| Photography Forum: Great Photography Locations Forum: |
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Q. Washington DC, regulations?
Asked by Chris Goodman
(K=1078) on 3/31/2004
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What kind of regulations are in place in Washington DC? For instance, tripod usage, photographing buildings, Arlington National Cemetary. I am heading up at the end of may(WW ii dedication) and I am trying to keep from getting arrested(as much as that would be so much fun and all) Thanks everyone.
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Todd Vinson
(K=184) - Comment Date 4/7/2004
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Chris: Not sure specifically about Arlington Nat Cem, but most locations require you to "keep moving," as in setting up a tripod for a quick series of shots is ok, but don't set up camp there. I know the Wash National Cathedral does not allow indoor photography while services are in progress, but otherwise you can roam with a tripod/gear, at least you could last year. Make sure you have rubber tips on the tripod though. Metal legs are ok, but not metal tips. I've had a great time with night photography there. Best of luck, Todd (www.toddvinson.com)
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Chris Goodman
(K=1078) - Comment Date 4/7/2004
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Thanks Todd. I see you are in Leonardtown. We have 2 cabins in Calvert County(scientist cliffs). I have heard something to the effect that you need a permit for your tirpod. Any truth in that? Just wondering....
Thanks!
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Todd Vinson
(K=184) - Comment Date 4/8/2004
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Sorry for the delayed reply. That is true, but I have yet to meet/know of anybody who actually applied for one. The last time I was inside the Wash Cath, I was there with a group of photographers and the guards just wanted to know if our tripods had non-metal feet. They may be be more strict at other sites, plus I was there at night, so maybe that's a better time. I know a pro who goes to the monuments quite a bit, and she pretty much comes and goes at will (after first calling in advance), but I think her charms get her into places that mine do not. :)
Old Town Alexandria is a great (and safe) place for night architecture photography, if you are interested in that.
Are you from the Southern MD area? I am originally from WV but moved here for engineering work.
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Chris Goodman
(K=1078) - Comment Date 4/8/2004
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I am not from the Southern MD area but I am up there about twice a year visiting my grandparents and just relaxing on the bay or on Solomon's Island. I'm planning on going to law school up there (DC) in the future, but for now I am in Atlanta, GA.
Thanks for all your help
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Stan Pustylnik
(K=6768) - Comment Date 5/19/2005
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I'm shoting regulary in DC, and around most of monuments didn't vave any problems with tripod. Couple times while shooting street views at night I was appriached by police officers who were askin what I'm photgraphing. Very polite. They checked my ID, and asked not to shot any security check point or gate. Anyway they were very polite. It happened multiple times, because I shot at night often and select objects as I like... :) Of course, if you will shot structural details of startegic buildings or bridges you will end in police. But shoting around monuments, streets, people, museums-(without tripod), should not be a problem.
P.S. Because of heavy security presence in Washington DC, this areas is safe to shot even at night.
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Stan Pustylnik
(K=6768) - Comment Date 6/15/2005
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Yesterday, finally, I got reply from Park Ranger (Dan Dressler) for my email where I was asking about any regulations and restrictions to shot in DC. He asked me to call (202) 619-7225 number (Permits office).
From this number polite lady told me that permit is needed only for commercial photography while you are assigned, or sent to shot here by company. If you are on vacation, or just leisure trip - no need for permit.
I also asked about tripod usage, because of my recent dispute with ranger at Lincoln Memorial at 6 a.m. And got answer that as long as tripods are not blocking other tourists on paths, trails walkways they are ? tripods are allowed for use. (Refer to phone above and ranger?s name above)
Another thing that you should know, that security around DC is pretty tight. If you are making photos of streets in DC near any government building (tons of them in downtown), you can expect police officer or security person coming and asking who you are and why you are making pictures. Answer politely and you will not have any troubles, because personal here is well trained and photographers and visitors in DC are most common species...
Favorite photo spots here are all memorials and monuments including Lincoln Memorial, Jefferson Memorial, Washington Monument, Vietnam, Korean, WWII Memorials, Capitol Building, Union Station, Arlington Cemetery, Potomac River with bridges, Georgetown University, Old streets of Georgetown and Alexandria, and of course museums where photography is allowed, but without tripod. http://stan-pustylnik.smugmug.com/gallery/347842
If you are tired of city and want to have break in nature, Great Falls National park http://stan-pustylnik.smugmug.com/gallery/322439 is in 30min drive from National Mall ($5 fee for car, Golden Eagle pass is accepted also).
And of course, don?t forget night/early morning photography ? most beautiful time to capture solitude around monuments.
For information about hotels, directions, places to eat, and various different info for tourists in DC open http://washingtonian.com/ website.
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