Best photography destinations in North America

Vast sandstone canyons and colorful geothermal pools in North America

Narrow desert canyons in the American Southwest create light patterns that have become some of the most recognisable images in landscape photography, while glacial lakes further north offer turquoise water against dramatic mountain backdrops.

The destinations on this list range from narrow desert canyons where light angle matters more than almost any other factor to alpine lake landscapes best photographed at dawn before wind disturbs the water's reflection.

Booking guided canyon tours well ahead matters at the most photographed slot canyons, where access is tightly controlled and the best light windows fill up quickly. Permits and reservations often need booking weeks ahead during the busiest months. Arriving close to sunrise also tends to mean softer light and considerably fewer visitors.

City
New York City
Five boroughs of skyline, food and museums
Twice a year, the setting sun lines up with the street grid in an event called Manhattanhenge. Top of the Rock gives wide skyline views at blue hour. Neon glows over Times Square at night. Rain adds mirror reflections on the pavement. Ferries offer harbor angles too.
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