Picture Perfect Boston: "The Mix of Past and Present Feels Very Boston to Me."

Old State House

The Old State House sits right in the middle of downtown. Built in the early 1700s, it’s one of the oldest public buildings in the city and played a central role in the American Revolution. What strikes me most is how naturally it exists within daily life – history here isn’t fenced off, it’s part of the street. I’m especially drawn to the contrast between the historic brick facade and the surrounding glass skyscrapers. That mix of past and present feels very Boston to me.

Boston Public Garden

One of America’s first public botanical gardens, the Public Garden is one of my favorite places in the city. It feels different in every season — spring tulips that draw crowds, fall foliage, winter holiday lights, and long summer days. Summer is my favorite time to visit, and I love picnicking under the willow trees, soaking up the sun and people-watching. There’s always something happening: Swan Boats circling the pond, musicians playing nearby, and kids chasing what might be the fattest squirrels I’ve ever seen, hovering near picnic blankets and waiting to steal someone’s lunch. It’s a place where Boston slows down and feels unexpectedly relaxed.

On the Charles River to the Ocean

One of the things I love most about living in Boston is how close the city is to the water. The Charles River connects the city to the harbor and the ocean. Whether it’s being out on a boat, watching early-morning joggers along the river, or walking by the water at sunset, it always gives me what I’m looking for — calm, inspiration, or cool air coming off the water. I love photographing Boston from these edges, where the city feels both reflective and expansive.

Lobster Boat Tour

Lobster is one of Boston’s most iconic foods, and the lobster roll has been a New England staple for generations. Being out on a lobster boat takes you back to the beginning of that story. I’m passionate about learning where food comes from, so watching the traps being pulled straight from the water and learning how lobstering works made the city’s food culture feel tangible and grounded.

Harvard University

Harvard, located just outside of Boston, is probably the most recognizable university in the country. Every time I walk through campus, someone asks me for directions — I guess with my backpack I still pass as a student sometimes. The Smith Campus Center is one of my go-to spots to when I need a change of scene from my home office. Sitting there, surrounded by the quiet focus of students working around me, always feels motivating.

Temple for Baseball Fans: Fenway Park

I’ve never been much of a sports person, but growing up in Boston, you learn early that you’re supposed to be a Red Sox fan. Fenway Park is impossible to ignore. Passing by before or after a game, the energy is intense — packed crowds, long concession lines, and fans cheering from every direction. Even if I’m mostly there for the hot dogs, it’s one of the places where you really feel how strongly the city comes together.

About

Sophia Li is a Boston-based food, lifestyle, and travel photographer driven by a passion for authentic storytelling and holistic wellness. Through her work, she explores the connections between place, culture, and sustainability, creating images that invite a more conscious and intentional way of seeing the world.