Top 10 Places to Photograph in Washington, D.C.

Seems only fitting during the Fourth of July week we would head to our nation’s capitol. There are so many amazing places to photograph in DC that we could have easily come up with 30 spots to photograph.  But alas, we had to narrow it down a bit. Here is our diverse list of the top 10 places to photograph in Washington, D.C.

Week Five – Washington, D.C.

1. White House

1600 Pennsylvania Avenue
The White House is the official workplace of the President of the United States. It was completed in 1800.* Be aware though, the White House is one of the most restrictive photo locales in DC. To photograph the exterior, you will be behind a huge fence and sometimes landscaping will obstruct your view. You can go inside the White House, as they do hold tours.

2. Washington Monument

National Mall
It is one of the most recognizable obelisks in the world, we are, of course, talking about the Washington Monument. It was built to commemorate George Washington and was completed in 1884.* It is both the world’s tallest stone structure and the world’s tallest obelisk, standing over 554 feet!* You can go up into the monument to get a bird’s eye view of the nation’s capitol from the observation deck. You will need to buy a ticket.

3. US Capitol Building

East Capitol St NE & First St SE 
The United States Capitol is the home of the United States Congress and the seat of the legislative branch of the U.S. federal government.* It’s quite impressive both inside and out. You can go inside to take tours if you want to book it online go HERE.

4. Lincoln Memorial

The Lincoln Memorial was built to honor Abraham Lincoln, the 16th President of the United States. It was finished in 1922 and is located on the western end of the National Mall.* It’s free and open to the public. Although stunning to photograph during the day, you might want to consider visiting in the evening as well. The monument has dramatically lit and it’s the perfect opportunity to bump up the ISO and turn off the flash to capture the shadows.

5. Union Station

 50 Massachusetts Ave NE
Ready for some fabulous architecture? Check out Union Station. It opened in 1907 and is a major transportation hub.* Think nice and bright as the main hall showcases amazing architecture and is flooded with light. Photography is welcomed in the public areas, but try not to bring a tripod as you may have to ask for permission.

6. Jefferson Memorial

701 E Basin Dr. SW
This memorial is dedicated to Thomas Jefferson, one of the main writers of the Declaration of Independence.  It sits on the West Potomac Park on the shore of the Potomac River Tidal B.* It’s open year around and if possible, the best time to photograph this memorial is when the cherry trees blossom in spring. The trees are everywhere near and around this Memorial.

7. National Arboretum

 3501 New York Ave NE
It’s easy to spend a whole day here. The National Arboretum spans more than 400 acres. It was established in 1927 and it functions as a major center for botanical research. *It’s free to the public and the arboretum boasts of trees, shrubs, & plants plus a picnic area!

8. Dumbarton Oaks

1703 32nd Street NW
Dumbarton Oaks is a historic estate in the  Georgetown neighborhood of Washington, D.C. The museum and gardens are open daily and you do have to buy a ticket. However, when we first started the gardens were open, it now looks like they are temporarily closed from July 10, 2017- March 2018.

9. Smithsonian Institution

600 Maryland Avenue SW
Be prepared to have your mind blown! The Smithsonian Institution is the world’s largest museum, education and research complex. Explore art and design, history and culture and science and nature. Plus there is a zoo! One of the most iconic shots is of the caste out front or the visitor’s center. You’ll be taking pictures inside and outside, so leave the flash off and work with your iso to get the best shots.

10. Potomac River

The Potomac River is located along the mid-Atlantic Ocean coast and flows into the Chesapeake Bay. The river is over 400 miles long.* One of the main photographed spots along the river is the Arlington Memorial Bridge. It’s one of the more beautiful bridges and connects on the side of the National Mall by the Lincoln Memorial to Columbia Island.

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*Information from the respected Wikipedia pages.
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