How to Photograph Famous Landmarks
In 2023, I had the chance to photograph three iconic locations known for street photography: Coney Island, Rome, and Paris. These destinations challenged me to use my skills in new ways and capture scenes that had been photographed countless times before.
Why Photograph These Locations?
Photographing famous locations presents a unique challenge — they’re places where countless photographs have already been taken. But as a street photographer, you can make these familiar scenes your own, leaving your mark through your unique perspective. Photographing at these landmarks is about pushing yourself creatively, capturing not only the essence of the location but also your personal interpretation of it.
Coney Island
Go Where the Action Is
During a weekend in New York City, I took to the shoreline of Coney Island, where the beach provided lively and unusual subjects. Walking along the beach, I chose to face away from the ocean and looked toward the boardwalk to include the famous amusement rides in the background. A beachside basketball game caught my attention — it was unlike anything I’d seen before, and I knew it would be my main subject.
“I honed in on the moments when the players went for a dunk, making the most of this famous location for street photography.”
Pro Tip: Go where the action is. Landmark locations often have multiple attractions or scenes. Find a unique one that captures the spirit of the location and shows it in a new way.
Rome
Study the Scene
The Colosseum was my main target in Rome. Knowing that capturing this iconic landmark required patience, I committed to visiting it daily for several weeks, studying the light and the various ways I could compose a shot.
“By walking towards the Colosseum each day, I learned how the light played across it, especially at golden hour.”
To capture a strong composition, I found that keeping a distance allowed the Colosseum to act as a backdrop. I waited in this position, letting tourists pass, creating a dynamic composition with both light and shadow.
Pro Tip: Study the scene and be willing to revisit a landmark multiple times. Showing up at the right time, like during golden hour, will give you access to stunning light and unique opportunities to capture the scene.
Paris
Find the Layers
I spent only two days in Paris, so I knew I had to make each moment count. On my first night, I made my way to the Eiffel Tower. To capture the elegance of Paris, I positioned myself across a bridge, where I could use layers in my composition.
“I observed women making photos along the bridge wall, capturing the beauty and elegance of Paris with the Eiffel Tower as a glowing backdrop.”
I positioned myself strategically at the curb to include a foreground, middle ground, and background in the composition. The foreground showed passersby on the sidewalk, while my focus remained on a woman seated on the ledge in the middle ground, with the Eiffel Tower illuminated in the background.
Pro Tip: Use layers to add depth to your photos of famous landmarks. Positioning elements in the foreground, middle ground, and background helps create a dynamic image that draws the viewer in.
Photographing famous landmarks isn’t just about documenting what’s there; it’s about capturing a new angle and telling a story through your lens. Whether you’re at a beach, a historic structure, or a world-famous tower, approach these locations with creativity and patience to capture a memorable shot.