As one of the prime historic cities in the country, Philadelphia has proven to be one of the most enthralling places I have ever lived. The city demonstrates a beautiful balance of new and old architecture, and is full of many areas ready to explore. Living here for two years, I became obsessed with the little details. I created a habit of being awake for as many sunrises and sunsets as I could. Throughout my time living here, I have experienced a lot of Philadelphia — certainly enough to share some of my favorite photo spots to anyone looking for inspiration on their next adventure.
Before we jump into locations, I want to touch on one of the most amazing things about Philadelphia: the seasons are constantly changing. Every site has a different energy and atmosphere depending on the season. My preferred times to shoot are golden hour and blue hour. Although, regardless of the weather, the season, or time, this city will keep you coming back for more.
Ben Franklin Bridge
I’m a sucker for bridges, and the Ben Franklin Bridge does not disappoint. A little over a mile in length, this bridge connects Philadelphia to Camden. It offers endless perspectives to explore and capture. If the weather is nice, I recommend walking over to get close-ups of the bridge, unique compositions of Old City, and the best perspective of the Philadelphia skyline. This location is one of my favorites to fly my drone along the water. You can get the perfect composition showcasing the beautiful bridge in the foreground and the skyline in the back.
Places / Activities to Explore: Walking over the bridge, Race Street Pier and Cherry Street Pier, and if you’re looking for a cup of coffee, Menagerie Coffee will not disappoint.
City Hall
To feel the energy of the city, one must explore City Hall. It is an architectural gem and the perfect place to capture moments passing by. It is one of my favorite places to traverse when looking to blend the skyscrapers with the historic iconic landmarks. The landscape around City Hall is constantly changing throughout the day. What I find most striking is how the sun will hit this building during different times of day. I love seeing how the clock tower lights up as the sun sets, and the statue of William Penn perched at the top.
Places / Activities to Explore: Head to Trader Joe’s on Arch St. to pick up some snacks. Then, enjoy the upper level when walking back to your car. You will be rewarded with the most beautiful view of the Philadelphia skyline. Also, make sure to check out the Love Sculpture, Dilworth Park, Rittenhouse Square, and the Reading Terminal Market. My coffee recommendation in this area is Alchemy Coffee.
Old City
This is the heart of Philadelphia’s historic district. The entire area of Old City has a unique charm and is truly beautiful. It sparked my passion for photography and has something for everyone to discover. The Old City area is home to endless parks and the beautiful streets. It also has some of the most iconic landmarks like Independence Hall, the Liberty Bell, Merchant Exchange, and the first-ever bank in the United States. It even has my favorite street to explore on a weekday — Elfreth’s Alley.
Places / Activities to Explore: Merchant Exchange, Independence Hall, The Bourse, Liberty Bell, and the place for coffee and brunch is FRIEDA, located on Walnut St.
Logan Square
Close to the Art Museum, in proximity to the famous rocky steps, is Logan Square. You will not want to miss this area because it is a true treasure of art. Be prepared to wake up early to avoid the crowd. Head up the Art Museum steps and face the skyline for the ultimate composition.
If you have a trip planned, I always recommend using the app Photo Pills and Dark Sky to precisely understand where the sun will rise and plan accordingly. Doing so will help you mentally prepare where you will shoot and maximize your chances of going with the best conditions. If you are tired from exploring the city and want to enjoy the view with a nice meal, you should visit JG Skyhigh. It is located on the 59th floor of the Comcast Technology Center. It will give you the ultimate elevator ride, lifting you above the skyline, and provide you an astonishing view of the city while savoring a tasty meal.
Schuylkill Banks Boardwalk
The best method to capture the city as a whole is by exploring outside of the city. The Schuylkill Banks Boardwalk enables you to walk from the South St. Bridge all the way up to Boathouse Row. It showcases the entire city from the south. Plus, it is a fun experience to walk over the water and enjoy the various lookout points. I recommend this spot if you enjoy a nice walk, run, or bike ride.
All my images are taken with the DJI Mavic Air 2S, Sony a7 IV, and the G Master lenses (16-35mm f/2.8 GM).
Thoughts and Inspiration
The above list is just a handful of my favorites photo spots in Philadelphia. However, there are so many more places to visit. Some notable areas that did not make this list are Northern Liberties and Fishtown. These two neighborhoods are filled with restaurants, coffee shops, and art that I highly recommend others to explore and capture.
Most importantly, my passion for creating in this city started with long walks, curiosity, and a drive to get unique perspectives that have never been created before. My passion wouldn’t be where it is today if I had not connected to this community full of talented artists who have pushed me to create my best work. I highly recommend following some of the Philadelphia community (@phl.shooters) as it will create experiences and help you learn new skills. To name a few of my favorite creators, Chris Hytha, Jordan Parenti, Billy Kyle, and Brett Tiagwad are all pushing the boundaries of what is possible, and everyday I am inspired to see what everyone will create next.
