New York Public Library - Stephen A. Schwarzman Building
The Stephen A. Schwarzman Building is one of New York's most architecturally rich interiors, and it rewards photographers who take time to explore beyond the famous front steps. Outside, the two marble lions named Patience and Fortitude make strong foreground subjects, especially when framed against the grand facade; a wide-angle lens works well here to capture the full sweep of the Beaux Arts stonework. Inside, the Rose Main Reading Room on the second floor is the standout shot, with its 78-foot-long hall, ornate painted ceiling, and rows of long wooden tables bathed in warm lamp light. Shoot from the entrance doorway to use the room's symmetry as a natural composition. Midday natural light filters in well through the tall windows. Arrive when the library opens to avoid crowds, and note that tripods are generally not permitted inside. (Midtown Manhattan, New York City, New York)
