The over-the-top bright lights of Broadway. The sunsets behind the Hudson River. The gleaming towers and tall buildings — like the Midtown West luxury rentals at 555TEN — that make the skyline iconic. There’s no question as to why New York is the most photographed city in the entire world. The city’s ever-changing, dynamic energy lends itself well to images in a variety of media, from quick snapshots posted on social media to high-end glossy editorials that attempt to capture NYC’s unique features.

You can get in on all the photography fun by taking a tour with Shoot New York City that will let you explore the town and practice your photography skills. The upcoming Hell’s Kitchen & Midtown West Street Photography Workshop focuses on the neighborhood surrounding the luxury apartments for rent at 555TEN. This four-hour tour will take a small group out into the world of high-octane street photography on Saturday, Feb. 29. Whether you’re a selfie-snapper or a professional photog, this tour is sure to be both exciting and illuminating.

But what exactly is “street photography”?

Street photography isn’t your typical pose-and-smile endeavor. It’s a fast-paced, unplanned style that, when done correctly, captures the heart and soul of its subjects in serendipitous moments captured by the camera lens. While the style may seem random, the best street photographers know what to look for and possess a technique that makes catching these moments on film second nature to them.

On the surface, street photography seems like a simple undertaking: Just go out onto the street and take pictures. But, as anyone who’s ever attempted to take a perfect shot in the moment will tell you, it’s anything but.

One of the most common obstacles to overcome is the fear of taking your camera out and shooting. After all, it can be unnerving to point a camera at strangers and take their picture. One of the goals of Shoot New York City is to help those new to street photography get over any embarrassment or fears they might have about shooting in public.

In addition to overcoming mental blocks, Shoot New York City teaches you valuable techniques for getting great shots — with a focus on composition. How you frame and compose your shot affects how an audience will see the picture, which can make or break the message you’re trying to convey. While getting the angles correct is easy with a still object, like the Empire State Building, it’s a bit more difficult when you’re shooting “from the hip.”

The “Auto” setting on most cameras will get you fine photos most of the time, but true photographers know that “Manual” is the way to go. During the workshop, you’ll learn how to use your camera like a pro and dig deep into the more mechanical aspects of street photography. Think: aperture, focus, and f-stop.

Ready to get out there and channel your own Helen Levitt?

Sign up for Shoot New York City’s Hell’s Kitchen & Midtown West Street Photography Workshop today. The tour only accommodates five people, and the event will take place rain or shine. And, most important, don’t forget your camera — both digital and film cameras can be used.

Starting the new year off right is never easy. And since New Year’s resolutions usually focus on health-conscious activities like improving your diet and getting in shape, living in the heart of New York City presents an extra challenge. However, the Midtown West apartments for rent at 555TEN are an oasis of wellness in Hudson Yards. And Hudson Yards itself, as well as the surrounding neighborhood, offers countless opportunities to pursue any type of self-improvement you might desire. So, now’s the time to lace up your running shoes, grab a notebook, or learn a new skill. New year, new you!

The most common New Year’s resolution is undoubtedly to hit the gym. Fortunately, residents of 555TEN have access to state-of-the-art fitness facilities right inside their very own building. Head to the Health & Wellness Floor to work up a sweat on the treadmills and weight-training machines while being inspired by Midtown views, or take a class in the private fitness studio. If you’re a swimmer, you’ll love the indoor saltwater lap pool. And if spinning is more your thing, check out the top-of-the-line Peloton bikes. Adventurous residents will love the Nexersys Boxing Exergame, which takes shadowboxing to a whole new level. When your workout is finished, drape a towel around your neck and hit the high-end changing rooms before heading back out into the world (or just back to your residence).

Another common New Year’s resolution is to become more organized. Conveniently located near 555TEN are a couple of stores where you can pick up some great organization tools. Check out MUJI in Hudson Yards to stock up on stylish stationery, sleek file boxes and binders, and a host of useful planners and calendars that will turn organization into an aesthetic treat. For more quotidian needs, head to The Container Store, where you’ll find the right trays, boxes, and shelves to perfectly complement your luxurious 555TEN residence.

