Around DC

Monuments and Memorials - Full Day

Learn how to take great pictures BEFORE you go on that expensive trip! Join our standard Monuments and Memorials workshop, offered every Wednesday and Saturday, in which Paris-trained architectural photographer E. David Luria takes you to some of the most popular monuments and historic buildings in Washington.

Upcoming Dates:

Monuments and Memorials - Half Day

Upcoming Dates:

Monuments and Memorials

Upcoming Dates:

Washington National Cathedral - An Insider’s View

One of the most beautiful churches in Washington, Washington National Cathedral took 90 years to build and was only finished 20 years ago. Our Safari begins with an orientation by architectural photographer E. David Luria and by Cathedral docent and acclaimed photographer Andy Bittner.

Next Safari: Saturday, May 26, 2012

National Airport

The huge picture windows, the Jeffersonian-style arching domes, and the built-in artwork of architect Cesar Pelli’s $300 million Terminal B/C at the Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport provide many opportunities for good exterior and interior architectural photography.

Next Safari: Sunday, May 27, 2012

Exploring Roosevelt Island

Roosevelt Island is a stunning venue for creative nature photography. Whether shooting in color or black and white, this site offers outstanding opportunities to expand your photographic expression.

Next Safari: Saturday, June 9, 2012

Paris on the Potomac

Planning a trip to Paris soon? Well, before you go, if you have nothing better to do on a Sunday afternoon and you are REALLY a silly person, here’s your chance to make a collage or booklet of side-by-side comparison photos to prove that Paris ain’t got NUTHIN’ on DC!

Next Safari: Saturday, June 9, 2012

Photos, Food and Fun in Alexandria

For those of us who love to take pictures, it is VERY hard to be confronted with a visual culinary delight in a fancy restaurant and not take a picture! In this Safari, you’ll learn how to photograph food, and then, you’ll get to EAT it!

Next Safari: Saturday, June 16, 2012

Afternoon Light in Annapolis MD

Annapolis is a little city with a long history - the capital of Maryland, and, according to its residents, the Sailing Capital of the World. Since it was first settled in 1649, the commercial and social life of this beautiful little town has been centered on its picturesque harbor, which is also a major tourist attraction.

Upcoming Dates:

The Smithsonian Castle and its Neighbors

Some of the best “photo ops” in the nation’s capital are available right outside the door of the Smithsonian Castle, the heart of the Smithsonian Institution.

Next Safari: Sunday, July 1, 2012

Moonrise Over Georgetown By Night

If you think Georgetown is pretty in the daytime, wait until you see it through your camera’s viewfinder at night! Learn the techniques of nighttime photography without flash.

Next Safari: Tuesday, July 3, 2012

Georgetown By Land and Sea

In this Safari, we capture the unique colonial-style architecture of the homes, restaurants and storefronts of Georgetown’s streets, including views of the C & O Canal. Then, we go down to the waterfront and photograph the Post-modern complex of Washington Harbour, with its columns and fountains and beautiful views of the DC waterfront.

Next Safari: Saturday, July 7, 2012

Just For Kids Photo Safari (ages 6-13)

Yes,kids, you CAN learn to take better pictures than your parents! Bring your camera and join us on this fun-filled Safari to some of the best historic picture-taking spots in Washington.

Next Safari: Sunday, July 8, 2012

Faces, Not Places!

This new photo Safari, led by professional event photographer and Washington Photo Safari director E. David Luria, will give you very useful tips on how (and how not) to take posed and unposed photos of the people you know, how to capture candid moments of people you do NOT know in crowded marketplaces or on street scenes—in short: how to take pictures that really tell the PEOPLE story of your trip!

Next Safari: Saturday, July 28, 2012

Hillwood Gardens and Museum

The gardens of the late Post Cereal heiress Marjorie Merriwether Post are among the most beautiful gardens in the Washington area. Adjoining the very elegant and popular Hillwood Museum in upper northwest Washington, the gardens offer incredible opportunities for photography.

Next Safari: Saturday, July 28, 2012

Photography for Scrapbooking

Scrapbooking, which has become a VERY popular hobby, needs good, well composed photographs to fill its pages!

Next Safari: Saturday, August 4, 2012

Photos, Food and Fun in DuPont Circle

Next Safari: Sunday, August 5, 2012

Cherry Blossoms in the Fall!

Cherry blossoms in the spring? NO! These are Washington’s famous cherry trees in the FALL! What a spectacle! Who KNEW? You can frame the Washington Monument or the Jefferson Memorial in a circle of fiery-red leaves, or you can zoom in on a huge cherry tree with its colorful branches arcing over the pathway and touching the surface of the water, what a great shot!

Upcoming Dates:

Recent Comments

“I just wanted to let you know that I am now in Paris pursuing a full-time diploma in professional photography at the Speos Paris Photographic Institute.I would like to put it on record that the Washington Photo Safari sessions that I took hugely influenced my drastic career shift. The modules taught me concepts in exposure value and white balance, and these alone led to significant improvement in technique. Through proper technique, I was able to discover my creative potential and convince myself that I need to take the big plunge. All the photos that comprised my portfolio for admission to Speos had a touch of Washington Photo Safari in them. I have recommend WPS to all my friends who say they want to explore concepts in photographic technique without making huge upfront investments in time and money.”
—Maharash Shantaram

“I really appreciated the opportunity to learn more photography tips, see new sights that I ordinarily wouldn’t see, meet new people and—as an extra bonus—hang out with my Dad. He loved the Safari too, and I think he’ll be using his camera more often.”
—K.R.

“I really enjoyed the advanced digital Safari today with Melanie. I got more out of the 3 hours + than 6 months of shooting on my own. I look forward to participating in more.(Hopefully warmer) Thanks to you both.”
—Art

“Washington Photo Safari was (and is) invaluable to me in developing my photographic skills. Every time I go out on a Safari, I learn something new. I think I’ve been on four or five in the last couple of years. David Luria is a great instructor, and is immeasurably patient. You will definitely take better vacation photos!”
—Pam

“I just love your photo Safaris. They get my husband out of the house so I can get some work done!”
—L.H.