Adventure Collective
Land Adventures with Washington Photo Safari: Sunrise at the Lincoln Memorial - Washington D.C.

Land Adventures with Washington Photo Safari: Sunrise at the Lincoln Memorial

Washington D.C.easy

Difficulty

easy

Duration

2–3 hours

Fitness Level

All skill levels; suitable for most participants

Overview

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.

Photography Tour
Washington, District of Columbia

Sunrise on the National Mall

2 Hour Safari | $99 per Photographer

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Adventure Photos

Sunrise on the National Mall photo 1

About This Adventure

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.

Like to get up early? Want to learn how to photograph sunrises? Then you have to get out there long before the sun comes up!


Rates

Photographer: $99


Duration

2 hours


About

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


What to Bring

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

Where to Meet

Front steps of the Lincoln Memorial


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

Dress warmly for early morning

Layered clothing is recommended as temperatures can be chilly before sunrise.

Bring a tripod

A tripod stabilizes your camera for sharp, high-quality sunrise photos.

Arrive early

Be at the meeting point at least 15 minutes before sunrise for setup and instructions.

Charge your batteries

Cold temperatures can drain batteries quickly, so bring spares.

Local Insights

Wildlife

  • Birds such as herons and ducks
  • Squirrels scurrying among the monuments

History

The National Mall has housed countless historic events, with the monuments themselves symbols of American history and democracy.

Conservation

Participants are encouraged to leave no trace, ensuring the iconic landmarks remain pristine for generations.

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Adventure Hotspots in Washington D.C.

Frequently Asked Questions

Recommended Gear

Camera with manual settings

Essential

Allows you to adjust exposure and focus to capture the best sunrise shots.

Tripod

Essential

Stabilizes your camera for sharp, clear images in low light.

Warm clothing

Essential

Maintains comfort during early morning chills.

Extra batteries

Essential

Ensures your camera stays powered through the session.