From the cobblestone streets on the waterfront to any of the twenty-two squares that grace the historic district, it is easy to see why Savannah is one of America's most photogenic cities.

Along the river, utilitarian old cotton warehouses have been transformed into quaint restaurants and shops practically begging for close-ups. This is where the colony of Georgia first began back in 1733. The buildings have entrances on three tiers, designed to stair-step up the bluff from their water-level fronts on River Street to city-side entrances on Bay Street. Especially intriguing is the concealed alleyway known as Factor's Walk that is sandwiched in between.

If these bridges and catwalks could talk, imagine the secrets they'd reveal from the days when cotton was king and merchants (known as factors) made fortunes wheeling and dealing behind the hidden doorways.

That cotton prosperity is apparent on the east end of the walk, where the classic City Hall building stands as an icon. The gold dome-crowned clock tower has stood overlooking both the city and the river as a prominent and picturesque sentinel for over one hundred years.

Below the majestic hall, back down by the river, the whole world falls apart. The World Apart monument, a World War II memorial designed by Eric Meyerhoff, depicts the planet split in two by the global conflict. The impressive work honors Savannah's World War II veterans both living and deceased. We remember it best as the site of perhaps our most moving photographic moment ever — when we were asked to snap a shot of a vet and his daughter standing next to his engraved name. Sometimes timing is everything.

Away from the water, Savannah is best known for its tree-filled parks and squares. The city was originally laid out by General James Oglethorpe in a series of streets that connected two dozen of the squares. The main reason Chippewa Square is a prime photo stop? It's where Forrest Gump famously sat waiting for his bus. The bench is not there. In fact, it never really was — since it was only a movie prop. However, this is still a perfect place for a snapshot or even a selfie.

The squares are arranged around the central green space of the city, Forsyth Park. Named in honor of a Congressman, Senator, Governor, and Secretary of State, John Forsyth, these thirty acres of gardens are smack dab in the middle of Savannah's historic district and may just be the crème de la crème when it comes to photo ops. In an effort to give the city a Parisian flair, the prominent fountain on the north side of the park was added in 1858 and is certainly a favorite of shutterbugs.

Follow the river just a little farther downstream and a much more welcoming monument awaits with a salutation for any and all of the boats that make their way to Savannah's waterfront. The Waving Girl depicts Florence Margaret Martus, who greeted ships entering the city's port from 1887 to 1931. Her hospitality became known around the world as sailors everywhere told the story of her friendly reception.

Directly between the park and Forrest's famous bus stop, there is a house which has become the most photographed home in Savannah. The Wedding Cake Mansion on Monterey Square dates back to 1869. In the ensuing years, it has earned a reputation for the beautiful ornamental ironwork and decorative plasterwork that creates an "icing on the cake" appearance. The fact that it has also become a favorite venue for couples celebrating their nuptials has no doubt added to the photo frenzy.

No visit to Savannah is complete without a walk beneath the live oaks draped in Spanish moss. Even in broad daylight, they lend a spooky air to their surroundings. Add to that an ancient cemetery and it's no wonder so many ghost stories continue to circulate throughout the town. Colonial Park Cemetery is home to several of these spirits, as well as a couple of Revolutionary War heroes and a signatory of The Declaration of Independence. Who knows? Fire off enough shots and one of the apparitions may make an appearance on film. That would certainly be a picture to remember!