new york city – Songquan Photography

New York City in Fog

It is rare to see heavy fog in New York City. Besides overcast and rainy days, what New York has is always crispy blue sky with white clouds. I’ve been looking for a Fog Manhattan Series for a long time until November 2014. When I woke up in early morning, the whole world is covered in white, thick fog. In couple of minutes, I got my gear loaded and rushed to this magic city. Everything went perfectly. Manhattan showed quite different look and turned into a dreaming land in such a heavy fog with numeric historic architectures and low cloud passing by. The fog lasted only for 4 hours while there were plenty of unforgettable scenes caught in my camera.

The first stop, Liberty Park at New Jersey water front.

40°42’31.81″N 74° 2’5.42″W
This is one of my favorite locations. Manhattan downtown business district sit right across Hudson River with countless skyscrapers and the new One World Trade Center. Looking further to left, the Empire State Building and midtown skyscrapers near 42nd street create unique city skyline.

Ferry boat and downtown business district in fog

Downtown skyscrapers

Skyscrapers in fog

The new One World Trade Center in cloud

Ferry, Empire State Building and midtown historic skyscrapers

The highest building in New Jersey, Goldman Sachs Building

Bench and skyscrapers

Abandoned dock

Panoramic view of downtown and midtown Manhattan

The second stop, September 11 memorial.

40°42’42.30″N 74° 0’46.95″W
The memorial is located at the old site of the World Trade Center Twin Tower. Tow giant water pools remind the world the exact location where two landmark skyscrapers ever stood.

New One World Trade Center stands behind the old site of Twin Tower.

Looking up in fog

Abstract lines of One World Trade Center and road lamp

The final stop, Brooklyn Bridge.

40°42’27.94″N 73°59’58.40″W. Completed in 1883, it connects Manhattan and Brooklyn and is one of the most iconic bridge ever built.

Songquan Photography is the author of this article and reserve full rights. You are welcome to repost. Please credit the author.

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Original URL of this post: https://bestcityscape.com/?p=40897

New York City Public Observatory Deck – Top of the Rock

Rockefeller Center is located at 6th Avenue and 50 street, the heart of midtown Manhattan. Due to its close proximity with a handful of landmark areas such as the Empire State Building, 5th Avenue, Times Square, the observation deck (Top of the Rock) has stunning unique view. If you are looking for very ‘New York’ shots, … Continue reading “New York City Public Observatory Deck – Top of the Rock”

This observation deck has quite unbeatable view although it does not have 360 degree vista with only north and south visible. Outdoor platform allows crispy sharp images as no trouble from window glass. Tripod is not allowed. Again, the magic bean bag is a big help for night shots. The check-in time is only 30 minutes to 1 hour as most tourists rush to the more famous Empire State Building.

Location: 30 Rockefeller Plaza, New York, NY 10112
GPS: 40°45’31.92″N 73°58’45.63″W
Waiting time to reach the deck: 30 minutes to 1 hour.
Recommendation: 4 stars out of 5.

North
A perfect view of the whole Central Park from above

South
The Empire State Building is surrounded by hundreds of skyscrapers.

The Empire State Building and skyscrapers of Times Square

Skyscrapers in midtown Manhattan

The Empire State Building and binocular. The new One World Trade Center in far distance (Completed in 2014)

If the cold air is too much to you, walk inside to enjoy the nice view through windows.

For more beautiful cityscape photos of New York City, please check the Full Collection.

Songquan Photography is the author of this article and reserve full rights. You are welcome to repost. Please credit the author.

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Original URL of this post: https://bestcityscape.com/?p=38926

New York City Public Observatory Deck – the Empire State Building

The name of the Empire State Building is derived from the nickname of New York – The Empire State. It was named as one of the Seven Wonders of the Modern World. With 102 floors and 1,454 feet in height, the Empire State Building kept the world record for 40 years after its completion in … Continue reading “New York City Public Observatory Deck – the Empire State Building”

The name of the Empire State Building is derived from the nickname of New York – The Empire State. It was named as one of the Seven Wonders of the Modern World. With 102 floors and 1,454 feet in height, the Empire State Building kept the world record for 40 years after its completion in 1931 until the topping out of the original World Trade Center’s North Tower in late 1970.

It is interesting to mention that, claimed to be a building to dock airship, the true reason behind was to compete with Chrysler Building nearby, which was under construction at that moment, to be the worlds’ tallest building. The building’s Art Deco spire, designed to be a mooring mast and depot for airship, added 200 feet extra height.

The building’s art deco design bears the cultural and artistic marks in early 20th centaury. It is also a popular landmark in numeric movies such as King Kong, Sleepless Seattle, Independence Day…

Location: 350 5th Ave, New York, NY 10118
GPS: 40°44’53.80″N 73°59’8.73″W
Waiting time to reach the deck: 1-2 hours
Recommendation: 4.5 stars out of 5

The Empire State Building has one of the most popular outdoor observatories in the world. You can pay extra fee to access 102nd floor. The space is compact without impressive view through the glass window full of stains. I would suggest to stay with the regular admission without pay extra money.

The observation deck has several features any photographer dreams of:
Outdoors: Long focus length is possible to photograph landmark buildings in far distance without degradation of image details. You may also use wide-angle lens without worrying about glass reflections.
360 degree non-obstructed view: Good view of locations such as Times Square, Brooklyn, downtown financial district, 34th street, 5th Avenue, East River, Hudson River.
Couple of drawbacks to be noticed:
No tripod: The security will keep your tripod till you finish your trip. I would suggest carrying bean bag instead to get nice shot at night.
Too many tourists: Budget 2 hours waiting time to access the deck.
Can’t see Empire State Building itself.
Strong wind: Be well prepared for wind and cold temperature. Dress in layers. You can stay indoors if the weather is challenging.

North
Midtown skyscrapers featured with Times Square

Buildings are nicely lit at night, especially Times Square and 42nd street.

The shadow of the Empire State Building

Rooftop view from above. Good to shoot tilt-shift miniature effect.

Crowded skyscrapers and the 5th Avenue

East
Panoramic view of East River and Brooklyn

A beautiful view of the Chrysler Building. This is the one I talked about in competition with the Empire State Building for the tallest building in the world. Not only the famous landmark in New York City, but also a master piece art deco skyscraper.

South
The skyscrapers of financial district in far distance featured by the new One World Trade Center. East River on left and Hudson River on right.

You have good view of another iconic skyscraper – The Flatiron Building. One of the world’s most iconic skyscrapers.

Business office buildings near the Flatiron Building, including New York Life Building (Tower on left) and Metlife Building (bell tower on right)

West
New Jersey State and Hudson River in far. 34th street and transportation hub, Pennsylvania Station close by.

For more beautiful cityscape photos of New York City, please check the Full Collection.

Songquan Photography is the author of this article and reserve full rights. You are welcome to repost. Please credit the author.

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Original URL of this post: https://bestcityscape.com/?p=38873