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Photographing Washington, D.C.: Digital Field Guide

Name: Photographing Washington, D.C.: Digital Field Guide
Author: John Healey
ISBN: 9780470586877

by John Healey

March 2010

Intermediate to advanced

318 pages

6h 29m

English

Wiley

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Copyright
About the Author
Credits
Acknowledgments
Introduction
Who the Book Is ForHow the Book Is Organized
1. Arlington Memorial Bridge
1.1. Why It's Worth a Photograph1.2. Where Can I Get the Best Shot?1.2.1. The west end, north side of the bridge1.2.2. The west bank of the Potomac River, north of the bridge1.2.3. The east end, south side of the bridge1.3. How Can I Get the Best Shot?1.3.1. Equipment1.3.1.1. Lenses1.3.1.2. Filters1.3.1.3. Extras1.3.2. Camera settings1.3.3. Exposure1.3.3.1. Ideal time to shoot1.3.3.2. Working around the weather1.3.3.3. Low-light and night options1.3.3.4. Getting creative
2. Arlington National Cemetery
2.1. Why It's Worth a Photograph2.2. Where Can I Get the Best Shot?2.2.1. The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier2.2.2. Memorial Drive2.2.3. The gravesite of Pierre L'Enfant2.3. How Can I Get the Best Shot?2.3.1. Equipment2.3.1.1. Lenses2.3.1.2. Filters2.3.1.3. Extras2.3.2. Camera settings2.3.3. Exposure2.3.3.1. Ideal time to shoot2.3.3.2. Working around the weather2.3.3.3. Low-light and night options2.3.3.4. Getting creative
3. Ford's Theatre
3.1. Why It's Worth a Photograph3.2. Where Can I Get the Best Shot?3.2.1. Interior of Ford's Theatre3.2.2. Exterior of Ford's Theatre on 10th St. NW3.2.3. Interior of Petersen House3.3. How Can I Get the Best Shot?3.3.1. Equipment3.3.1.1. Lenses3.3.1.2. Extras3.3.2. Camera settings3.3.3. Exposure3.3.3.1. Ideal time to shoot3.3.3.2. Low-light and night options
4. Franklin Delano Roosevelt Memorial
4.1. Why It's Worth a Photograph4.2. Where Can I Get the Best Shot?4.2.1. Room 24.2.2. Waterfalls in Room 3 and Room 44.2.3. Neil Estern's FDR statue4.3. How Can I Get the Best Shot?4.3.1. Equipment4.3.1.1. Lenses4.3.1.2. Filters4.3.1.3. Extras4.3.2. Camera settings4.3.3. Exposure4.3.3.1. Ideal time to shoot4.3.3.2. Working around the weather4.3.3.3. Low-light and night options4.3.3.4. Getting creative
5. Georgetown
5.1. Why It's Worth a Photograph5.2. Where Can I Get the Best Shot?5.2.1. C&O Canal at Thomas Jefferson St. NW5.2.2. C&O Canal at Wisconsin Avenue5.2.3. Old Stone House5.3. How Can I Get the Best Shot?5.3.1. Equipment5.3.1.1. Lenses5.3.1.2. Extras5.3.2. Camera settings5.3.3. Exposure5.3.3.1. Ideal time to shoot5.3.3.2. Working around the weather5.3.3.3. Low-light and night options

