Urban photography is full of fantastic subjects for your camera. Monuments, squares, markets, superb views, ancient or modern buildings, people. The urban environment offers a wide variety of subjects in a restricted area — more than any other photographic category.From a terrific night skyline to the day's frenetic street activity. From close-up architectural details to busy markets. Every city, big or small, provides plenty of exciting photographic opportunities. Even so, cities can present quite a few technical and organizational challenges for the travel photographer.
Here are my tips for getting the best from urban photography.
Plan Before You Shoot
Before visiting a new city, plan what you want to photograph. Also factor in your total time available. Check online or in a tourist guide for the most photogenic monuments and corners. Once there, browse local postcards to spot the best views and light conditions.
Short on time? Photograph people at the market early in the morning. Be respectful and always ask permission before shooting portraits. Shoot monument details during the day, panoramic views at dusk, and city life at night.
Time Your Visit Right
Wake up early. Arrive at the main monuments before the tourist crowds do. Light is a key element in urban photography. Check sunrise orientation to work out which monuments photograph best in morning or afternoon light.
If time is short, shoot at dusk or at night. Focus on buildings that glow after dark when illuminated. If you have extra time, revisit the same spots at a different time of day. You will discover a totally new scene with fresh photographic opportunities. A park buzzing with people on a Sunday afternoon may be almost empty on a weekday morning.
Find the Best Viewpoints
Many cities offer great panoramas from the top of tall buildings, bell towers, or skyscrapers. High-rise hotel bars and rooftop restaurants also offer great views — you don't need to be a guest to shoot from there. Remember: the most obvious viewpoint is not always the best one. When I was in Seattle, I climbed to the top of the city's highest skyscraper. From there I captured a skyline shot that included the iconic Space Needle.
Shoot in Any Weather
In grey or miserable weather, focus on detailed shots of buildings or monuments. Reserve panoramic and street photos for night, using a tripod. Sunrise is also perfect for open spaces like parks or squares. At that hour you have few people around, beautiful light, and a misty, intimate atmosphere.
Go Beyond the Obvious
Push your creativity and think differently when shooting iconic monuments. The Colosseum reflected in a puddle, or the Eiffel Tower framed by a tree — these are two great examples. Take your time. Observe monuments and buildings carefully to find the most creative perspective.
Cities are not made only of people and monuments — look for other interesting icons too. In Italy, order a cappuccino and photograph it. In the Middle East, souk markets are a riot of color — shoot close-ups of spices, carpets, sellers, and customers. In New York, capture the famous yellow cabs.
For street photography, pick one district that appeals to you. Spend time exploring its houses, corners, and shops. In Barcelona, try the Raval neighbourhood. In Istanbul, head to Balat. Your goal: a set of images that captures the character and diversity of the city.
Check Before You Go
Summer brings extra opportunities. Cities organize outdoor concerts and exhibitions to attract tourists and locals alike. These events often take place in main squares, parks, or central locations. If you plan to shoot in summer, check whether your target locations are blocked by stages or event barriers.
Finally, check whether any iconic building is under scaffolding for restoration. It will ruin your shots. Search for a live webcam online to check the building's current state. Alternatively, ask locals via a travel forum whether a specific monument is under restoration.