten the facade into a graphic pattern. Early morning gives you soft directional light and quieter streets before the NoHo foot traffic picks up; overcast days are also excellent for bringing out texture in the stone without harsh shadows. Try a low angle to exaggerate the height of the columns, or include a passing yellow cab in the foreground for a sense of place and scale. (New York City, New York, United States)
