Weekend Photo Workshop: Washington, D.C.

Washington, D.C. is home to evocative memorials, neoclassic architecture, beautiful parks, and eclectic neighborhoods. Photograph scenes of Eastern Market coming to life in the morning’s first light, as well as the stately architecture of Dupont Circle or the hip, ethnically diverse Adams Morgan neighborhood. Spend a morning on the National Mall, shooting your assignment amid the Washington Monument, the White House, and the city’s memorials that commemorate American history. Go behind the scenes at National Geographic’s headquarters, where all of our classroom sessions are held, and meet with magazine staff to learn how the photographic process works at the Society.

This workshop is led by a National Geographic photographer and a professional instructor and is designed for amateurs who are interested in improving their digital photography. All participants must bring a digital SLR camera, a laptop computer, and software for organizing and presenting images. The workshop is limited to 25 participants.

The following is our planned itinerary; however, our schedule is flexible to allow for spontaneous photographic opportunities.

Day 1 — Thursday: Washington, D.C.

Arrive in Washington, D.C. and settle into the ideally located Beacon Hotel, just steps from National Geographic's headquarters and the lively Dupont Circle area, or stay at accommodations of your choice. Meet for a welcome dinner and an image presentation by a National Geographic photographer.
Optional Accommodations: Beacon Hotel
(D)

Day 2 — Friday: National Geographic/Dupont Circle/Adams Morgan

In the morning, gather at National Geographic headquarters for a classroom session with your instructors. Then meet with magazine staff for an illustrated talk on the key elements that make a National Geographic–quality image. In the afternoon, head into the vibrant neighborhoods of D.C. to shoot your first photo assignment. Shoot the stately architecture of Dupont Circle, or focus on the hip, ethnically diverse Adams Morgan neighborhood. Later, return to headquarters for an edit-and-critique session with your instructors — and to receive your next assignment.
Optional Accommodations: Beacon Hotel

Day 3 — Saturday: National Mall

Spend the morning on the National Mall, shooting your next assignment amid the White House, the Washington Monument, and the other iconic memorials that commemorate American history. Capture lively scenes of street performers, children flying kites, or kayaks skimming along the Potomac River. Meet back at National Geographic for an afternoon edit-and-critique session with your instructors. Then gather for a group dinner followed by a presentation of the best work taken during the workshop.
Optional Accommodations: Beacon Hotel
(D)

Day 4 — Sunday: Washington, D.C./Home

Rise early to capture scenes of Eastern Market coming to life in the morning's first light. Later, go behind the scenes at National Geographic, and learn how the photographic process works at the Society. The workshop concludes at noon after a final question-and-answer session with your instructors.