6. Korean War Veterans Memorial
6.1. Why It's Worth a Photograph6.2. Where Can I Get the Best Shot?6.2.1. Next to the Column6.2.2. The Mural Wall6.3. How Can I Get the Best Shot?6.3.1. Equipment6.3.1.1. Lenses6.3.1.2. Filters6.3.2. Camera settings6.3.3. Exposure6.3.3.1. Ideal time to shoot6.3.3.2. Working around the weather6.3.3.3. Low-light and night options6.3.3.4. Getting creative
7. Lincoln Memorial
7.1. Why It's Worth a Photograph7.2. Where Can I Get the Best Shot?7.2.1. East end of Lincoln Reflecting Pool7.2.2. East side of the memorial7.2.3. Inside the memorial7.3. How Can I Get the Best Shot?7.3.1. Equipment7.3.1.1. Lenses7.3.1.2. Filters7.3.1.3. Extras7.3.2. Camera settings7.3.3. Exposure7.3.3.1. Ideal time to shoot7.3.3.2. Working around the weather7.3.3.3. Low-light and night options7.3.3.4. Getting creative
8. Mount Vernon Estate
8.1. Why It's Worth a Photograph8.2. Where Can I Get the Best Shot?8.2.1. East mansion lawn8.2.2. West side of the mansion across the Bowling Green8.2.3. Outbuildings8.2.4. George Washington: Pioneer Farmer8.3. How Can I Get the Best Shot?8.3.1. Equipment8.3.1.1. Lenses8.3.1.2. Filters8.3.2. Camera settings8.3.3. Exposure8.3.3.1. Ideal time to shoot8.3.3.2. Working around the weather8.3.3.3. Low-light and night options8.3.3.4. Getting creative
9. National Air and Space Museum
9.1. Why It's Worth a Photograph9.2. Where Can I Get the Best Shot?9.2.1. The museum's interior9.2.1.1. Breaking the frame9.2.1.2. Integrate the subject with its surroundings9.2.1.3. Look for harmony with multiple subjects9.2.1.4. Use the light to your advantage9.2.1.5. Rotate your camera to make an image more dynamic9.3. How Can I Get the Best Shot?9.3.1. Equipment9.3.1.1. Lenses9.3.1.2. Filters9.3.1.3. Extras9.3.2. Camera settings9.3.3. Exposure9.3.3.1. Ideal time to shoot9.3.3.2. Working around the weather9.3.3.3. Low-light and night options9.3.3.4. Getting creative
10. National Archives
10.1. Why It's Worth a Photograph10.2. Where Can I Get the Best Shot?10.2.1. Rotunda for the Charters of Freedom10.2.2. The building's north entrance10.3. How Can I Get the Best Shot?10.3.1. Equipment10.3.1.1. Lenses10.3.1.2. Filters10.3.2. Camera settings10.3.3. Exposure10.3.3.1. Ideal time to shoot10.3.3.2. Working around the weather10.3.3.3. Low-light and night options
11. The National Mall
11.1. Why It's Worth a Photograph11.2. Where Can I Get the Best Shot?11.2.1. South of the U.S. Marine Corps War Memorial11.2.2. The west side of the Capitol11.2.3. Southeast corner of the Lincoln Memorial11.2.4. Between 3rd St. NW and 14th St. NW within the Mall11.2.5. The Old Post Office tower11.2.6. The Washington Monument11.2.7. Next to the Lincoln Reflecting Pool11.3. How Can I Get the Best Shot?11.3.1. Equipment11.3.1.1. Lenses11.3.1.2. Filters11.3.1.3. Extras11.3.2. Camera settings11.3.3. Exposure11.3.3.1. Ideal time to shoot11.3.3.2. Working around the weather11.3.3.3. Low-light and night options
12. National World War II Memorial
12.1. Why It's Worth a Photograph12.2. Where Can I Get the Best Shot?12.2.1. 17th St. SW entrance12.2.2. Between Delaware and New Jersey pillars12.2.3. Next to Atlantic and Pacific Pavilions12.2.4. Across the Rainbow Pool12.3. How Can I Get the Best Shot?12.3.1. Equipment12.3.1.1. Lenses12.3.1.2. Filters12.3.1.3. Extras12.3.2. Camera settings12.3.3. Exposure12.3.3.1. Ideal time to shoot12.3.3.2. Working around the weather12.3.3.3. Low-light and night options12.3.3.4. Getting creative
13. The National Zoo
13.1. Why It's Worth a Photograph13.2. Where Can I Get the Best Shot?13.2.1. African Savanna13.2.2. Amazonia13.2.3. Asia Trail13.2.4. Asian Elephants13.2.5. Bird House13.2.6. The Great Ape House and the O Line13.2.7. Great Cats13.2.8. Invertebrates13.2.9. Small Mammal House13.3. How Can I Get the Best Shot?13.3.1. Equipment13.3.1.1. Lenses13.3.1.2. Filters13.3.1.3. Extras13.3.2. Camera settings13.3.3. Exposure13.3.3.1. Ideal time to shoot13.3.3.2. Working around the weather
14. Old Post Office
14.1. Why It's Worth a Photograph14.2. Where Can I Get the Best Shot?14.2.1. 1300 block of Pennsylvania Avenue NW, north side14.2.2. 1200 block of Pennsylvania Avenue NW, north side14.2.3. In front of the Old Post Office14.3. How Can I Get the Best Shot?14.3.1. Equipment14.3.1.1. Lenses14.3.1.2. Filters14.3.1.3. Extras14.3.2. Camera settings14.3.3. Exposure14.3.3.1. Ideal time to shoot14.3.3.2. Working around the weather14.3.3.3. Low-light and night options14.3.3.4. Getting creative
15. The Pentagon Memorial
15.1. Why It's Worth a Photograph15.2. Where Can I Get the Best Shot?15.2.1. Within the memorial15.2.2. Along the Age Wall15.3. How Can I Get the Best Shot?15.3.1. Equipment15.3.1.1. Lenses15.3.1.2. Filters15.3.1.3. Extras15.3.2. Camera settings15.3.3. Exposure15.3.3.1. Ideal time to shoot15.3.3.2. Working around the weather15.3.3.3. Getting creative
16. Smithsonian Institution Castle
16.1. Why It's Worth a Photograph16.2. Where Can I Get the Best Shot?16.2.1. The southside garden16.2.2. The north side of the Castle16.3. How Can I Get the Best Shot?16.3.1. Equipment16.3.1.1. Lenses16.3.1.2. Filters16.3.2. Camera settings16.3.3. Exposure16.3.3.1. Ideal time to shoot16.3.3.2. Working around the weather16.3.3.3. Low-light and night options16.3.3.4. Getting creative
17. The Supreme Court of the United States
