The downtown of big cities across the world is the artistic and economic impulse of urban life, its architectural highlight. Working in downtown Los Angeles for many years, watching its modern development and restoration has helped me to appreciate the skyline of the big city. In addition, I’ve been lucky enough to visit cities with the world’s best skylines outside of Los Angeles. Thus, urban photography has become quite a hobby of mine, and it’s a fascinating endeavor. The stylish Pacific Northwest, an urban adventure coupled with outdoor attractions, is ideal for photo travel.
This summer, I once again visited San Francisco, CA, Seattle, WA and Vancouver, BC (Canada). What they have in common is a unique mix of big-city buzz and the laid-back triumph of the spirit.
Catching sight of San Francisco always fills my heart with an anxious beat, caused by its stunning skylines. Half of me sticks out of the sunroof of the car as I try to take a snapshot between the trusses of the Bay Bridge when we approach the city. San Francisco is famous for its mix of historic, Victorian and modern architecture. It is also filled with spectacular views of the bay. I guess it’s probably everyone’s favorite city.
It’s not always raining in Seattle. I actually caught two dry days in a row. Seattle offers snow-capped mountains, a stunning ocean view, fresh seafood, flying fish at the Pike Place Market, lots and lots of coffee, the twinkling EMP designed by Frank Gehry, and a brand new Olympic Sculpture Garden. The sparkling waters of Elliott Bay wrap around this city, where shiny skyscrapers accompany evergreen forests. The skyline, punctuated by the Space Needle, is magnificent.
Banded by snow-capped, forested mountains waning down to miles of sandy beaches, Vancouver is a landing strip for residents and visitors. Cosmopolitan Vancouver is young and famous for its outdoorsy energy. It offers a dazzling scenic background, a mishmash of sophisticated restaurants, plus lovely parks, museums and gallery attractions.
