Holiday Light Photography at Mormon Temple with Washington Photo Safari
Difficulty
easy
Duration
2 hours
Fitness Level
Suitable for all fitness levels; minimal walking on paved areas
Overview
Capture the dazzling 300,000-light display at Kensington’s Mormon Temple during a two-hour night photo safari led by expert E. David Luria. Learn long exposure and night shooting techniques while creating stunning holiday images.
Festival of Lights at the Mormon Temple Photo Safari
2 Hour Safari | $99 per Photographer
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Adventure Photos
About This Adventure
Experience the enchanting holiday lights of the Mormon Temple in Kensington, MD, during a two-hour photography safari. Led by renowned photographer E. David Luria, you'll learn night shooting techniques while capturing stunning displays adorned with 300,000 lights. Create unforgettable holiday memories and postcards in this magical setting.
The lights and the unique architecture of the Temple itself make for great nighttime photography.
Rates
Photographer: $99
Duration
2 hours
About
The Mormon Temple in Kensington, MD puts on a spectacular display of lights during the holiday season, with trees, bushes, reindeer, crèches, and other Biblical scenes, some with live models. Our shooting itinerary will take us to all the lighted displays put out by the Mormon Church each year in December. The bushes are decorated with 300,000 lights, and the Temple itself is awash in a soft white light, providing a great opportunity to practice shooting at night with a tripod. Washington’s own professional architectural photographer, E. David Luria, provides training in night time composition and shooting without flash while explaining the best white balance settings to use under these conditions.
This safari is a must to add to your holiday memories and for creating holiday postcards!
What to Bring
- Camera - for best results we suggest a wide angle lens equivalent to about 28 mm in 35 mm format, a telephoto of at least 100mm.
- A sturdy tripod is a MUST for this safari
- A cable release or remote is recommended or you can use your self-timer.
- Extra charged battery
- Extra memory card
- Weather appropriate clothing
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 sturdy tripod
A tripod is essential for stabilizing your camera during long exposures in low light.
Use cable release or timer
Minimize vibration by triggering your shutter with a cable release or the camera’s self-timer.
Charge extra batteries
Cold weather and long shooting sessions drain batteries quickly; bring spares fully charged.
Dress warmly for winter nights
Wear layered, weather-appropriate clothing to stay comfortable during the outdoor shoot.
Local Insights
Wildlife
- Eastern gray squirrels active in temple grounds
- Occasional local songbirds roosting in nearby trees
History
The Mormon Temple in Kensington is an architectural landmark reflective of mid-20th century religious design, contributing to the area's rich cultural fabric.
Conservation
The light display is designed with energy-efficient LEDs and emphasizes minimal environmental impact during the holiday season.
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Adventure Hotspots in Washington, DC
Frequently Asked Questions
Recommended Gear
Sturdy tripod
Critical for steady shots during long exposures in low-light conditions.
winter specific
Wide-angle lens (around 28mm equivalent)
Ideal for framing architectural elements and expansive light displays.
Telephoto lens (100mm+)
Useful for capturing distant details and isolating light features.
Extra camera batteries
Cold weather reduces battery life; spares ensure a full session.
winter specific