Perhaps one of the most iconic of all the various monuments and views, the magnificence of the reflecting pool was immortalized for me in Forrest Gump. A strange choice of movie? But the scenes at the pool are so moving! Anyway, if you want to shoot here, come at sunrise, you will get beautiful light, gorgeous colors that reflect off the pool and light up Washington monument from the Lincoln Memorial steps. The Lincoln Memorial is hard to shoot inside the memorial, because it’s dark; However, outside, by the columns is another story. The light you get during sunrise as you wander between the columns is amazing – perfect for that killer insta photo. Actually, if you need to do an engagement shoot – this is near perfect spot – only at sunrise when there are less people there. Also the steps of the empirical are the perfect place to get that picture of the Washington monument.
Washington Monument
It’s actually very hard to capture the monument in its entirety at the monument itself. Since an earthquake damaged the monument in 2011, visitors are no longer allowed to ascend and see the magnificent views from the top. However, if you really want to visit, because of the angle you have to shoot at to capture it all anyway, you might as well visit at sunset and get some of those gorgeous clouds here with minimal people in the shot. In my opinion, if you want the best view of the monument it’s with the reflecting pool from the steps of the Lincoln Memorial.
Jefferson Memorial & The Tidal Basin
When I went the Jefferson Memorial was being renovated, so the light was very poor. However, it didn’t stop me from reading the inspiring inscriptions inside and enjoying the view of the tidal basin. I know, I know… I need to return during cherry blossom season. The one time I went during cherry blossom season, I was overwhelmed by the crowds. I may try again next year after a several-year hiatus.
DC City Center
A little shopping area in downtown DC, where all the designer stores are clustered together. It’s pretty nice for photos, as they change the decorations seasonally. As it gets pretty hot here even very early in the morning during summer, I opted for a night shot here.
ARTECHOUSE
Right next to the Mandarin Oriental, it’s a little hidden, but if you are in DC, and like modern immersive art, you have to go. It’s an innovative art space dedicated to showcasing experiential and technology driven works by pioneering artists who crate immersive works of art to challenge your spatial perceptions and assumptions of the world around us.
Chinatown Friendship Arch
So I love architecture and any structures that let me play with light, I’m in. The Conrad hotel is a lovely hotel in the center of DC. Go to the third floor and to the left of the elevators is a nice lobby like area, look up and you will see a beautiful honeycomb structure. If it’s a day with blue sky and clouds, it almost feels like you are getting a glimpse of heaven as the sunlight filters down in the most beautiful way.
Hope that you take some time to explore DC and take advantage of some of the great photo opportunities. Let me know if you use the guide!
xoxo
