Chapter 8. The Empire State Building

The Empire State Building

The shadow of the Empire State Building looms over the nearby buildings as seen from the 102nd floor observation deck on a fall morning. Taken at ISO 400, f/10, 1/200 second with a 24–70mm lens.

Why It's Worth a Photograph

The Empire State Building, located at Fifth Avenue and West 34th Street, is the tallest skyscraper in New York City and one of its most iconic. Offering the highest observation decks in town, this stunning Art Deco building has amazing views of the city from its open-air 86th floor. Construction was completed during the Great Depression in 1931 for a cost of under $41 million with the 102nd floor originally envisioned as an airship terminal. Today, over 110 million people have passed through the beautiful lobby and visited the top of the building, and the building has been featured in over 90 movies. A photo tour of New York City must include the landmark Empire State Building.

Where Can I Get the Best Shot?

The best locations from which to photograph the Empire State Building are from 34th Street and Fifth Avenue, in the building's lobby, and from the observation decks.

Where Can I Get the Best Shot?

The best vantage points from which to photograph the Empire State Building: (A) 34th Street and Fifth Avenue, (B) in the lobby, and (C) the observation decks.

34th Street ...

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