Mastering Composition: Photography Safari at the NGA’s East Building in Washington, DC
Difficulty
easy
Duration
2.5 hours
Fitness Level
Accessible to all physical skill levels since the workshop is held indoors and involves walking at a relaxed pace.
Overview
Explore the striking East Building of the National Gallery of Art on a 2.5-hour photography safari that teaches composition skills in a unique, low-light environment. Led by expert E. David Luria, this workshop blends art, architecture, and technical guidance to elevate your photography.
“It’s The Composition, Stupid !”: A Workshop In the NGA’s East Building
2.5 Hour Safari | $99 per Photographer
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Adventure Photos
About This Adventure
Join a unique photography safari at the newly renovated East Building of the National Gallery of Art, where you'll learn to master composition and capture stunning images in low light. Led by expert E. David Luria, this intimate experience will enhance your skills while exploring breathtaking art in a captivating setting.
Photography, like painting, is all about composition...
Rates
Photographer: $99
Duration
2 hours
About
...the symmetry, the balance, the leading lines, the framing, the perspective, the points of interest in the image that draw the viewer’s eye. So this safari is all about training you to see and capture good composition in your photographs.
We offer this safari inside one of the most excitingly beautiful venues in Washington: the East Building of the National Gallery of Art, reopened after three years of spectacular renovation. The entire building, and each of its galleries, are themselves perfect examples of visual composition.
Constructed with private donations within the existing I. M. Pei-designed East Building on the National Mall, more than 12,250 square feet of new spaces for art enable the Gallery to present more art and accommodate an increasing number of visitors.
In short, this is a safari to help you become a more astute critic of your own photos by studying and documenting works of the masters. We also teach you how to shoot artwork in low-light situations without flash or tripod, getting the right exposure and white balance.
Masking and social distancing is required at all times; groups are limited to 6 participants.
What to Bring
- Any camera or smartphone will do (For best results we recommend SLR's or ILC's with high ISO capability (1600, 3200, 6400) and ""fast lenses like a 50mm F1.4 or a 35 mm F1.8 that are especially good in low-light shooting of artwork.
- Extra camera battery
- Extra memory card
- No tripods or backpacks allowed inside the gallery.
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 versatile lens
A zoom or prime lens with a wide aperture helps capture scenes in the East Building’s low-light settings.
Respect the gallery rules
Photography is allowed without flash; avoid tripods or monopods to preserve the artwork and experience for all visitors.
Arrive early to settle in
Arrive 10 minutes before the workshop to set up your gear and get comfortable in the space.
Focus on compositional elements
Pay attention to lines, shapes, and symmetry in the building’s architecture to create balanced photos.
Local Insights
Wildlife
- Urban sparrows frequent the outdoor plaza
- Seasonal butterflies in the garden areas
History
The East Building was opened in 1978 and designed by famed architect I.M. Pei, notable for its modernist triangular layout, contrasting with the classical West Building.
Conservation
The NGA emphasizes sustainability by maintaining climate-controlled environments that protect artworks while employing energy-efficient lighting throughout the East Building.
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Adventure Hotspots in Washington
Frequently Asked Questions
Recommended Gear
DSLR or mirrorless camera
Essential for low-light shooting and manual control over exposure and focus.
Wide-aperture lens (f/2.8 or faster)
Allows for better performance in dim gallery lighting.
Extra batteries and memory cards
Ensures you won’t miss shots due to power or storage limitations.
Comfortable walking shoes
You’ll be on your feet moving through expansive gallery spaces.