17.1. Why It's Worth a Photograph17.2. Where Can I Get the Best Shot?17.2.1. West exterior facing east17.2.2. Main steps17.2.3. Marble columns at west entrance17.3. How Can I Get the Best Shot?17.3.1. Equipment17.3.1.1. Lenses17.3.1.2. Filters17.3.1.3. Extras17.3.2. Camera settings17.3.3. Exposure17.3.3.1. Ideal time to shoot17.3.3.2. Working around the weather17.3.3.3. Low-light and night options17.3.3.4. Getting creative
18. Thomas Jefferson Memorial
18.1. Why It's Worth a Photograph18.2. Where Can I Get the Best Shot?18.2.1. Northeast side of the Tidal Basin18.2.2. Southwest side of the Tidal Basin18.2.3. Thomas Jefferson Memorial steps18.2.4. Westside outer walkway of the memorial18.2.5. Interior of the memorial18.3. How Can I Get the Best Shot?18.3.1. Equipment18.3.1.1. Lenses18.3.1.2. Filters18.3.1.3. Extras18.3.2. Camera settings18.3.3. Exposure18.3.3.1. Ideal time to shoot18.3.3.2. Working around the weather18.3.3.3. Low-light and night options18.3.3.4. Getting creative
19. Ulysses S. Grant Memorial
19.1. Why It's Worth a Photograph19.2. Where Can I Get the Best Shot?19.2.1. Grant and his wartime horse Cincinnati19.2.2. The Cavalry Group19.2.3. The Artillery Group19.3. How Can I Get the Best Shot?19.3.1. Equipment19.3.1.1. Lenses19.3.1.2. Filters19.3.1.3. Extras19.3.2. Camera settings19.3.3. Exposure19.3.3.1. Ideal time to shoot19.3.3.2. Working around the weather19.3.3.3. Low-light and night options19.3.3.4. Getting creative
20. United States Air Force Memorial
20.1. Why It's Worth a Photograph20.2. Where Can I Get the Best Shot?20.2.1. Facing east from the memorial20.2.2. At the base of the memorial20.2.3. S. Columbia Pike20.3. How Can I Get the Best Shot?20.3.1. Equipment20.3.1.1. Lenses20.3.1.2. Filters20.3.1.3. Extras20.3.2. Camera settings20.3.3. Exposure20.3.3.1. Ideal time to shoot20.3.3.2. Working around the weather20.3.3.3. Low-light and night options20.3.3.4. Getting creative
21. United States Botanic Garden
21.1. Why It's Worth a Photograph21.2. Where Can I Get the Best Shot?21.2.1. Conservatory21.2.2. National Garden21.3. How Can I Get the Best Shot?21.3.1. Equipment21.3.1.1. Lenses21.3.1.2. Filters21.3.1.3. Extras21.3.2. Camera settings21.3.3. Exposure21.3.3.1. Ideal time to shoot21.3.3.2. Working around the weather21.3.3.3. Low-light and night options
22. United States Capitol
22.1. Why It's Worth a Photograph22.2. Where Can I Get the Best Shot?22.2.1. The interior of the Rotunda22.2.2. Capitol Reflecting Pool22.2.3. The northeast corner22.2.4. Freedom Plaza22.3. How Can I Get the Best Shot?22.3.1. Equipment22.3.1.1. Lenses22.3.1.2. Filters22.3.1.3. Extras22.3.2. Camera settings22.3.3. Exposure22.3.3.1. Ideal time to shoot22.3.3.2. Working around the weather22.3.3.3. Low-light and night options22.3.3.4. Getting creative
23. The United States Library of Congress
23.1. Why It's Worth a Photograph23.2. Where Can I Get the Best Shot?23.2.1. 1st St. SE23.2.2. Inside the Great Hall23.3. How Can I Get the Best Shot?23.3.1. Equipment23.3.1.1. Lenses23.3.1.2. Filters23.3.1.3. Extras23.3.2. Camera settings23.3.3. Exposure23.3.3.1. Ideal time to shoot23.3.3.2. Working around the weather23.3.3.3. Low-light and night options23.3.3.4. Getting creative
24. The United States Marine Corps War Memorial
24.1. Why It's Worth a Photograph24.2. Where Can I Get the Best Shot?24.2.1. West of the memorial24.3. How Can I Get the Best Shot?24.3.1. Equipment24.3.1.1. Lenses24.3.1.2. Filters24.3.1.3. Extras24.3.2. Camera settings24.3.3. Exposure24.3.3.1. Ideal time to shoot24.3.3.2. Working around the weather24.3.3.3. Low-light and night options24.3.3.4. Getting creative
25. United States National Arboretum
25.1. Why It's Worth a Photograph25.2. Where Can I Get the Best Shot?25.2.1. Capitol Columns from the southeast intersection of Ellipse Rd. NE and Beechwood Rd25.2.2. Capitol Columns25.2.3. The administration building25.3. How Can I Get the Best Shot?25.3.1. Equipment25.3.1.1. Lenses25.3.1.2. Filters25.3.1.3. Extras25.3.2. Camera settings25.3.3. Exposure25.3.3.1. Ideal time to shoot25.3.3.2. Working around the weather25.3.3.3. Low-light and night options25.3.3.4. Getting creative
26. Vietnam Veterans National Memorial
26.1. Why It's Worth a Photograph26.2. Where Can I Get the Best Shot?26.2.1. Along the memorial's walkway26.3. How Can I Get the Best Shot?26.3.1. Equipment26.3.1.1. Lenses26.3.1.2. Filters26.3.1.3. Extras26.3.2. Camera settings26.3.3. Exposure26.3.3.1. Ideal time to shoot26.3.3.2. Working around the weather26.3.3.3. Low-light and night options26.3.3.4. Getting creative
27. The Washington Monument
27.1. Why It's Worth a Photograph27.2. Where Can I Get the Best Shot?27.2.1. The west end of the Lincoln Reflecting Pool27.2.2. The inner circle of the Washington Monument27.2.3. The park area west of the Washington Monument27.2.4. The Lincoln Memorial27.3. How Can I Get the Best Shot?27.3.1. Equipment27.3.1.1. Lenses27.3.1.2. Filters27.3.1.3. Extras27.3.2. Camera settings27.3.3. Exposure27.3.3.1. Ideal time to shoot27.3.3.2. Working around the weather27.3.3.3. Low-light and night options27.3.3.4. Getting creative
28. The White House and President's Park
28.1. Why It's Worth a Photograph28.2. Where Can I Get the Best Shot?28.2.1. The sidewalk at 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue NW28.2.2. E Street NW28.2.3. General Jackson Statue in Lafayette Park28.3. How Can I Get the Best Shot?28.3.1. Equipment28.3.1.1. Lenses28.3.1.2. Filters28.3.1.3. Extras28.3.2. Camera settings28.3.3. Exposure28.3.3.1. Ideal time to shoot28.3.3.2. Working around the weather28.3.3.3. Low-light and night options28.3.3.4. Getting creative

