Many professional photographers take awe-inspiring photographs of sparkling city skylines. Vast skyline photographs can be just what a professional portfolio needs to stand out from the rest. On the right day, at the right time, a photographer can capture an award-winning photograph that showcases the beauty a city has to offer. Below is a list of the five best cities for photographing skylines.

1. New York – The Big Apple offers an unmatched diversity of skyscrapers. A great place from which to snap a few shots is Jersey City, across the Hudson River in New Jersey. Liberty State Park is another popular place to capture the NYC skyline. Be creative and expressive, as a million others have snapped this same photo before. Make the photograph your own.

2. Los Angeles – On a clear day, you can head to the Hollywood Hills and focus on a perfect view of downtown Los Angeles and surrounding areas. A wonderful place to snap a few pictures of the LA skyline is from Griffith Park, from the balcony of the Griffith Observatory, or along a drive down Mulholland Drive. Your journey will provide many views and angles of the LA skyline. A clear day or night in Los Angeles will provide some of the best shots of the city skyline.

3. Chicago – Professional photographers will oftentimes tell you that taking photographs of the Windy City’s skyline can be an enjoyable experience. Navy Pier, Ohio Street Beach, Shedd Aquarium and Monroe Harbor are just a few spots where you can capture the beauty of this diverse skyline. And if you find yourself in a boat on Lake Michigan, take advantage of this spectacular viewpoint for capturing the city’s beauty from the water.

4. Seattle – On a clear day views from the Space Needle are breathtaking. It’s by far one of the most popular places to snap pictures of the Seattle skyline. Kerry Park allows you to capture photographs of the skyline with the Space Needle in view and mountains in the background. If you’re out on a boat in Elliott Bay, don’t forget your digital camera. From the water you can capture the entire skyline, creating a near-prefect panoramic view of Seattle.

5. Las Vegas – What happens in Vegas … should be shown to the world. This happening hot spot is ideal for photography. Whether you’re taking a picture of a famous casino or a photo of The Strip during a helicopter tour, you’ll be sure to capture a memorable shot, day or night. Famous skyline photographs are mostly of The Strip from an aerial view taken at night, but you’re free to try something new. Head to the top of the Stratosphere for a few shots of The City of Lights. Want to stay grounded? Travel to any area about 10 miles from The Strip, where you can get the best view of the entire Las Vegas skyline.

No matter what city you’re in, taking pictures of the skyline can become an experience you won’t forget. Each city’s skyline is unique and provides plenty of opportunity for unique photography.

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