Photographing Washington, D.C.: Digital Field Guide

Table of contents

1. Copyright
2. About the Author
3. Credits
4. Acknowledgments
5. Introduction
   1. Who the Book Is For
   2. How the Book Is Organized
6. 1. Arlington Memorial Bridge
   1. 1.1. Why It's Worth a Photograph
   2. 1.2. Where Can I Get the Best Shot?
      1. 1.2.1. The west end, north side of the bridge
      2. 1.2.2. The west bank of the Potomac River, north of the bridge
      3. 1.2.3. The east end, south side of the bridge
   3. 1.3. How Can I Get the Best Shot?
      1. 1.3.1. Equipment
         1. 1.3.1.1. Lenses
         2. 1.3.1.2. Filters
         3. 1.3.1.3. Extras
      2. 1.3.2. Camera settings
      3. 1.3.3. Exposure
         1. 1.3.3.1. Ideal time to shoot
         2. 1.3.3.2. Working around the weather
         3. 1.3.3.3. Low-light and night options
         4. 1.3.3.4. Getting creative
7. 2. Arlington National Cemetery
   1. 2.1. Why It's Worth a Photograph
   2. 2.2. Where Can I Get the Best Shot?
      1. 2.2.1. The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier
      2. 2.2.2. Memorial Drive
      3. 2.2.3. The gravesite of Pierre L'Enfant
   3. 2.3. How Can I Get the Best Shot?
      1. 2.3.1. Equipment
         1. 2.3.1.1. Lenses
         2. 2.3.1.2. Filters
         3. 2.3.1.3. Extras
      2. 2.3.2. Camera settings
      3. 2.3.3. Exposure
         1. 2.3.3.1. Ideal time to shoot
         2. 2.3.3.2. Working around the weather
         3. 2.3.3.3. Low-light and night options
         4. 2.3.3.4. Getting creative
8. 3. Ford's Theatre
   1. 3.1. Why It's Worth a Photograph
   2. 3.2. Where Can I Get the Best Shot?
      1. 3.2.1. Interior of Ford's Theatre
      2. 3.2.2. Exterior of Ford's Theatre on 10th St. NW
      3. 3.2.3. Interior of Petersen House
   3. 3.3. How Can I Get the Best Shot?
      1. 3.3.1. Equipment
         1. 3.3.1.1. Lenses
         2. 3.3.1.2. Extras
      2. 3.3.2. Camera settings
      3. 3.3.3. Exposure
         1. 3.3.3.1. Ideal time to shoot
         2. 3.3.3.2. Low-light and night options
9. 4. Franklin Delano Roosevelt Memorial
   1. 4.1. Why It's Worth a Photograph
   2. 4.2. Where Can I Get the Best Shot?
      1. 4.2.1. Room 2
      2. 4.2.2. Waterfalls in Room 3 and Room 4
      3. 4.2.3. Neil Estern's FDR statue
   3. 4.3. How Can I Get the Best Shot?
      1. 4.3.1. Equipment
         1. 4.3.1.1. Lenses
         2. 4.3.1.2. Filters
         3. 4.3.1.3. Extras
      2. 4.3.2. Camera settings
      3. 4.3.3. Exposure
         1. 4.3.3.1. Ideal time to shoot
         2. 4.3.3.2. Working around the weather
         3. 4.3.3.3. Low-light and night options
         4. 4.3.3.4. Getting creative
10. 5. Georgetown
    1. 5.1. Why It's Worth a Photograph
    2. 5.2. Where Can I Get the Best Shot?
       1. 5.2.1. C&O Canal at Thomas Jefferson St. NW
       2. 5.2.2. C&O Canal at Wisconsin Avenue
       3. 5.2.3. Old Stone House
    3. 5.3. How Can I Get the Best Shot?
       1. 5.3.1. Equipment
          1. 5.3.1.1. Lenses
          2. 5.3.1.2. Extras
       2. 5.3.2. Camera settings
       3. 5.3.3. Exposure
          1. 5.3.3.1. Ideal time to shoot
          2. 5.3.3.2. Working around the weather
          3. 5.3.3.3. Low-light and night options
11. 6. Korean War Veterans Memorial
    1. 6.1. Why It's Worth a Photograph
    2. 6.2. Where Can I Get the Best Shot?
       1. 6.2.1. Next to the Column
       2. 6.2.2. The Mural Wall
    3. 6.3. How Can I Get the Best Shot?
