Empire State Building
The Empire State Building is one of the most recognizable skyline anchors in the world, and shooting it well means finding the right vantage point rather than standing at its base. For classic compositions, head to the corner of 34th Street and 6th Avenue for a straight-on look, or walk a few blocks to 33rd and 5th for a tighter angle with the building filling the frame. The view from the Top of the Rock observation deck at Rockefeller Center is widely considered the best elevated perspective, placing the building squarely in the Manhattan skyline. Blue hour, just after sunset, gives you the deepest contrast between the lit tower and a darkening sky. A 24-70mm lens handles most situations well, while a longer focal length lets you compress the skyline from farther-off vantage points like Brooklyn Bridge Park or Roosevelt Island. (Midtown Manhattan, New York City, New York, United States)
