Adventure Collective
null - Washington, D.C.

Monuments and Memorials: Travel Photography Half Day

Bowieeasy

Difficulty

easy

Duration

2–3 hours

Fitness Level

Suitable for most fitness levels; some walking involved on uneven surfaces

Overview

Join Washington Photo Safari in Bowie, Maryland, for a half-day photography tour focusing on monuments and memorials. Perfect for capturing history and landmarks through your lens, this experience combines expert guidance with scenic outdoor exploration. Discover hidden memorials and enhance your photography skills in just a few hours!

Photography Tour
Washington, District of Columbia

Monuments and Memorials: Travel Photography Half Day

3.5 Hour Safari • Our MOST Popular Safari

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Adventure Photos

Monuments and Memorials: Travel Photography Half Day photo 1

About This Adventure

Learn how to take great pictures BEFORE you go on that expensive trip!

Rates

Photographer: $99


Duration

3.5 hours


About

Personally conducted by professional architectural photographer and WPS Director E. David Luria, the Monuments and Memorials photo safari - our most popular session - provides basic instruction on all aspects of travel photography, explains F-stops, shutter speeds, white balance, ISO settings, and reviews composition techniques for taking pictures of people, landscapes and cityscapes.

Learn how to use your camera in the field, not in a classroom on this DC photography workshop, with attendance limited to clients with any camera or phone who are masked and vaccinated against COVID-19. Beginner photographers will appreciate the instruction on how to get full use of all their camera settings, getting off of "Auto." Intermediate and advanced photographers will benefit from Mr. Luria's extensive knowledge of when, where, and how to shoot all the best photo ops in the DC area.

Personally conducted by professional architectural photographer and WPS Director E. David Luria, the Monuments and Memorials photo safari - our most popular session - provides basic instruction on all aspects of travel photography, explains F-stops, shutter speeds, white balance, ISO settings, and reviews composition techniques for taking pictures of people, landscapes and cityscapes.

Learn how to use your camera in the field, not in a classroom on this DC photography workshop. Beginner photographers will appreciate the instruction on how to get full use of all their camera settings, getting off of "Auto." Intermediate and advanced photographers will benefit from Mr. Luria's extensive knowledge of when, where, and how to shoot all the best photo ops in the DC area.

After a 50-minute orientation on travel photography techniques, our shooting itinerary will take us to adjoining Lafayette Park and to the White House, and then into the beautiful Renwick Gallery, a Smithsonian Museum of American crafts in which we will discuss interior museum photography without flash or tripod and where I will show you how to make all the moving people inside the museum disappear and how to turn your friends into ghosts.. How cool is THAT? We will then travel by car by car to the Lincoln Memorial and its iconic view down the Reflecting Pool towards the Washington Monument, then to the Vietnam Memorial, , and finally the Korean War Memorial – all great subjects for photography. We will then take you to the nearest Metro station to end the Safari.at about 1:10 PM

Here is what clients have to say about the safari:

An excellent photo safari The Monuments and Memorials: Travel Photography Half Day safari is a perfect photo excursion. I cannot emphasize enough how grateful I am for David taking the time to take me on a solo Safari. Now I can not only look like a photographer (thanks for the pose pic) but I can also take pics and correct people when they take tourist shots. Now I feel like I can use my camera correctly, even in manual setting. Also, received accessories tips, and historical information about DC and its monuments. A perfect safari. —Richard T., Upper Marlboro, MD

From Trip Advisor: Perfect for All Levels of Photographic Expertise As a resident of the Washington area and an enthusiastic amateur photographer, I’ve taken over a dozen of David Luria’s photo safaris and learned something new about photography on each one. On each safari, he not only orients the group as a whole, but he also spends one-on-one time with each student, gearing his advice to the level of sophistication of that individual. His knowledge of photographic technique and his unlimited patience make him one of the best photography instructors I’ve encountered. I highly recommend his tours. –Greg E.

5 stars. A terrific experience. David brings decades of photography experience to his teaching and runs a first-rate workshop. I’ll be back for another one soon! –Tim H., Florence, SC

Great time with David Excellent review of camera and light, etc. basics, then some “practice” both inside and outside. He also advised me about future camera needs and purchases. I highly recommend this tour. –Milton K., Bethesda, MD on Trip Advisor

The first time I ever picked up a camera was on one of your Washington Photo Safaris And we visited all the monuments. I learned a lot from you, and it was motivating. —Guarav M., Germantown, MD. (A WPS safarian who has been on 7 of our safaris since 2010 and has become a very accomplished photo artist!)

5 Stars! This was the best experience I’ve had in Washington so far. David is fun and so informative and a great teacher. I have a great grasp on how to use my camera and some amazing new spots to take great pictures. I would do this again in a heartbeat. —Caroline S., Alexandria, VA

What to Bring

  • Camera
  • Extra charged battery
  • 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

Use a wide-angle lens for capturing monuments

Wide-angle lenses help include more of the monument and surrounding scenery for dramatic shots.

Shoot during the golden hour

Early morning or late afternoon provides soft, warm light ideal for outdoor photography.

Watch for reflections and shadows

Pay attention to reflective surfaces and shadows that can add depth to your images.

Bring a tripod if possible

A tripod stabilizes your camera for sharper images, especially in lower light conditions.

Local Insights

Wildlife

  • Northern Mockingbirds
  • Eastern Gray Squirrels

History

Bowie has a rich history dating back to the 19th century, with many memorials commemorating local pioneers and historic events.

Conservation

The area encourages sustainable tourism by promoting respectful photography practices and protecting natural and historic sites.

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Adventure Hotspots in Washington, D.C.

Frequently Asked Questions

Recommended Gear

DSLR or mirrorless camera

Essential

A versatile camera allows you to control settings and capture high-quality images of monuments.

Extra batteries and memory cards

Essential

Ensure your gear stays powered and you have ample space to save your best shots.

Polarizing filter

Reduces reflections and enhances colors, especially useful in bright outdoor light.

Protective weather cover

Protects your camera from snow, rain, or dust during outdoor shoots.

winter specific