Do I need photography experience to join?

No, this tour welcomes all levels, with expert guidance tailored to your skillset.

Can I use a smartphone instead of a camera?

Smartphones can participate, but manual camera controls on DSLRs or mirrorless are preferred for best results.

What time does the tour start?

The tour begins about 30 minutes before moonrise to capture the changing light.

Is parking available near the Netherlands Carillon?

Yes, there is on-site parking available for participants.

Are tripods allowed on location?

Tripods are encouraged and necessary to achieve clear long-exposure shots.

What happens if the weather is cloudy?

The tour may be rescheduled if the moon or monuments are obscured by clouds.

DC Full Moon Photography Tour at Netherlands Carillon

Bowie, Maryland, offers an extraordinary window to witness the dramatic rise of the full moon over Washington, D.C.'s iconic monuments. ‘Full Moonrise Over the Nation’s Capital’ is a specialized twilight photography tour led by acclaimed photographer E. David Luria, providing participants with a chance to capture the capital city's skyline bathed in the glow of a supermoon. The Netherlands Carillon, located just minutes from Bowie, stands as a uniquely elevated vantage point and a central feature of this rare experience, allowing unobstructed views of landmarks like the Washington Monument and the Capitol Dome. What makes this tour stand out is not just the stunning natural event but the expert instruction offered. Luria’s guidance on advanced techniques such as double-exposure aims to refine both beginner and seasoned photographers’ skills under perfect low-light conditions.

This two-hour journey balances hands-on learning with immersive observation, encouraging visitors to engage deeply with the interplay between architectural grandeur and lunar illumination. Bowie’s proximity to the District unlocks a blend of serene outdoor settings with the urban outline of the nation’s seat of power. While the city’s historical and cultural backdrop frames every shot, the key highlight remains the rising supermoon and how it interacts with the urban horizon — an event seldom accessible in typical city environments.

In addition to the compelling visuals and technical mastery, this event supports a respectful appreciation for the night sky by limiting light pollution impacts in the area. The combination of timing, location, and expert leadership makes this a premier destination for photography enthusiasts keen to capture one of nature’s most atmospheric moments against a symbolically rich urban landscape.

About Washington Photo Safari

Washington Photo Safari is a Bowie, Maryland-based photography outfitter that organizes guided photo workshops and safaris across the Washington, D.C., and Mid-Atlantic region. The company offers hands-on sessions focused on aerial drone photography, smartphone techniques, moonrise and twilight shooting, architectural and botanical subjects, museum interiors, historic railroad equipment, and food photography. Instructors include FAA-certified pilot Travone Sukie for drone workshops, smartphone expert Elody Crimi, Marine Corps spouse Angela McCrary for the Quantico museum tour, award-winning and longtime photographer E. David Luria for multiple moonrise and cathedral safaris, and photographer Mark for the Baltimore & Ohio Railroad Museum event. Trip formats range from closed‑to‑public interior safaris and museum-based workshops to outdoor landmark and garden sessions; listed durations are typically two to three hours. Several experiences emphasize regulatory and safety guidance, such as FAA rules during drone operation, while others provide practical composition, lighting, and editing instruction tailored to camera or smartphone users. Washington Photo Safari presents opportunities for photographers at varying skill levels to practice in controlled, guided environments and to access locations that may not be open to general visitors. Trip descriptions note when sessions include specialized access (for example, interior cathedral photography) and when instruction covers professional transition topics like marketing and income streams for photographers. All trip listings identify the guide and the primary focus so prospective participants can match experience objectives and skill level before booking.

Guides list safety, access details, and equipment recommendations in each trip description. Advance booking is advised for limited-access safaris and timing.