Washington DC - great interiors & must-shots?

[eoren1]

It looks like work will be taking me away from DC and back to Boston in six months. Want to take advantage of living here and capture all of the 'must-have' shots in the next few months. I was hoping for some advice on the great interiors and other lesser known areas that I should try to venture to. I'll start with what I've done/know to do:
Capitol - still need to get into the rotunda
http://eoren1.smugmug.com/photos/226096484-Th.jpghttp://eoren1.smugmug.com/photos/226088127-Th.jpghttp://eoren1.smugmug.com/photos/221751583-Th.jpg
White House - have a few okay ones. one from the roof of the Hay Adams which is nice (not on my smugmug gallery yet)
Washington Monument - haven't gone up there in 10 years...worth it?
http://eoren1.smugmug.com/photos/84176258-Th.jpghttp://eoren1.smugmug.com/photos/221751890-Th.jpghttp://eoren1.smugmug.com/photos/55313098-Th.jpg
Lincoln
http://eoren1.smugmug.com/photos/178784790-Th.jpghttp://eoren1.smugmug.com/photos/207933048-Th.jpg
-still want to get the sun rising from the interior of the Lincoln looking out at the washington monument
Jefferson
http://eoren1.smugmug.com/photos/175863964-Th.jpghttp://eoren1.smugmug.com/photos/176741600-Th.jpg
Supreme Court
http://eoren1.smugmug.com/photos/240021821-Th.jpghttp://eoren1.smugmug.com/photos/240024647-Th.jpg
Iwo Jima
http://eoren1.smugmug.com/photos/172135067-Th.jpg
July 4th Fireworks from the Netherlands Carrillion
http://eoren1.smugmug.com/photos/172134281-Th.jpg
Awakening statue at Haines Point
http://eoren1.smugmug.com/photos/178356170-Th.jpg
Einstein statue
http://eoren1.smugmug.com/photos/178360725-Th.jpg
National Arboretum columns
http://eoren1.smugmug.com/photos/188103539-Th.jpghttp://eoren1.smugmug.com/photos/188102824-Th.jpghttp://eoren1.smugmug.com/photos/188103448-Th.jpg
Metro
http://eoren1.smugmug.com/photos/90151696-Th.jpghttp://eoren1.smugmug.com/photos/214193199-Th.jpg
Adams Morgan
http://eoren1.smugmug.com/photos/196547115-Th.jpg
Great Hall at the National Building Museum
http://eoren1.smugmug.com/photos/240022404-Th.jpg
Union Station
http://eoren1.smugmug.com/photos/240020611-Th.jpghttp://eoren1.smugmug.com/photos/240021225-Th.jpg

Don't mean to flood this with my own photos but it seemed like a better approach than describing what I have in words. I would really appreciate any thoughts/suggestions of where (and when) to go. I will try to re-do the cherry blossoms in April (I took a bunch with an old powershot s30). Also need to get a few good ones of Georgetown (as I did my residency training there). I plan to get over to Great Falls for a hike and capture those rapids as well. I need to get a few more good monument shots but will wait on FDR until the cherry blossoms come out.
Thanks for looking through this long thread!
E

[schmoo]

I am really, truly impressed by your collection of DC shots. I have lived here over 10 years now and never managed to get any of these fresh, beautiful views of anything in the city. Heck, I just got back after a morning of shooting down there and I don't think I have a single shot worth keeping.

I'm not much help, sorry, but I did want to say that your view of DC is so inspiring and I'm really glad that even though it's one of the country's top tourist destinations there are photos like these that continue to make it so beautiful. :thumb

[Llywellyn]

Well, if you have six months, the cherry blossoms should pop out before then. Can't leave DC without a sakura Tidal Basin shot! :wink

Also, the National Museum of the American Indian has a simply stunning exterior and some lovely curves in the ceiling interior.

I also tend to like the Smithsonian castle. :thumb

What about the White House?

A trip out to Udvar Hazy might also be worth it, if you haven't been to photograph that space. Simply huge and stunning. Planes hanging from the ceiling, plus the Space Shuttle.

Have fun capturing the landmarks before you go! :D

[eoren1]

I am really, truly impressed by your collection of DC shots. I have lived here over 10 years now and never managed to get any of these fresh, beautiful views of anything in the city. Heck, I just got back after a morning of shooting down there and I don't think I have a single shot worth keeping.

