Photogenic New York City easily ranks among the most Instagrammed cities in the world. The towering skyscrapers, the distinctive landmarks and the buzzing streets make the perfect backdrop for snapping photos. But photographer Natalie Amrossi sees the city through a different lens.
Amrossi, who may be better known by her Instagram handle, @Misshattan, is one of our top NYC photographers. With a penchant for aerial photos, she captures moody, atmospheric scenes that frequently appear on @ForbesTravelGuide.
“There is nothing like the energy in New York City,” the East Side resident says. “The moment I walk down a street in Manhattan, I instantly feel inspired and motivated to accomplish any goals I may have.”
One trick she has: Get out of Manhattan. “Whether you’re directly in it, passing by from the outside or going over it, New York is mesmerizing,” she says. “This [above] photo was taken in Brooklyn, where there are many photo opportunities to capture the NYC skyline in the background.”
The born-and-bred New Yorker travels everywhere from London to Las Vegas, but her favorite destination never changes. “I love to travel and experience new places, but the moment I come home, get in a taxi and see the city skyline from a distance, I immediately get excited,” she says. “The feeling is indescribable.”
Check out Amrossi’s New York City Instagram guide below.
“One of my favorite streets in New York is Park Avenue,” Amrossi says. “This is the view overlooking Park Avenue from the top-secret sections of Grand Central Terminal.”
“The Chrysler Building is unique in many ways. There are a total of 3,862 windows that gaze out at New York from the Chrysler Building.”
“Catching fall in Central Park is one of the most beautiful and colorful times of the year. Many tourists and locals make a special visit to see the changing seasons in the city.”
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“The Empire State Building is the heart of the whole city. The skyline wouldn’t be the same without it. Seeing it from this perspective has made me appreciate its beauty that much more.”
“According to the NYC Department of Transportation stats from August 2011, more than 120,000 vehicles, 4,000 pedestrians and 2,600 bicyclists cross the Brooklyn Bridge on average every day, which is why I occasionally choose to fly over it!”
“Times Square is known as the crossroads of the world, which is why I love finding views like this. Looking down and feeling the energy rise up — there is absolutely nothing else like it.”
“Flying high over the One World Trade Center and seeing it in all of its glory. It is the tallest skyscraper in the Western Hemisphere and the fourth tallest in the world.”
“About 10,000 feet above NYC, where you can spot everything from the Freedom Tower to the Empire State Building.”
“Office views aren’t too bad, either. I was lucky to find an aerial perspective of the gorgeous Helmsley Building from an office meeting in Midtown Manhattan.”
“Architects brilliantly designed churches in the shape of a cross to avoid any destruction during battles, as opposing military can easily identify what they are. It took 21 years to build St. Patrick’s Cathedral.”