       1. 6.3.1. Equipment
          1. 6.3.1.1. Lenses
          2. 6.3.1.2. Filters
       2. 6.3.2. Camera settings
       3. 6.3.3. Exposure
          1. 6.3.3.1. Ideal time to shoot
          2. 6.3.3.2. Working around the weather
          3. 6.3.3.3. Low-light and night options
          4. 6.3.3.4. Getting creative
12. 7. Lincoln Memorial
    1. 7.1. Why It's Worth a Photograph
    2. 7.2. Where Can I Get the Best Shot?
       1. 7.2.1. East end of Lincoln Reflecting Pool
       2. 7.2.2. East side of the memorial
       3. 7.2.3. Inside the memorial
    3. 7.3. How Can I Get the Best Shot?
       1. 7.3.1. Equipment
          1. 7.3.1.1. Lenses
          2. 7.3.1.2. Filters
          3. 7.3.1.3. Extras
       2. 7.3.2. Camera settings
       3. 7.3.3. Exposure
          1. 7.3.3.1. Ideal time to shoot
          2. 7.3.3.2. Working around the weather
          3. 7.3.3.3. Low-light and night options
          4. 7.3.3.4. Getting creative
13. 8. Mount Vernon Estate
    1. 8.1. Why It's Worth a Photograph
    2. 8.2. Where Can I Get the Best Shot?
       1. 8.2.1. East mansion lawn
       2. 8.2.2. West side of the mansion across the Bowling Green
       3. 8.2.3. Outbuildings
       4. 8.2.4. George Washington: Pioneer Farmer
    3. 8.3. How Can I Get the Best Shot?
       1. 8.3.1. Equipment
          1. 8.3.1.1. Lenses
          2. 8.3.1.2. Filters
       2. 8.3.2. Camera settings
       3. 8.3.3. Exposure
          1. 8.3.3.1. Ideal time to shoot
          2. 8.3.3.2. Working around the weather
          3. 8.3.3.3. Low-light and night options
          4. 8.3.3.4. Getting creative
14. 9. National Air and Space Museum
    1. 9.1. Why It's Worth a Photograph
    2. 9.2. Where Can I Get the Best Shot?
       1. 9.2.1. The museum's interior
          1. 9.2.1.1. Breaking the frame
          2. 9.2.1.2. Integrate the subject with its surroundings
          3. 9.2.1.3. Look for harmony with multiple subjects
          4. 9.2.1.4. Use the light to your advantage
          5. 9.2.1.5. Rotate your camera to make an image more dynamic
    3. 9.3. How Can I Get the Best Shot?
       1. 9.3.1. Equipment
          1. 9.3.1.1. Lenses
          2. 9.3.1.2. Filters
          3. 9.3.1.3. Extras
       2. 9.3.2. Camera settings
       3. 9.3.3. Exposure
          1. 9.3.3.1. Ideal time to shoot
          2. 9.3.3.2. Working around the weather
          3. 9.3.3.3. Low-light and night options
          4. 9.3.3.4. Getting creative
15. 10. National Archives
    1. 10.1. Why It's Worth a Photograph
    2. 10.2. Where Can I Get the Best Shot?
       1. 10.2.1. Rotunda for the Charters of Freedom
       2. 10.2.2. The building's north entrance
    3. 10.3. How Can I Get the Best Shot?
       1. 10.3.1. Equipment
          1. 10.3.1.1. Lenses
          2. 10.3.1.2. Filters
       2. 10.3.2. Camera settings
       3. 10.3.3. Exposure
          1. 10.3.3.1. Ideal time to shoot
          2. 10.3.3.2. Working around the weather
          3. 10.3.3.3. Low-light and night options
16. 11. The National Mall
    1. 11.1. Why It's Worth a Photograph
    2. 11.2. Where Can I Get the Best Shot?
       1. 11.2.1. South of the U.S. Marine Corps War Memorial
       2. 11.2.2. The west side of the Capitol
       3. 11.2.3. Southeast corner of the Lincoln Memorial
       4. 11.2.4. Between 3rd St. NW and 14th St. NW within the Mall
       5. 11.2.5. The Old Post Office tower
       6. 11.2.6. The Washington Monument
       7. 11.2.7. Next to the Lincoln Reflecting Pool
    3. 11.3. How Can I Get the Best Shot?
       1. 11.3.1. Equipment
          1. 11.3.1.1. Lenses
          2. 11.3.1.2. Filters
          3. 11.3.1.3. Extras
       2. 11.3.2. Camera settings
       3. 11.3.3. Exposure
          1. 11.3.3.1. Ideal time to shoot
          2. 11.3.3.2. Working around the weather
          3. 11.3.3.3. Low-light and night options
17. 12. National World War II Memorial
    1. 12.1. Why It's Worth a Photograph
    2. 12.2. Where Can I Get the Best Shot?
