My grandchildren have allowed me to visit New York City for two weeks as a retirement gift beginning June 20. The trip is primarily for photography in various locations. Following advice from many, I decided not to rent a car which means I'm on foot or using transit or Uber. I enjoy shooting skylines and street photography and open to any suggestions for shooting in safe areas.

In my google searches, I explored Coney Island, Manhattan, Ellis Island, and the Edge observation deck for the aerial look and the various burros. I'm staying in the Financial District, which seems reasonably close to the Brooklyn Bridge, which will hopefully provide views of the skyline. Any other suggestions are most welcome.

I really appreciate any advice or tips anyone can provide.

Continuing on from your last thread on composition, the quote that you refer to in your opening post seems to support the idea that composition is all about placement. I would take that as referring not just to general placement but more specifically to how individual elements are placed relative to each other (I assume that's what's meant by "structure"). Where composition is concerned the focus is not on what those individual elements are but on their placement within the frame.

It seems to me that the importance of composition is very much dependent on genre. With some types of photography composition is either irrelevant, insignificant or a minor consideration and with others it will determine whether a photo is a snapshot, a good photo or an excellent one. Sometimes composition is a necessity and sometimes it's a luxury.

It seems to me that composition can be positive or negative. The usual objective is to achieve a positive composition where balance and the careful use of positive space create a harmonious result, but negative space, deliberate imbalance and disharmony can be used to good effect in some situations. It's probably better for beginners to focus on the positive side of composition to begin with because it's usually the case that poorly or inappropriately implemented negative composition will look more like a mistake rather than a carefully considered and carefully executed idea.

Having driven many times from San Francisco to Washington State the route recommendation for me is an easy one if you are looking for beautiful scenery to photograph - stay on the coast. This is some of the most beautiful ocean front scenery anywhere. Highway 1 north until it merges with Highway 101 and 101 until you get to Yachats. There is also the "Lost Coast" in extreme N. Calif., the road that goes west from 101 through the towns of Honey Dew and Petrolia (don't recall the road number) but you may not have the time for that. It's on a AAA Calif. state map. Another worthwhile short side trip would be to photograph the Redwoods in the National park in extreme N. Calif.

This can truly be a beautiful experience. Take your time, avoid being rushed.