Photography in D.C: Before I research on website after website, I thought I would ask here first: does anyone know where photography is permitted/ prohibited in Washington? I am also...

Rab-Eye Loc: Indiana

Before I research on website after website, I thought I would ask here first: does anyone know where photography is permitted/ prohibited in Washington? I am also wondering if tripods are allowed, and if you are carrying a camera and want to enter a site that does not allow photography, are you simply not allowed in or can you leave your camera at the security checkpoint and pick it up later? If so, would you trust it?

I appreciate any information anyone can offer. I know I’ll probably have to do some of my own research, but I thought this would be a good place to start.

rgrenaderphoto Loc: Hollywood, CA

I do not think tripods/monoposd are allowed inside public buildings, because of security concerns. I've taken interior photographs in most every museum in the district, bit flash is always prohibited. There were some spaces in the National Gallery where paintings were on loan from a private collection where photography was prohibited, but every place else is pretty friendly.

CHG_CANON Loc: the Windy City

Assume tripods are not allowed inside any building, private or gov-run. Neither tripods nor monopods are allowed anywhere on the capital grounds (security runs out and demands they're removed if you try to set-up). Cameras are allowed everywhere, and in government operated buildings, after a security check. If you'll be indoors and outdoors, leave the tri / mono behind. If outdoors in the evening / night, bring the tripod and get pictures of the monuments and buildings.

Rab-Eye Loc: Indiana

rgrenaderphoto wrote:

I do not think tripods/monoposd are allowed inside public buildings, because of security concerns. I've taken interior photographs in most every museum in the district, bit flash is always prohibited. There were some spaces in the National Gallery where paintings were on loan from a private collection where photography was prohibited, but every place else is pretty friendly.

Thank you, Rgrenader.

Rab-Eye Loc: Indiana

CHG_CANON wrote:

Assume tripods are not allowed inside any building, private or gov-run. Neither tripods nor monopods are allowed anywhere on the capital grounds (security runs out and demands they're removed if you try to set-up). Cameras are allowed everywhere, and in government operated buildings, after a security check. If you'll be indoors and outdoors, leave the tri / mono behind. If outdoors in the evening / night, bring the tripod and get pictures of the monuments and buildings.

Wow. That’s really good advice from a Canon guy! 😜

Thank you.

Cwilson341 Loc: Central Florida

Camera's are allowed everywhere except the White House (cell phone photos only). Tripods, monopods and selfie sticks are not allowed in any of the buildings as far as I know. Try to travel light and enjoy!

Rab-Eye Loc: Indiana

Cwilson341 wrote:

Camera's are allowed everywhere except the White House (cell phone photos only). Tripods, monopods and selfie sticks are not allowed in any of the buildings as far as I know. Try to travel light and enjoy!

Thank you, CW.

mwsilvers Loc: Central New Jersey

Rab-Eye wrote:

Before I research on website after website, I thou... (show quote)

Since you will not be able to use a tripod you will have to shoot handheld. Make you you have a fast lens for inside work. If you are in dark venues you may need f/2 or faster, but for the most part f/2.8 will suffice.

Rab-Eye Loc: Indiana

mwsilvers wrote:

Since you will not be able to use a tripod you will have to shoot handheld. Make you you have a fast lens for inside work. If you are in dark venues you may need f/2 or faster, but for the most part f/2.8 will suffice.

Thank you, MWS. I’ll be adding a 35mm f/1.8 for low light.

sb Loc: Florida's East Coast

The Library of Congress building is an awesome spot to take photos - but the famous reading room is off limits to photography.

d2b2 Loc: Catonsville, Maryland, USA

With respect to tripods and monopods, it is not always security that is the issue; it is frequently the liability that is created by putting a stationary construct in the midst of (usually) crowded venues.

Jeffcs Loc: Myrtle Beach South Carolina

Good info for future reference DC is on bucket lists

littlebear76

Rab-Eye,

I would recommend you investing in the book, "Photographing Washington, D.C. Digital Field Guide" by John Healey. It will answer all of your questions and give you great suggestions where to take digital photos and the lenses to use in photographing the sights of DC. Good luck; I went there for the Japanese Cherry Blossom Festival this past April!

billnikon Loc: Pennsylvania/Ohio/Florida/Maui/Oregon/Vermont

Rab-Eye wrote:

Before I research on website after website, I thou... (show quote)

Phone stick extenders are not allowing in any of the museum's.

rmm0605 Loc: Atlanta GA

Rab-Eye wrote:

Before I research on website after website, I thou... (show quote)

You are NOT permitted to take photos with a TRIPOD anywhere on Capital grounds without written permission of the architect of the Capitol.