But New Year’s resolutions don’t have to be about fine-tuning your life. What is sometimes most needed in the new year is a fresh start, and learning a new skill can be just the ticket. Luckily, 555TEN is located near a ton of art studios that offer classes for all ages, giving you the opportunity to discover a new talent while making something that is the perfect expression of your unique personality. Check out Mud Matters, the pottery studio where amateurs can take their spin at the wheel or use silver clay to create unique jewelry. Whether you want to meet new people through a group class or hone your pottery skills with private lessons, Mud Matters is one of the best places to create art in a safe and judgment-free environment.

Plus, a stylish mug or handmade vase will look great in your modern 555TEN apartment. Head over to the 555TEN website and start the journey to a new you today!

There are a number of things you can do in and around your own home at the 555TEN Midtown West apartments to boost NYC’s environmental friendliness. You’re probably already lessening your carbon footprint by taking public transportation, walking, or riding a bicycle to get where you’re going. And apartment living means that you’re using less energy to heat and cool your home. But still, there’s a lot more that we can all do to reduce our environmental impact even further. Here are a few easy ways to help out the planet that you can easily fit into your lifestyle.

Eat Local and Organic When Possible

The organic and local “trends” of a decade ago are now standards that many of us regularly seek out — and with good reason. Fewer chemicals and preservatives are used in the production of organic foods, and so these substances don’t wind up in our bodies — or in the Earth. Locally sourced foods require less fossil fuels for transportation and less refrigeration (read: less energy) to keep them from spoiling in transit. The Hudson Yards Down to Earth Farmers Market provides an opportunity to shop for this more environmentally friendly fare. From mid-May through mid-November, this Thursday farmers market offers a variety of foods, organic and local as well as traditionally produced and sourced. Bring your own reusable bags and baskets and reduce your footprint even further.

Don’t Just Throw It Away

A city of millions naturally generates a lot of trash, but with a bit of planning and effort, the amount that each of us throws away can be substantially reduced. Composting is an easy and beneficial way of doing this. While composting may seem difficult in a place where outdoor space is limited, compost sites, such as the Pier 76 Community Compost Drop Off, are here to help. The Pier 76 site accepts fruit and vegetable scraps, coffee grounds and filters, teabags (with the staples removed), rice, pasta, bread, cereal, egg and nut shells, and dried and cut flowers. Make certain to remove meats and dairy, as well as any fats or oils, from your drop before delivery. For your convenience, the brown bins at the site are available daily from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m for dropping off compost. While they don’t recycle aluminum, plastic, or paper, you can (and should) do so according to the guidelines and schedule found on the New York City Sanitation website. And, as an additional way to reduce waste, remember to ask or opt for compostable packaging when you shop.

Reuse and Reclaim

Here is an astonishing statistic: According to the Earth Institute at Columbia University, the average American discards about 80 pounds of clothes per year; and nearly 85 percent of that ends up in a landfill. While that’s a lot, it doesn’t mean you have to stop shopping. However, the next time you feel the need to update your wardrobe, consider skipping the fast fashion and make a dash (on foot or bicycle) for the chic stylings of vintage clothing at shops like Couture du Jour or Morphew. While it takes a little more effort, the hunt for just the right piece is incredibly rewarding — both for the environment and your wardrobe. Likewise, instead of throwing away your own gently used pieces, consider selling or consigning them. Donate warm coats and other practical garments to local charities that ask for them, but only if they’re in need of the items: Unwanted or unneeded clothes or shoes can cost charities money to dispose of and result in increasing their environmental footprint. 

With a little thought and effort, you can make a difference. The neighborhood around the Midtown West luxury apartments at 555TEN makes it all the easier with the availability of local markets, composting, and options to recycle and reuse. Helping NYC reduce its carbon footprint a little each day can make for big changes over the long term. Keep up the good work. The planet is counting on you.

Sleek and modern or over-the-top and baroque — your home design style is something that expresses who you are, what you value, and how you live. Aside from the layout and location, it’s one of the most essential aspects of your home. With ample space, well-thought-out architecture, and a choice location in Midtown Manhattan, the luxury apartments at 555TEN have the layout and location already taken care of. The only thing you have to think about is the style you want to bring to your no-fee NYC rentals.

While there are tried-and-true design elements that find their way into many homes, perhaps you could try giving your style an update with the latest trends — it’s 2020, after all. There’s no need to be slavish to fashions, of course, but adding a little something extra and modern to your design philosophy can pay off brilliantly.

So, let’s take a look at the latest home design trends for 2020.