       1. 12.2.1. 17th St. SW entrance
       2. 12.2.2. Between Delaware and New Jersey pillars
       3. 12.2.3. Next to Atlantic and Pacific Pavilions
       4. 12.2.4. Across the Rainbow Pool
    3. 12.3. How Can I Get the Best Shot?
       1. 12.3.1. Equipment
          1. 12.3.1.1. Lenses
          2. 12.3.1.2. Filters
          3. 12.3.1.3. Extras
       2. 12.3.2. Camera settings
       3. 12.3.3. Exposure
          1. 12.3.3.1. Ideal time to shoot
          2. 12.3.3.2. Working around the weather
          3. 12.3.3.3. Low-light and night options
          4. 12.3.3.4. Getting creative
18. 13. The National Zoo
    1. 13.1. Why It's Worth a Photograph
    2. 13.2. Where Can I Get the Best Shot?
       1. 13.2.1. African Savanna
       2. 13.2.2. Amazonia
       3. 13.2.3. Asia Trail
       4. 13.2.4. Asian Elephants
       5. 13.2.5. Bird House
       6. 13.2.6. The Great Ape House and the O Line
       7. 13.2.7. Great Cats
       8. 13.2.8. Invertebrates
       9. 13.2.9. Small Mammal House
    3. 13.3. How Can I Get the Best Shot?
       1. 13.3.1. Equipment
          1. 13.3.1.1. Lenses
          2. 13.3.1.2. Filters
          3. 13.3.1.3. Extras
       2. 13.3.2. Camera settings
       3. 13.3.3. Exposure
          1. 13.3.3.1. Ideal time to shoot
          2. 13.3.3.2. Working around the weather
19. 14. Old Post Office
    1. 14.1. Why It's Worth a Photograph
    2. 14.2. Where Can I Get the Best Shot?
       1. 14.2.1. 1300 block of Pennsylvania Avenue NW, north side
       2. 14.2.2. 1200 block of Pennsylvania Avenue NW, north side
       3. 14.2.3. In front of the Old Post Office
    3. 14.3. How Can I Get the Best Shot?
       1. 14.3.1. Equipment
          1. 14.3.1.1. Lenses
          2. 14.3.1.2. Filters
          3. 14.3.1.3. Extras
       2. 14.3.2. Camera settings
       3. 14.3.3. Exposure
          1. 14.3.3.1. Ideal time to shoot
          2. 14.3.3.2. Working around the weather
          3. 14.3.3.3. Low-light and night options
          4. 14.3.3.4. Getting creative
20. 15. The Pentagon Memorial
    1. 15.1. Why It's Worth a Photograph
    2. 15.2. Where Can I Get the Best Shot?
       1. 15.2.1. Within the memorial
       2. 15.2.2. Along the Age Wall
    3. 15.3. How Can I Get the Best Shot?
       1. 15.3.1. Equipment
          1. 15.3.1.1. Lenses
          2. 15.3.1.2. Filters
          3. 15.3.1.3. Extras
       2. 15.3.2. Camera settings
       3. 15.3.3. Exposure
          1. 15.3.3.1. Ideal time to shoot
          2. 15.3.3.2. Working around the weather
          3. 15.3.3.3. Getting creative
21. 16. Smithsonian Institution Castle
    1. 16.1. Why It's Worth a Photograph
    2. 16.2. Where Can I Get the Best Shot?
       1. 16.2.1. The southside garden
       2. 16.2.2. The north side of the Castle
    3. 16.3. How Can I Get the Best Shot?
       1. 16.3.1. Equipment
          1. 16.3.1.1. Lenses
          2. 16.3.1.2. Filters
       2. 16.3.2. Camera settings
       3. 16.3.3. Exposure
          1. 16.3.3.1. Ideal time to shoot
          2. 16.3.3.2. Working around the weather
          3. 16.3.3.3. Low-light and night options
          4. 16.3.3.4. Getting creative
22. 17. The Supreme Court of the United States
    1. 17.1. Why It's Worth a Photograph
    2. 17.2. Where Can I Get the Best Shot?
       1. 17.2.1. West exterior facing east
       2. 17.2.2. Main steps
       3. 17.2.3. Marble columns at west entrance
    3. 17.3. How Can I Get the Best Shot?
