We travel, discovering new places, cultures, customs, architecture, and nature. We want to share what has fascinated, surprised, and sometimes even frightened us. We photograph not only for ourselves but also to convey our impressions to others. When a photo is not the result of an imposed theme, our natural need for creation comes into play—creativity and mindfulness guide us through the process. So, does the place where we take a photo really matter?

Any space, even the most iconic one, can be captured in an infinite number of ways. It is not the Eiffel Tower, the Brooklyn Bridge, or St. Mark’s Square themselves that make a photograph memorable, but rather the way we perceive and present them. The uniqueness of an image is determined not only by composition and technique but above all by the ability to capture the atmosphere of a moment—the emotions of people, the interplay of light and shadow, the subtle details that give the photo its character. The place is just a background.

The masters of photography did not merely document reality—they gave it a personal dimension. Their photos were not just records of places but visual narratives in which something beyond the scenery mattered. What sets their work apart from thousands of similar shots is sensitivity, keen observation, and the ability to immerse themselves in their surroundings.

Every city, every corner of the world, changes depending on the time of day, the light, and even our mood. What may be just a tourist spot on the map for some can become a canvas for personal interpretation for others. We may all look at the same places, yet see them in completely different ways. All you need is a moment of stillness to listen to the sounds of the city, notice the reflections, the play of light, gestures and harmony - wherever you are.

In such moments, even the most well-known places cease to be mundane and take on a personal character. Because true photography is not just about documenting reality—it is, above all, the art of storytelling, a story seen through the eyes of the photographer.

New York and Paris are among the most photographed cities in the world. Many photographers have spent years there, striving to capture their uniqueness in a deeply personal way. We can draw inspiration from their work and create images that are unexpected and unconventional—even in places that seem all too familiar.

PS. At the end you will find some of my photos from these beautiful cities. Inspire ..

Photos of Paris (1-Bruce Davidson, 2&6-Robert Doisneau, 3&4&5-Willy Ronis)