Finding the best Pittsburgh photography spot

The Steel City.  The City of Bridges.  The City of Champions.  The ‘Burgh.  No matter what name it goes by, there is one thing for certain: Pittsburgh is one of the most photogenic cities in the world.  From Mt. Washington to the North Shore to Point State Park, there are no shortage of beautiful skylines and scenic views to take in around the city.  All that makes being a photographer in our great city that much more fun.  Not only is the skyline stunning for landscapes at any time of day, the unique design and architecture of the city are a perfect backdrop for portraits, weddings, engagements and really any other photo opportunity.  I do my best to present our great city in unique, creative, artistic aspects, but sometimes simplicity really is the best way to showcase Pittsburgh. 

I get asked all the time, from both visitors and residents of the city alike, what my favorite place to shoot is.  Or where the best place to catch sunrise/sunset is.  My answer is always the same…anywhere.  I know that that may seem the cheap and easy way out of answering, but no matter where you are in Pittsburgh, you’re bound to get a heck of a view.  For instance, if you’re on the North Shore, the light of the setting sun comes through the Roberto Clemente Bridge just as it dips over Mt. Washington.  If you find yourself on Mt. Washington, the sun rises to your right, just above where the Monongahela River twists and turns off in the distance, casting beautiful light and shadows over the city.  In Station Square, the one of a kind architecture of the Smithfield Street Bridge and its infinity design throw unique shadows on the Mon.  In fact, since any of these places are so stunning for the sunrise/sunset, there are days when I’ve been to all of that during the same morning!

Which brings me to the above shot and my earlier mention about sometimes you just have to keep things simple when it comes to photographing Pittsburgh.  This shot was taken from the West End Overlook in Elliott and has an exceptional view of the Point and downtown Pittsburgh.  When I think of classic views of Pittsburgh, this is the one that comes to mind.  The confluence of the Allegheny and Monongahela Rivers joining to form the Ohio River are front and center, Point State Park with the fountain lit up is an iconic landmark and of course, the Pittsburgh skyline looks outstanding shining in the night.

While I can’t definitively say that one view is better than another in the ‘Burgh, I can say this: there’s not a city in the world that I’d rather live in or photograph.

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Dave DiCello, Photographer

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