7 Photography Tours In Washington DC - Updated 2024

Hannah
Hannah 
Updated
| 4 min read

As you stand before spectacular landmarks, world-class attractions, and the stunning architecture of Washington DC, you’ll feel the grand sweep of history at your feet. The pages of America’s past are marked in the striking monuments and extraordinary museums that abound around every corner in this capital city. Awash in culture and gastronomy, Washington DC brims with a magnificent amount to see and do. Climb the famous stone steps of the Lincoln Memorial and stand under the massive shadow of America’s sixteenth president, or marvel at the 360-degree view from atop the Washington Monument. Tour the U.S. Capitol and the Library of Congress, and then view amazing artifacts of American history like the Declaration of Independence and maps of Lewis and Clark’s explorations at the National Archives Museum. Speaking of museums, there are plenty of fascinating exhibits to explore at the Smithsonian Museums, the National Gallery of Art, and the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum. From the White House to the Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial, Washington DC is filled with memorable landmarks. Commemorate your trip to Washington DC with a photography tour! These wonderful tours let you experience the city from a new perspective and provide you with unique souvenirs from your trip. Whether you are a photography novice or want to enhance your skills behind the camera, these tours are a fantastic excursion to add to your itinerary. Read more about them below.

1. DC smartphone photo safari at night

The sparkle of Washington DC continues even after the sun sets. This outstanding tour showcases the beauty of the city’s many monuments after dark, and it teaches you how to capture that brilliance in photography. With a professional architectural photographer as your guide, you will learn how to utilize your smartphone or DSLR camera to compose amazing shots in low light. Capture stunning photographs of the White House and the Lincoln Monument shining brightly, and enjoy seeing some of the city’s renowned sights without the daytime crowds.

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DC Smartphone Photo Safari at Night

Duration: 2 hours 30 minutes

1 review

2. Washington, D.C: Polaroid camera photography tour (from USD 67.0)

Go home with a pocket full of instant souvenirs from this fantastic photography tour. With a vintage Polaroid camera in hand, you and your group will meander past iconic monuments and memorials as your guide takes you through some of the most scenic parts of the city. After a quick introductory lesson on the camera, you will soon be snapping pictures of renowned sights like the National Mall, the White House, and the Washington Monument while your guide provides local knowledge of the area. This three-hour tour concludes at the Smithsonian Institution.

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Washington, D.C: Polaroid Camera Photography Tour

Duration: Wheelchair accessible

1 review

3. Washington DC photo safari: monuments and memorials tour (from USD 97.0)

Washington DC brims with architectural flair, and this tour features many of the city’s magnificent landmarks! Before you begin your expedition across the city, your professional photographer guide will lead you through how to use your camera and provide you with tips and tricks about travel photography. You will then put your newly-gained knowledge to practice as you tour iconic attractions like the White House, the Vietnam Memorial, the Washington National Cathedral, on either a half-day or full-day excursion! As you check out these sights, your guide can provide helpful feedback so you can get the shots you want.

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Washington DC Photo Safari: Monuments and Memorials Tour

Duration: 3 days 3 hours

9 reviews

4. DC monuments at night, photo safari (from USD 86.0)

This incredible three-hour tour is a sightseeing extravaganza across Washington DC at night, and by the end of your walking tour, you will walk away with postcard-pretty photographs of many Washington DC sights! On this “photo safari,” you will visit several of the city’s famous monuments in the National Mall, from the powerful Lincoln Memorial to the poignant Vietnam Veterans and Korean War Veterans Memorials. Learn how to compose stunning photographs after dark from your professional photographer guide, and get advice on the go for creating your best travel photos yet. This tour is best suited for people with some photography practice and those with a DSLR camera with different lens options.

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DC Monuments at Night Photo Safari

Duration: 3 hours

7 reviews

Washington Tour Guide

Stephanie Eley

Stephanie Eley

I'm a graduate of ITMI, International Tour Management Institute and 17 years as a licensed Tour Director and Program Director. My expertise began in NYC and Washington, DC where I'm a licensed guide and has expanded to Europe, South America, Cuba and the Western / Southwestern National Parks of the US. I'd love to introduce you for a day or a week to Denver, Colorado and the 4 corners region of... Read more

Tours by Stephanie

Washington Tour Guide

Annie Leguennec

Annie Leguennec

My name is Annie. I am a local Tour guide based in Philadelphia enjoying fully what the city has to offer with its deep history, street arts, murals, architecture, traditional food, black history, Farmer Markets, green space, a melting pot of neighborhoods and its great locals. I am looking for to welcome you and show you this incredible city where you will gain a better understanding of the ci... Read more

Tours by Annie

5. Old Town Alexandria night photography tour from Washington D.C. (from USD 51.0)

This brilliant two-hour tour guides you through the scenic neighborhood of Old Town Alexandria, which brims with old, colonial charm. The area is rich in historic heritage, and your guide will lead you through the beautiful waterfront area for a unique sightseeing tour after dark. Get helpful tips and tricks about night photography as you visit attractions like the Carlyle House, King Street, and the Torpedo Factory. This tour is a wonderful way to experience Washington DC beyond the attractions along the National Mall.

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Old Town Alexandria: Small-Group Guided Night Photography Tour

Duration: 2 hours

1 review

6. Old Town Alexandria smartphone photography tour (from USD 20.0)

This delightful walking tour lets you explore the wonderful attractions and beautiful views in Old Town Alexandria. Your photographer guide will lead you through this delightful colonial Washington DC neighborhood, and provide you with helpful information to improve your photography skills. A fancy DSLR camera isn’t even needed for this tour; all you need is a smartphone. This hour-long excursion is perfect for a laidback afternoon in the city.

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Old Town Alexandria Smartphone Photography Tour

Duration: 1 hour

2 reviews

7. Icons of Capitol Hill, photo safari (from USD 99.0)

icons of capitol hill, photo safari
Source: www.viator.com

This “photo safari” showcases the beauty of many of the city’s breathtaking landmarks, and it is the perfect chance to learn more about travel and architectural photography. Start your tour with a photography orientation at historic Union Station, where your professional photographer guide will provide hands-on instructions about camera settings, picture composition, shooting conditions, and more. You will then put your knowledge to practice as you ramble through Capitol Hill, and tour sites like the United State Supreme Court Building, the Library of Congress, and the United States Botanic Garden. This 3.5-hour tour concludes by the Capitol Building, where the sun rays warm the water of the Capitol Reflecting Pool and glimmer off the Peace Monument.

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Icons of Capitol Hill Photo Safari

Duration: 3 hours 30 minutes

The wonderful charms of Washington DC

Home to some of the country’s most recognizable landmarks, Washington DC is a city of picturesque enchantment. There is so much to see and do in this city, and these photography tours are a wonderful way to experience the metropolis’ many sights. Whether you are a photography fanatic, or you are just looking to score some amazing travel shots, these tours are a perfect addition to your trip itinerary. Start planning your trip to Washington DC, and book a photography tour today!

Any must-sees we missed? Tell us about them in the comments section or write a post here to help out fellow travelers!
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Hannah is a freelance writer, list making aficionado, and world traveler currently based in Germany. She is an avid explorer, and believes in creating new experiences to put on her bucket list to...Read more

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