Many large cities have historical or preservation societies that work towards the re-use and/or maintenance of older buildings and structures. Before you travel to a big city, research the Internet or travel books to find out where these buildings are located downtown.

Instead of just taking photos of these particular buildings, consider composing your photos so that both the old and new are represented. For example, an intriguing photo of Chicago's old Water Tower can be composed so that skyscrapers are also in view. Houston's Heritage Society is quite active, and thanks in part to their work, there are many locations downtown where old homes and churches reside next to tall office buildings. The Atlanta Preservation Center showcases walking tours where you can see old Victorian and Art Deco architecture next to modern skyscrapers.

For more information on the locations mentioned in this tip, you can visit the following web sites:

1869 Chicago Water Tower: http://www.chipublib.org/004chicago/
timeline/watertower.html

Atlanta Preservation Center: http://www.preserveatlanta.com/

The Heritage Society (Houston): http://www.heritagesociety.org/

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