Is Washington DC photo friendly?

[dougsmit]

Is there anything I should know when planning a visit to the tourist sites (mostly museums) in Washington DC? I'm concerned about such things as restrictions on bringing in bags that would not allow a camera case or other rules it would be better to know in advance. I recall they did not allow tripods the last time I was there but that was long before 9/11 and I suspect things have changed. Has anyone been recently and care to share experiences? We are not planning to visit the White House or the Capitol.

[SuzyView]

Tripods are a no-no, but big bags will get you a lot of security checks. I would not bring a lot of gear, just one camera and maybe 2 lenses. Call that a good size for traveling in crowds anyway. You will have to surrender to bag checks at all the major indoor monuments and museums. DC is extremely sunny and hot most of the time, so a nice hat and sunscreen and water are a must. You also may want to invest in a few lens cloths due to sweat. If you plan to shoot inside a museum, you may not be able to use any flash photography at all. The American History Museum has the original US flag, and that is definitely the rule in that room. So, if you have a lens that is f2.8 or faster, bring that. Otherwise, wide is better than tele for most of the city. Don't miss the Jefferson, Lincoln or the war memorials. They are all worth going to. The Washington Monument is almost impossible to get into without a ticket early.

[godzakka]

I moved away two years ago, and I agree with pretty much everything Suzy said. Generally no flashes or tripods indoors. At outdoor monuments you're pretty much ok.

Depending on what you want to see, I'd also suggest the FDR (Rooseveldt) memorial (outside), views from Iwo Jima/Netherlands Carilon (sp?) in Arlington, Glenn Echo park (old time park with lots of cool neon signs, usually active on the weekends, but check first), and the Uvdar Hazdy Air and Space museum by the Dulles Airport. I know some of those might be outside of where you can go, but I think they're great non-typical places to add to your DC visit.

Have fun.

[SuzyView]

I agree with godzakka. I live 40 minutes from the Dulles A&S Museum. Love it! But the one in DC has the original Wright Flyer. It's beautiful. So, if you love that stuff, both museums are a must-see.

Arlington is one of my favorites, sobering. And the Iwo Jima of DC is not to be missed.

I also think a trip to see the Nationals is fun. The stadium is supposed to be wonderful. I have never gone, but my husband has. I like baseball, just I don't usually watch until the playoffs, and let's face it, Washington ain't gonna be there this year! ;)

[Nemesismachine]

Be careful what you shoot at night, and don't try shooting anything from a car. If you circle the same places a few times looking for parking, police sometimes get curious. Capital police are usually pretty cool, same with park police. City and metro police can be rude on occasion. (at night)

I used to work for the State Department downtown and would go out after work to shoot because it was cooler, and had a lot less foot traffic. With less people to worry about, law enforcement can pick you out and be annoying sometimes. I was always out from 11:30pm to 3am because night shooting takes a bit longer (as you know) and a few times I was told to "ask the security officer on duty to take photos of the building." BS. Daytime = Tourist. Nighttime = Terrorist. I just stopped because it was more and more of a PITA.

[Jason Kim]

I was there few weeks ago. You can set up tripod at night but day time, someone might trip over it so I guess it's no no. Museums have security checks and I had TT Antidote but nobody said anything while being hand checked (I had 1550T tripod and 5561T monopod in the bag). I wasn't hassled by any security persons at any time I was at DC. It was a very pleasant experience for me.

[xxmxaxrxyxx]

I was there few weeks ago. You can set up tripod at night but day time, someone might trip over it so I guess it's no no. Museums have security checks and I had TT Antidote but nobody said anything while being hand checked (I had 1550T tripod and 5561T monopod in the bag). I wasn't hassled by any security persons at any time I was at DC. It was a very pleasant experience for me.
aww i wish i had gone and taken some pictures when i was there! guess i will have to plan another trip! love your shots!

[shomat]

I spent a day in DC a while back. The only gear I used was my 5D and 24-105L. I had a messenger bag with me. The only buildings I actually entered were the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum and the Smithsonian castle. My bag was inspected a lot, but I was never asked to leave it with anyone. The rest of the day and evening I just shot around the mall outdoors. No tripod needed. I never used a flash indoors.