easy
2–3 hours
All skill levels; suitable for most participants
Witness the dawn break over Washington’s iconic landmarks with expert guidance. Capture stunning images and discover the city’s quiet beauty at sunrise during this unique photo tour.
2 Hour Safari | $99 per Photographer
Join renowned photographer E. David Luria for an unforgettable sunrise photography experience at the Lincoln Memorial. Capture stunning images of the rising sun illuminating iconic landmarks like the US Capitol and Washington Monument. With expert guidance, enhance your skills while enjoying the beauty of early morning in Washington, D.C.
Photographer: $99
2 hours
And one of the best places to do that in DC is from the steps of the Lincoln Memorial, looking down the Reflecting Pool. This safari conducted by Washington Photo safari director E. David Luria gives participants the opportunity to photograph the sun as it begins to rise in the east at behind the illuminated US Capitol building and the Washington Monument, and then, after sunrise,. projecting its golden light onto the grey walls of the Lincoln Memorial itself. Mr. Luria will work with you to assure that you get the correct exposure and white balance into your images, shooting on the manual Mode, and using the Kelvin color temperature scale if your camera has that feature.
We will also walk over to the nearby Vietnam Memorial to catch that special reflection of the Washington Monument in the wall. Time permitting, we will go down to the Potomac and photograph early morning sun lighting up the iconic Memorial Bridge and the golden light on the buildings of downtown Rosslyn. Cloud formations in the sky will make your pictures even more interesting and dramatic. Bring your camera, all your lenses and a tripod and a flashlight.
Meet on front steps of Lincoln Memorial. There is free parking is available on nearby streets and avenues.
Masking and social distancing is required at all times; groups are limited to 6 participants.
Photo Credit: Angela B. Pan
Front steps of the Lincoln Memorial
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.
Layered clothing is recommended as temperatures can be chilly before sunrise.
A tripod stabilizes your camera for sharp, high-quality sunrise photos.
Be at the meeting point at least 15 minutes before sunrise for setup and instructions.
Cold temperatures can drain batteries quickly, so bring spares.
The National Mall has housed countless historic events, with the monuments themselves symbols of American history and democracy.
Participants are encouraged to leave no trace, ensuring the iconic landmarks remain pristine for generations.
Allows you to adjust exposure and focus to capture the best sunrise shots.
Stabilizes your camera for sharp, clear images in low light.
Maintains comfort during early morning chills.
Ensures your camera stays powered through the session.