       1. 17.3.1. Equipment
          1. 17.3.1.1. Lenses
          2. 17.3.1.2. Filters
          3. 17.3.1.3. Extras
       2. 17.3.2. Camera settings
       3. 17.3.3. Exposure
          1. 17.3.3.1. Ideal time to shoot
          2. 17.3.3.2. Working around the weather
          3. 17.3.3.3. Low-light and night options
          4. 17.3.3.4. Getting creative
23. 18. Thomas Jefferson Memorial
    1. 18.1. Why It's Worth a Photograph
    2. 18.2. Where Can I Get the Best Shot?
       1. 18.2.1. Northeast side of the Tidal Basin
       2. 18.2.2. Southwest side of the Tidal Basin
       3. 18.2.3. Thomas Jefferson Memorial steps
       4. 18.2.4. Westside outer walkway of the memorial
       5. 18.2.5. Interior of the memorial
    3. 18.3. How Can I Get the Best Shot?
       1. 18.3.1. Equipment
          1. 18.3.1.1. Lenses
          2. 18.3.1.2. Filters
          3. 18.3.1.3. Extras
       2. 18.3.2. Camera settings
       3. 18.3.3. Exposure
          1. 18.3.3.1. Ideal time to shoot
          2. 18.3.3.2. Working around the weather
          3. 18.3.3.3. Low-light and night options
          4. 18.3.3.4. Getting creative
24. 19. Ulysses S. Grant Memorial
    1. 19.1. Why It's Worth a Photograph
    2. 19.2. Where Can I Get the Best Shot?
       1. 19.2.1. Grant and his wartime horse Cincinnati
       2. 19.2.2. The Cavalry Group
       3. 19.2.3. The Artillery Group
    3. 19.3. How Can I Get the Best Shot?
       1. 19.3.1. Equipment
          1. 19.3.1.1. Lenses
          2. 19.3.1.2. Filters
          3. 19.3.1.3. Extras
       2. 19.3.2. Camera settings
       3. 19.3.3. Exposure
          1. 19.3.3.1. Ideal time to shoot
          2. 19.3.3.2. Working around the weather
          3. 19.3.3.3. Low-light and night options
          4. 19.3.3.4. Getting creative
25. 20. United States Air Force Memorial
    1. 20.1. Why It's Worth a Photograph
    2. 20.2. Where Can I Get the Best Shot?
       1. 20.2.1. Facing east from the memorial
       2. 20.2.2. At the base of the memorial
       3. 20.2.3. S. Columbia Pike
    3. 20.3. How Can I Get the Best Shot?
       1. 20.3.1. Equipment
          1. 20.3.1.1. Lenses
          2. 20.3.1.2. Filters
          3. 20.3.1.3. Extras
       2. 20.3.2. Camera settings
       3. 20.3.3. Exposure
          1. 20.3.3.1. Ideal time to shoot
          2. 20.3.3.2. Working around the weather
          3. 20.3.3.3. Low-light and night options
          4. 20.3.3.4. Getting creative
26. 21. United States Botanic Garden
    1. 21.1. Why It's Worth a Photograph
    2. 21.2. Where Can I Get the Best Shot?
       1. 21.2.1. Conservatory
       2. 21.2.2. National Garden
    3. 21.3. How Can I Get the Best Shot?
       1. 21.3.1. Equipment
          1. 21.3.1.1. Lenses
          2. 21.3.1.2. Filters
          3. 21.3.1.3. Extras
       2. 21.3.2. Camera settings
       3. 21.3.3. Exposure
          1. 21.3.3.1. Ideal time to shoot
          2. 21.3.3.2. Working around the weather
          3. 21.3.3.3. Low-light and night options
27. 22. United States Capitol
    1. 22.1. Why It's Worth a Photograph
    2. 22.2. Where Can I Get the Best Shot?
       1. 22.2.1. The interior of the Rotunda
       2. 22.2.2. Capitol Reflecting Pool
       3. 22.2.3. The northeast corner
       4. 22.2.4. Freedom Plaza
    3. 22.3. How Can I Get the Best Shot?
       1. 22.3.1. Equipment
          1. 22.3.1.1. Lenses
          2. 22.3.1.2. Filters
          3. 22.3.1.3. Extras
       2. 22.3.2. Camera settings
       3. 22.3.3. Exposure
          1. 22.3.3.1. Ideal time to shoot
          2. 22.3.3.2. Working around the weather
          3. 22.3.3.3. Low-light and night options
          4. 22.3.3.4. Getting creative
28. 23. The United States Library of Congress
    1. 23.1. Why It's Worth a Photograph
    2. 23.2. Where Can I Get the Best Shot?
