Adventure Collective
Holiday Photography at U.S. Botanic Gardens with Washington Photo Safari - Washington

Holiday Photography at U.S. Botanic Gardens with Washington Photo Safari

Washingtoneasy

Difficulty

easy

Duration

2 hours

Fitness Level

Accessible to all fitness levels; mostly indoor walking with occasional outdoor sections.

Overview

Join Washington Photo Safari for a two-hour guided holiday photography session at the U.S. Botanic Gardens. Capture festive lights, detailed plant-based D.C. landmarks, and winter floral displays in the heart of the capital.

Washington, District of Columbia

U. S. Botanic Gardens at Holiday Time

2 Hour Safari | $99 per Photographer

Museum
Theater
Train

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Adventure Photos

U. S. Botanic Gardens at Holiday Time photo 1

About This Adventure

Join architectural photographer E. David Luria for a unique holiday photography experience at the U.S. Botanic Gardens. Capture stunning festive lights, intricate plant-based models of D.C. landmarks, and enchanting floral displays. This two-hour guided session promises to enhance your photography skills while immersing you in a winter wonderland of creativity.

*The U.S. Botanic Gardens is putting on a special treat for the holiday season, and we will be there to capture it in our cameras!*n___________________________________n## RatesnPhotographer: $99n___________________________________n## Durationn2 hoursn___________________________________n## AboutnCome join architectural photographer E. David Luria as he guides you through the Conservatory to photograph festive lights throughout the Garden, poinsettias, holiday decor, and small scale models of D.C. landmarks made from plant materials - the Capitol, the Washington Monument, the garden conservatory, Fords Theater, Capitol Hill row houses, along with the newest model - the Museum of African American History and Culture! nnWe will then photograph the rest of the Botanic Gardens floral displays and then go outside to photograph G-gauge model trains in the gated outdoor garden as they wind their way through displays of pollinators made from plant parts and finally, the US Capitol.n___________________________________n## What to Bringn- Cameran- Extra charged batteryn- Extra memory card n- Weather appropriate clothingn___________________________________n## Your InstructornArchitectural 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.nn“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, MDnnTrained 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

Charge Your Camera Batteries

The tour lasts two hours with extensive shooting—bring fully charged batteries and spares.

Pack Extra Memory Cards

Ensure you have enough memory to capture both exterior and interior displays without worry.

Dress for the Season

Temperatures can be chilly inside and outside the Conservatory—layer up for comfort.

Bring a Tripod for Low Light

Low light conditions inside the gardens are perfect for tripod use to improve stability and sharpness.

Local Insights

Wildlife

  • Urban pollinators including bees
  • Occasional small bird species within the garden confines

History

The U.S. Botanic Gardens, established in 1820, is one of the oldest botanic gardens in the United States, with a historic Conservatory housing plants from around the globe.

Conservation

The gardens promote awareness of sustainable horticulture and environmental stewardship, particularly through their seasonal displays highlighting pollinators and native plants.

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Adventure Hotspots in Washington

Frequently Asked Questions

Recommended Gear

DSLR or Mirrorless Camera

Essential

Essential to capture detailed low-light scenes and holiday lighting effects.

winter specific

Tripod

Stabilizes your camera for crisp photos in low-light indoor settings.

winter specific

Extra Batteries

Essential

Long sessions and cold weather can drain batteries faster.

Weather-Appropriate Clothing

Essential

Warm layers will keep you comfortable during outdoor segments of the tour.

winter specific