Content preview from Photographing Washington, D.C.: Digital Field Guide

Chapter 22. United States Capitol

Looking northeast at the Capitol on an early summer evening. Taken at ISO 100, f/5, 1/200 second with a 45mm lens.

Why It's Worth a Photograph

The most important building to the government of the United States is the Capitol. Beneath its massive dome, the United States Congress presides over the nation based on the powers given to it by the United States Constitution.

Public tours are relatively easy to join but proceed rather quickly, and for security reasons, the guides request that you stick near the main group at all times. Private tours, which U.S. residents can request from their Congressperson, usually require weeks, if not months, of advance planning but allow you more access and more time to photograph.

Where Can I Get the Best Shot?

A photographer could literally spend weeks capturing the Capitol in all its glory. The suggestions in the next sections are some locations where you can begin your photographic tour. You will undoubtedly find some spots of your own as well.

The best locations from which to photograph the Capitol: (A) the interior of the Rotunda, (B) the Capitol Reflecting Pool, (C) the northeast corner, and (D) Freedom Plaza (1.5 miles northwest). Nearby photo ops: (11) the National Mall, (17) Supreme Court of the United States, (19) Ulysses S. Grant Memorial, (21) United States Botanic Garden, and (23) United States Library of Congress.

Figure 22.1. The best locations from which to photograph the Capitol: (A) the interior of the Rotunda, (B) the Capitol Reflecting Pool, (C) the northeast corner, and (D) Freedom Plaza (1.5 miles northwest). Nearby photo ops: (11) the National Mall, (17) Supreme Court of the United ...

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