       1. 23.2.1. 1st St. SE
       2. 23.2.2. Inside the Great Hall
    3. 23.3. How Can I Get the Best Shot?
       1. 23.3.1. Equipment
          1. 23.3.1.1. Lenses
          2. 23.3.1.2. Filters
          3. 23.3.1.3. Extras
       2. 23.3.2. Camera settings
       3. 23.3.3. Exposure
          1. 23.3.3.1. Ideal time to shoot
          2. 23.3.3.2. Working around the weather
          3. 23.3.3.3. Low-light and night options
          4. 23.3.3.4. Getting creative
29. 24. The United States Marine Corps War Memorial
    1. 24.1. Why It's Worth a Photograph
    2. 24.2. Where Can I Get the Best Shot?
       1. 24.2.1. West of the memorial
    3. 24.3. How Can I Get the Best Shot?
       1. 24.3.1. Equipment
          1. 24.3.1.1. Lenses
          2. 24.3.1.2. Filters
          3. 24.3.1.3. Extras
       2. 24.3.2. Camera settings
       3. 24.3.3. Exposure
          1. 24.3.3.1. Ideal time to shoot
          2. 24.3.3.2. Working around the weather
          3. 24.3.3.3. Low-light and night options
          4. 24.3.3.4. Getting creative
30. 25. United States National Arboretum
    1. 25.1. Why It's Worth a Photograph
    2. 25.2. Where Can I Get the Best Shot?
       1. 25.2.1. Capitol Columns from the southeast intersection of Ellipse Rd. NE and Beechwood Rd
       2. 25.2.2. Capitol Columns
       3. 25.2.3. The administration building
    3. 25.3. How Can I Get the Best Shot?
       1. 25.3.1. Equipment
          1. 25.3.1.1. Lenses
          2. 25.3.1.2. Filters
          3. 25.3.1.3. Extras
       2. 25.3.2. Camera settings
       3. 25.3.3. Exposure
          1. 25.3.3.1. Ideal time to shoot
          2. 25.3.3.2. Working around the weather
          3. 25.3.3.3. Low-light and night options
          4. 25.3.3.4. Getting creative
31. 26. Vietnam Veterans National Memorial
    1. 26.1. Why It's Worth a Photograph
    2. 26.2. Where Can I Get the Best Shot?
       1. 26.2.1. Along the memorial's walkway
    3. 26.3. How Can I Get the Best Shot?
       1. 26.3.1. Equipment
          1. 26.3.1.1. Lenses
          2. 26.3.1.2. Filters
          3. 26.3.1.3. Extras
       2. 26.3.2. Camera settings
       3. 26.3.3. Exposure
          1. 26.3.3.1. Ideal time to shoot
          2. 26.3.3.2. Working around the weather
          3. 26.3.3.3. Low-light and night options
          4. 26.3.3.4. Getting creative
32. 27. The Washington Monument
    1. 27.1. Why It's Worth a Photograph
    2. 27.2. Where Can I Get the Best Shot?
       1. 27.2.1. The west end of the Lincoln Reflecting Pool
       2. 27.2.2. The inner circle of the Washington Monument
       3. 27.2.3. The park area west of the Washington Monument
       4. 27.2.4. The Lincoln Memorial
    3. 27.3. How Can I Get the Best Shot?
       1. 27.3.1. Equipment
          1. 27.3.1.1. Lenses
          2. 27.3.1.2. Filters
          3. 27.3.1.3. Extras
       2. 27.3.2. Camera settings
       3. 27.3.3. Exposure
          1. 27.3.3.1. Ideal time to shoot
          2. 27.3.3.2. Working around the weather
          3. 27.3.3.3. Low-light and night options
          4. 27.3.3.4. Getting creative
33. 28. The White House and President's Park
    1. 28.1. Why It's Worth a Photograph
    2. 28.2. Where Can I Get the Best Shot?
       1. 28.2.1. The sidewalk at 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue NW
       2. 28.2.2. E Street NW
       3. 28.2.3. General Jackson Statue in Lafayette Park
    3. 28.3. How Can I Get the Best Shot?
       1. 28.3.1. Equipment
          1. 28.3.1.1. Lenses
          2. 28.3.1.2. Filters
          3. 28.3.1.3. Extras
       2. 28.3.2. Camera settings
       3. 28.3.3. Exposure
          1. 28.3.3.1. Ideal time to shoot
          2. 28.3.3.2. Working around the weather
          3. 28.3.3.3. Low-light and night options
          4. 28.3.3.4. Getting creative