Photographing Washington, D.C.: Digital Field Guide

Chapter 14. Old Post Office

The Old Post Office during early evening. Taken at ISO 200, f/11, 25 seconds with a 50mm lens and a tripod.

Why It's Worth a Photograph

The Washington, D.C. skyline is punctuated by a few landmarks that everyone knows, such as the Washington Monument, the U.S. Capitol, and the Smithsonian Castle. And then there's the one that most people don't recognize. It looks somewhat like a cathedral from Medieval Europe, albeit with a clock tower.

It was originally conceived to house both the U.S. Post Office Department headquarters and the post office for the District of Columbia. Today, the Old Post Office is undeniably an interesting contrast to the strict classicism of Federal Triangle buildings built in the 1930s and the blocky, monolithic designs of buildings constructed in the 1970s.

Where Can I Get the Best Shot?

Figure 14.1. The best locations from which to photograph the Old Post Office: (A) the 1300 block of Pennsylvania Avenue NW, (B) the 1200 block of Pennsylvania Avenue NW, and (C) in front of the Old Post Office. Nearby photo ops: (3) Ford's Theatre, (9) National Air and Space Museum, (10) National Archives, (11) National Mall, (16) Smithsonian Institution Castle, (27) Washington Monument, (28) White House and President's Park.

Figure 14.2. The Old Post Office ...