Environment-Focused Design

Over the past 20 years, and with the advent of the green movement, there has been a strong focus on consumerism and its effects on the environment. That’s why a trend for the decade ahead involves looking back on what we’ve been doing wrong and correcting those mistakes for the future by designing with sustainable and ethically made products. And we’re not just talking about eco-friendly sisal rugs — think sumptuous faux-leather sofas (yes, sumptuous) and carefully sourced furniture. Another aspect of this trend places an emphasis on reusing objects. So, you can feel both hip and virtuous when bringing that gorgeous antique wood coffee table back from the weekend Chelsea Flea Market.

“Grandmillennial Style”

Publications like Elle Decor are touting “grandmillennial style” as one of the latest trends in home design. But before you start thinking it’s just another term capitalizing on the millennial demographic, take a closer look. This style of design, according to House Beautiful, who brought the term “grandmillennial” to a wider audience last fall, is the age-old tradition of mixing the old with the new. Items once thought stodgy, like chintz-pattern china, are given a new and exciting life when used as decor accessories alongside modern pieces. The style is certainly not for everyone, but perhaps a nod to it might be a whimsical way to bring a bit of 2020 into the home — even if you’re not a millennial.

Is There a Pattern Here? 

Bold and daring patterns have held a place in the eyes of designers since design began. But in 2020, patterns are no longer meant just for small accent pieces. According to Forbes, they’re meant to be used wherever they might work in the home. Geometric, illustrated, or variant-color patterns can be used for big pieces, like your dining room table. You can even use patterns on your walls, thanks to bold, new wallpapers many manufacturers are offering. If you’re renting and want to get in on the patterned-wall craze, there are several companies that make temporary but durable wallpapers that won’t harm your walls.

And if you’re not into decorating at all, perhaps the best home decor to have is a sprawling vista of NYC from floor-to-ceiling windows — like the views you’ll find at the 555TEN luxury rentals.

So many of our cherished holiday memories revolve around sumptuous home-cooked meals. From kicking things off with a Thanksgiving feast to closing out the season with a spectacular Christmas dinner, the holidays sometimes seem like one continuous whirlwind of cooking and cleaning. Fortunately for residents of the Midtown West apartments at 555TEN, memorable meals prepared by world-renowned professionals are just minutes away. So, take a little pressure off your packed holiday schedule and enjoy the season to the fullest at the prime dining spots in our 555TEN restaurant guide.

Just a four-minute walk from 555TEN luxury rentals, the lively bistro Chez Josephine has been catering to the Broadway crowd since 1986, bringing the legacy of the legendary Josephine Baker to life nightly. Here, you’ll find live piano music, an ambience only enhanced by snowfall outside the windows, and, of course, top-flight food. Classic French fare, including escargots and tartares, populates the menu. And there are local offerings, too, including Long Island duck and home-fried chicken, which will make any evening at Chez Josephine a culinary adventure. 

Also near to 555TEN is the new location of West Village favorite Dell’anima. The restaurant recently downsized and moved uptown to Gotham West Market while retaining the wine selection and food quality that made it a neighborhood favorite for over a decade. The Dell’anima experience is centered on its 22 kitchenside seats, where diners are treated to a front-row view of culinary feats carried out by chef Andrew Whitney and his team. The menu is organized around bespoke wine selections and a range of pastas made in-house, bringing delightful Italian-inspired pairings to every meal. 

Residents seeking a reward for persevering through this often exhausting family-fueled season should head to STK Midtown, one of the New York outposts of the international steakhouse brand. From a hip interior to a fantastic soundtrack provided by an in-house DJ to mouthwatering twists on classic steakhouse fare, the STK team has thought of everything. It’s the perfect place to escape from a crowded Christmas season and simply enjoy an evening of fine food, drink, and company. Plus, with dry-aged beef and Japanese Wagyu on offer, diners won’t leave empty-stomached or unsatisfied. 

After dinner, residents can head back to their comfortable abodes and enjoy all that 555TEN has to offer. The generous living spaces offer a host of top-of-the-line fixtures and appliances. And the exclusive residential amenities include access to an entire health & wellness floor. But if an evening of pure relaxation is in order, residents can simply gather on the rooftop to warm themselves by the indoor/outdoor fireplace. It’s the season for making memories, so start your 555TEN journey today!