Worth Square

Worth Square is a slim triangle of pavement along Fifth Avenue right across from the greenery of Madison Square Park. The square centers around the Worth Monument, a tall pale granite spire dedicated to General Worth and is framed on every side by the ornate buildings of the Flatiron District. What makes it a unique spot is that the spire is actually the tomb of General Worth. This small square is overflowing with details once you start exploring it. There is a bronze picture of the general on horseback that is slowly turning a soft green with age, rows of battle names carved up the sides of the memorial, stacked cannonballs at the foot, and railing posts cast in the shape of little swords. Everywhere you look you can get very different frames depending on the type of photography you want to focus on. The architecture photography options are endless. You can frame the spire clean against bright open sky, or set it against the wedge of buildings. Because the two avenues flow apart at the corner of the square you can experiment with long straight lines shooting off in both directions to lead the eye. Ideally try to come early on a clear morning, when the sun spreads the east toward the park and the plaza is still quiet before the crowds and traffic appear for the day. Late afternoon and into the evening are great if you are looking for a more urban photography feel to your shooting. It sits in the thick of Manhattan so it is free and open all the time. Remember it is a live intersection, so be aware of your surroundings when you are setting up your gear. (New York, New York, USA)