I'm not much help, sorry, but I did want to say that your view of DC is so inspiring and I'm really glad that even though it's one of the country's top tourist destinations there are photos like these that continue to make it so beautiful. :thumb
WOW! Thanks for the incredibly kind words Schmoo.
Now, having lived down here for 10 years, you've got to have a few favorite monuments/interiors/houses/buildings for me to go visit...:wink
Thanks again. E

ps: forgot to put a link to the gallery for larger images:
http://eoren1.smugmug.com/gallery/1629444#172135067

[eoren1]

Well, if you have six months, the cherry blossoms should pop out before then. Can't leave DC without a sakura Tidal Basin shot! :wink

Also, the National Museum of the American Indian has a simply stunning exterior and some lovely curves in the ceiling interior.

I also tend to like the Smithsonian castle. :thumb

What about the White House?

A trip out to Udvar Hazy might also be worth it, if you haven't been to photograph that space. Simply huge and stunning. Planes hanging from the ceiling, plus the Space Shuttle.

Have fun capturing the landmarks before you go! :D

Kerry-
Thanks for the great suggestions. And again thank you for reminding me about the Great Hall (still like your view from the second floor better...).
Will definitely grab some cherry blossoms (hopefully those early morning ones before anyone else gets there).
Forgot about the new American Indian museum. Never did find a view of the Castle that would do it justice.
Thanks for the reminder about the other Air and Space museum. My 2 year old will love it!
E

[Airedrifter]

Main reading room.

Arguably the prettiest room in DC.

Supreme Court Library. Getting in might be a problem. Get a local law student or a member of the Supreme Ct. Bar to take you.

FWIW

[aj986s]

If you're trekking out to Udvar Hazy anyway, consider also visiting the Marine Corps Museum. Our son recently enlisted, and we visited the museum during the summer. Stunning building and displays.

Ronald Reagan Building is also worth visiting. Its the last federal building constructed as part of the "Federal Triangle", and some features are clearly monumental. Next to RRB is also the Old Post Office Pavilion; if you can still ride the elevator up the tower, the views are very nice.

Some other ideas:

The National Cathedral
Harpers Ferry (and a hike up Maryland Heights if possible)
The new Nationals stadium
Maybe some pics of RFK stadium, in case it gets torn down
Consider a boat ride on the Potomac for a nice vantage point of many views & monuments.

[eoren1]

Thanks for the suggestions Tony and Mike!

[eoren1]

Had a chance to shoot the Jefferson (nearly empty) and the Archives (also amazingly void of tourists).

Archives:
http://eoren1.smugmug.com/photos/248347019-L.jpg

http://eoren1.smugmug.com/photos/248347437-L.jpg

Jefferson:
http://eoren1.smugmug.com/photos/248535864-L.jpg

http://eoren1.smugmug.com/photos/248537080-L.jpg

http://eoren1.smugmug.com/photos/248537422-L.jpg

http://eoren1.smugmug.com/photos/248537511-L.jpg

[Gun]

Wow DC looks pretty awesome.
I always love to see the photo taken by locals, 'cause they have plenty of time to find the best angle.

[eoren1]

Almost set for the move from this city. Managed a few last night cityscapes.
Enjoy,
E

http://eoren1.smugmug.com/photos/286122194_kZXKf-M.jpg

http://eoren1.smugmug.com/photos/286122494_cZAZe-M.jpg

http://eoren1.smugmug.com/photos/286122698_vTgxy-M.jpg

http://eoren1.smugmug.com/photos/286122950_GMA8J-M.jpg

http://eoren1.smugmug.com/photos/286123211_6ZRDq-M.jpg

[schmoo]

:clap I really really love your architectural work. I'm sorry you have to leave a place you like so much, but part of me is looking forward to seeing what you do with Boston. :thumb

[gagodfather]

nice pics of dc. i will be there from wed to sunday and hope i can get alot of nice pics such as yours and the others who was with schmoo. keep up the good work and let us see what you take in boston.

[eoren1]

Thanks guys.
DC has been fun but Boston has such great skies that I can't wait to see what awaits...
E

[EphTwoEight]

Those are awesome shots of DC! Thats a neat city, glad I was able to fly my wife and kids there for a heck of history lesson. My girls totally dug it, and want to go back.

[rsparts]

I thought they had a rule about not shooting the Constitution. Something about the flash deteriorating the paper or some such crap. Maybe I'm wrong.

Excellent photos. I'm planning a trip there myself (couple hours away from me) in the near future. I hope to get some shots like yours. :thumb

[thefireguy]

A trip to the National Zoo isn't a bad idea if you have some time to kill...it's free to get in, although I'd advise packing some snacks in your bag because food is rather expensive:
http://thefireguy.smugmug.com/photos/291953656_r6q5R-L.jpg

Another must see is the Cherry Blossom festival. Although I didn't make it this year, theres some great photo opportunities during that.