Washington Square Arch
The Washington Square Arch anchors the northern end of Washington Square Park, a gleaming marble structure that frames the long straight view down Fifth Avenue and serves as one of New York City's most recognizable landmarks. Shoot from the south side of the arch looking north to capture the avenue stretching into the distance through the archway, or position yourself further back in the park to include the central fountain in the foreground for a classic layered composition. The arch faces roughly south, so golden hour light in the late afternoon catches the marble beautifully and reduces the harsh shadows you get at midday. A wide angle lens works well for the full arch with surrounding trees, while a longer focal length lets you compress the Fifth Avenue perspective through the opening. The park is active year round, and people naturally animate the scene without much waiting. (Greenwich Village, New York City, New York, United States)
