Smith Tower
Built in 1914, Smith Tower was once among the tallest skyscrapers outside New York City, and its ornate white terracotta exterior and tapered pyramid crown still make it one of the most photogenic structures in Seattle. From street level, position yourself on Second Avenue or the surrounding Pioneer Square blocks to capture the full tower rising above the historic neighborhood, using a wide or mid-range lens to include the ornate base details alongside the upper spire. The 35th floor observation deck gives you an open-air platform to shoot the surrounding cityscape, Elliott Bay, and Mount Rainier on clear days, with panoramic compositions available in nearly every direction. Golden hour and blue hour both work well here; the warm light catches the white facade beautifully at sunset, while the city lights at dusk reward a longer exposure. The observation deck requires a paid ticket, so plan accordingly. (Seattle, Washington, United States)
