jvangorp Loc: Stickney, SD

We are heading to DC the first part of August. I'll take any and all hints for taking pictures of this historic place. I haven't been there for 30 years, so I'm excited to go back and share it with my family!

Dedo Loc: NY, Uruguay

Most of the memorials are open 24 hrs. so if you can get up really
early before the usual hoards of tourists you can get some interesting
pictures. Fewer people at night as well. Be prepared for heat and
humidity.

CHG_CANON Loc: the Windy City

Be prepared for the heat and humidity.

Also, monopods, selfie sticks and tripods are not allowed indoor in the buildings along the mall nor on the US Capitol grounds. Stick to just your camera and maybe one lens change and have a great trip.

jvangorp Loc: Stickney, SD

Thanks for the good advice! I was expecting it to be hot!!

jvangorp Loc: Stickney, SD

Good to know about the monopods and selfie sticks. My kids no doubt would do the selfie stick. I have a monopod and was wondering if I should drag it along. Thanks again!

Jay Pat Loc: Round Rock, Texas, USA

You'll need to be in good shape for a lot of walking.
Have a great trip!!
Pat

ken_stern Loc: Yorba Linda, Ca

Been to DC a lot & taken lots & lots of shots -- My one BIG regret is I have NEVER taken any night photos -- Everything noteworthy is lit-up & just waiting for you & your camera -- Make sure to take a tripod -- I will next time
Then share your photos & make me jealous !!!!!

ricardo7 Loc: Washington, DC - Santiago, Chile

When I first moved to DC I took a lot of pictures in the rundown slum areas.
There were quite a lot back in 1985 and many of the neighborhoods have been
gentrified. It's interesting to see the changes.

kathiandkim

I live in the area. Bring a tripod. Shoot the monuments at night. Especially the Capitol reflecting pool and Korean War Memorial. If you get out at sunrise, shoot the Jefferson Memorial from across the Tidal Basin.

Mike_B Loc: St. Louis, MO

Take a nighttime bus tour of the monuments. Some of my favorite photos ever!

ngrea Loc: Sandy Spring, Maryland

I live in the area. One thing in addition to the heat and humidity is to be prepared for afternoon thunder storms. Very heavy rain can come done suddenly. Have a way to protect your camera unless it is waterproof. In addition to the monuments we have a lot of interesting historical sites. One with great views is Frederick Douglas’s home. Also if you have a car Great Falls ( I prefer Maryland side with C&O canal, including mule drawn barge)

raypep

I lived in the area for many years and had many visitors. My favorite place to take them was the Iwo Jima Memorial, actually across the Potomac in Arlington VA. The memorial is stunning and makes for great photos. But the icing on the cake is the view it gives of the Lincoln and the Washington memorials across the river. On a sunny day and with a telephoto lens the photo opportunities are great.

ole sarg Loc: south florida

Contact your congressman and get tickets for the Marine Corp Retreat it is the best show in Washington DC. Google it

gwilliams6

I lived in DC for many years and still take my university photography students from NJ there on a field trip every year. They do serious and fun photo assignments all up and down the National Mall with all the monuments , outside the White House (always good for folks exercising their right to free speech and expression) etc.. Our classes always have a best squirrel photo contest, they are plentiful, grey and black ones and will come to you for any edible treat. Loads of great duck, geese and swans abound also for shots along the mall lagoons and reflecting pool. . You can get really close to them as they are used to tourists and cameras. And we finish our shooting at Arlington Cemetery for the eternal flame at the JFK grave (great view of DC from there), and the hourly Changing of the Guard at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier (not to be missed if you have time), and nearby is the Iwo Jima Marine Corp monument too, another great photo.

All great suggestions here about early and night picture opportunities, weather etc. One caveat, I prefer the Virginia side to Great Falls (longer ride to get there) but more spectacular and closer views of more of the falls, plus nice museum facility.

I honed my skills shooting pix in DC as a teenager and later came back as a pro for countless events and assignments from inaugurations to presidential funerals, to Pope visits and countless more. An absolutely great place to take shots. Dont forget the great World War II Memorial and the the Vietnam War Memorial wall. And go up the Washington Monument (free, but you need to get the free timed reservations at building next to it). You can make shots in all four directions through the four windows at the top.

And dont forget all the great shots you can make INSIDE the great free Smithsonian Institute museums that line the National Mall. and National Gallery of Art. One of my favorites is the National Air and Space Museum. Additionally, worth the price of admission and also photo friendly is the Newseum at 5th and Pennsylvania avenue. My university photo students always go there first on our DC field trips. Look Online for photos and videos about the Newseum, each museum, each memorial and monument and what exhibits might be featured in August. Cheers

Stephan G

It has been a few years since I was in DC, but I don't think the buildings, etc., have been moved much.

Get a good map of DC and plan out your path(s) to include your desired places to visit. Some may have some hours. If you "park and stay" along the light rail line, you would save time and money by riding to the mall, for example. But you may have to walk a bit, so pack accordingly. My family (4 people) were able to do all the buildings in the mall in two whole days. Be aware that some spots may be closed for some reason, thus have plans B to G in mind. Carry a physical map to jot down "revisit" locations for more shots. It may be a good idea to "pre-visit" on the internet sites for the places you are certain you want to visit.

Here's a place many miss out because they are not aware of it. It is just a short hop north of D.C.

https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g41077-d616467-Reviews-National_Capital_Trolley_Museum-Colesville_Montgomery_County_Maryland.html

It is good to map out any trip.

Key pieces of advice. Be prepared to be overwhelmed. Keep cool and pace yourselves. Most importantly, have fun. And, remember to have all batteries charged and have sufficient digital memory space (more is good).

One more thing, keep a small notebook to jot down your thoughts, key words, et al. This with your shots will go a long way to remembering your visit.