Field Trip: Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception
February 21 @ 9:00 am – 11:30 am
NVPS February 2026 Field Trip
Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception
For our February field trip, we will visit one of Washington’s most breathtaking architectural landmarks: the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception. As the largest Catholic church in North America, the Basilica offers an extraordinary range of photographic opportunities—from soaring domes and intricate mosaics to quiet chapels, stained glass, and sweeping architectural lines. The morning light filtering through the nave and transepts creates beautiful color and contrast, making this an ideal location for both wide-angle compositions and detail-oriented studies.
The Basilica is an active place of worship, so please be respectful of parishioners and any services that may be taking place. Photography is permitted throughout most public areas, but tripods are not allowed inside the Basilica.
More information about the Basilica can be found here: https://www.nationalshrine.org/
When:
Saturday, February 21, 2026 from 9:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.
(Rain date: Saturday, February 28, 2026 from 9:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.)
We will meet at 9:00 a.m. inside the lower-level entrance (West Entrance). Meet at the entrance to the Basilica Bookstore.
Cost:
Admission is free.
Where:
Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception
400 Michigan Ave. NE
Washington, DC 20017
Free parking is available in the Basilica’s surface lots—but parking may be limited on the weekend. The Brookland–CUA Metro station (Red Line) is a short walk from the Basilica.
Equipment and Notes:
- A 24–70mm lens will work well for most interior scenes
- A wide-angle lens is helpful for capturing the domes, chapels, and grand architectural spaces
- A telephoto lens can be useful for isolating mosaics and decorative details
- Tripods are not permitted inside the Basilica
- Please be mindful of visitors and any ongoing religious activities—the last Saturday morning Mass is scheduled for 8:00am, so there may still be some worshippers present when we arrive
- Restrooms and a café are available on site
We hope you can join us!
Seton Droppers and Christopher Fedorchak
