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.
(D)
In the morning, gather at National Geographic headquarters and meet with a photo editor from the magazine for an illustrated talk on the key elements that make a National Geographic–quality image. Participate in a discussion on digital workflow followed by a presentation by your National Geographic expert. In the afternoon, head into the vibrant neighborhoods of D.C. to shoot your first workshop 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.
Spend the morning on the National Mall, shooting your next assignment amid the White House, the Capitol, and the iconic monuments and 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.
(D)
Rise early to capture scenes of Eastern Market coming to life in the morning's first light. Later, join your instructor for a tour 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.