***Rescheduled to Sunday December 12th due to Saturday weather forecast of wet and windy***
There’s nothing like getting into the holiday spirit than by visiting a giant tree decorated with lights. In December, we’ll visit the Capital Christmas Tree and surrounding area for an evening of photographic creativity. There will be urban landscapes, architecture, light painting and more. The monuments on the East side of the Mall are great at night.
What:
The Capital Dome and Christmas tree will be our primary subjects, however, there’s lots of goodies around Capital Hill so feel free to explore the area. The US Botanical Garden will also have their own outdoor holiday display (https://www.usbg.gov/plan-your-holiday-visit) that will be open until 5pm. And don’t forget about the East side of the Capital Dome. If it’s a wet evening, you’ll likely find interesting (and fun) puddles on the pavement in front of the East side of the Capital. Across 1st St. you have both the Library of Congress and Supreme Court for even more subjects. If the Capital Dome is your thing, maybe also check out the Upper and Lower Senate Park and look South for the dome. There’s lots to see and do.
Sunset 4:47 p.m. (EST)
Equipment:
- Most any lens with a range of 24-200mm will serve you well, but other ranges will also work if you want to bring more glass. Maybe leave the super telephoto at home. You don’t want to attract too much attention.
- Generally speaking, Capital police won’t allow tripods except on the land around the Christmas tree. National Park police are more forgiving. If things are busy at the outdoor botanical garden display, don’t be surprised if someone asks you not to use a tripod. Politely accept their request and consider it permission to be more creative.
When:
Saturday, December 11, 2021 from 4:00pm – 7:30pm
Rain date on Sunday, December 12, 2021 from 4:00pm – 7:30pm
Where:
There should be plenty of free parking at the end of Maryland Ave. (near the US Botanical Gardens). If that lot is full, try for the other lot at the end of Pennsylvania Ave. If you’re still out of luck, there is limited parking to the North along Louisiana Ave. (on the way to Union Station).
We’ll meet in front of the US Botanical Gardens building at 4:00pm. That gives us an opportunity to enjoy each other’s company prior to the photo shoot. It also gives us the option to capture a sunset if one materializes. If you arrive early to explore the US Botanical Garden’s outdoor display, please take a break and say “Hi,” we’d love hear from you.
We hope you can join us!
Rena Schild and Steven Glintz
Field Trip Coordinators 2021-2022
The photos below are by Steven Glintz.
