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Explore the Marine Corps Museum in Quantico, VA: History and Photography Combined - Quantico

Explore the Marine Corps Museum in Quantico, VA: History and Photography Combined

Quanticoeasy

Difficulty

easy

Duration

2–3 hours

Fitness Level

Suitable for most fitness levels with moderate walking indoors

Overview

Discover the Marine Corps Museum in Quantico, VA, where history meets photography. Join expert-led tours capturing life-size exhibits and learn to master your camera in this unique, immersive experience.

Museum
Washington, District of Columbia

Marine Corps Museum, Quantico, VA

2 Hour Safari | $99 per Photographer

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Adventure Photos

Marine Corps Museum, Quantico, VA photo 1

About This Adventure

Immerse yourself in the rich history of the U.S. Marine Corps at the stunning Marine Corps Museum in Quantico. Led by Marine Corps spouse Angela McCrary, this unique experience allows you to capture dramatic photos up close to life-size figures and interactive exhibits, all while learning expert photography techniques.

Experience What it is Like to be a Marine at the Marine Corps Museum


Rates

Photographer: $99


Duration

2 hours


About

The U.S. Marines have built a spectacular $120 million facility in nearby Quantico that tells the history of the Marine Corps from 1774 to the present, with separate galleries devoted to such major conflicts as World War I, World War II, Vietnam, and Korea. Each gallery is a treasure-trove of great photo opportunities.

As a special treat we will have museum docent and Marine Corps spouse Angela McCrary lead us through the museum, explaining each of the exhibits. AND TRIPODS ARE ALLOWED (unlike any other museum you have ever been in!)

Situated on a 135-acre site adjacent to Marine Corps Base Quantico, Virginia, and under the command of Marine Corps University, the Museum's soaring design evokes the image of the flag-raisers of Iwo Jima and beckons visitors to this 120,000-square-foot structure. World-class interactive exhibits using the most innovative technology surround visitors with irreplaceable artifacts and immerse them in the sights and sounds of Marines in action. Most of the artefacts and figures are out in the open, not behind glass, so that you can get really low and close for dramatic images. You will need a tripod and gloves inside the super-cool dark wintry gallery devoted to the Korean War, with shells bursting around you in the freezing cold. You can get your camera right into the faces of life-size Marines in full combat gear. (If you do not come away with great pictures, you will be required to do 50 pushups!) The instructor will teach you how to get strong action shots inside this museum, using the white balance functions of your camera. Join our carpools from DC to meet at Museum entrance off of Quantico exit on I-95.

NOTE: Military members, veterans and their families receive a 15% discount on this safari! Enter SERVMIL in the Discount Code section when registering.


What to Bring

  • Camera
  • Lenses
  • Extra memory cards
  • Extra charged battery
  • Tripod
  • Accessories such as filters, remote release
  • Weather appropriate clothing

Where to Meet

Marine Corps Museum entrance, 18900 Jefferson Davis Highway, Triangle, VA 22172


Your Instructor

Architectural photographer E. David Luria is founder and director of the Washington Photo Safari, which has provided over 6,700 photo safaris for 46,000 amateur photographers – an average of 5 people every day, 365 days a year, since it was founded in 1999.

“You taught me several important points and helped me better understand not only photography but also my own camera. I've taken photo classes at the Smithsonian, Glen Echo, and the Washington School of Photography. You've been the best among all the teachers I've had.“ David Lassiter, Olney, MD

Trained in Paris by a protégé of Henri Cartier-Bresson, Mr. Luria is a member of the American Society of Media Photographers and the Society of Photographic Educators and has had his images of DC appear in over 100 publications, calendars, and postcards and on 30 magazine covers.

Adventure Tips

Bring a camera with manual settings

Manual control allows you to adjust for varied indoor lighting and capture detailed shots of exhibits.

Wear comfortable shoes

You’ll spend a few hours walking and standing through the exhibit halls.

Plan for indoor lighting conditions

Lighting varies across exhibits; adjusting your ISO and shutter speed will help get crisp photos.

Check museum hours before arrival

Hours may change due to base access or special events; verify to avoid disappointment.

Local Insights

Wildlife

  • White-tailed deer occasionally seen near base outskirts.
  • Common local birds such as the Northern Cardinal.

History

Quantico Marine Corps Base, established in 1917, is one of the oldest and most important US Marine training centers.

Conservation

The museum promotes sustainability by using LED lighting and supporting veteran-focused environmental programs.

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Adventure Hotspots in Quantico

Frequently Asked Questions

Recommended Gear

DSLR or mirrorless camera

Essential

Allows manual adjustments for capturing detailed exhibit photos.

Comfortable walking shoes

Essential

Essential for moving through the museum comfortably.

Light jacket or sweater

Indoor climate can be cool; layering helps you stay comfortable.

Extra camera batteries or charger

Keep your camera powered for extended photo sessions.