Friday, November 8, 2013

Momuments @ DC

 Living in the east coast, the fall colors in 2011 proved to be insatiable to my camera. Hence, as burgeoning photography enthusiasts, a friend of mine at Boston and myself planned to visit the Acadia National Park this year. Unfortunately seems like the government's decision prolonged the thirst of my camera! That being so, my friend visited me instead. It was end of fall foliage in Virginia. So we planned to visit Washington DC to capture the brilliance of the monuments under the focus lights at night. A reason to visit DC again, but this time for a night time photography. The weekend we visited DC seemed the best time to use the twilight timing leisurely since it was right after the government operations resumed. There were hardly anyone at the capitol.

We reached DC at around 8pm and parked at L'enfant plaza. We were relieved to find the parking spots empty! A short walk to the Tidal Basin helped us capture the reflections of Jefferson memorial and Washington monument over the Tidal Basin.



Washington Monument and Jefferson Memorial
18mm, f/22, 30 sec, ISO 100, Tripod used, PP using Lr.

Jefferson Memorial
 28mm, f/25, 30 sec, ISO 100, Tripod used, PP using Lr.

We lost track of time while photographing these shots. It was nearly 10pm. We decided to dine at the Zatinya Restaurant, a lebanese, turkish and greek cuisine combo at the 9th & G street intersection. its a Mezze platter and the food was awesome. The best part is the "Turkish Delight" which is a walnut ice cream, not so cold, not too hard with orange-caramel sauce and caramelized pine nuts.


Dinner energised our brains and we realised we had to spend more time in DC to capture its beauty to the fullest. We had an early start the next day. We visited Constitution Gardens, World War memorial II, Korean and Vietnam war memorial, Lincoln Memorial, Capitol building, White house We ended the day by with a sumptuous dinner at my friend's place.

Here are the shots taken on the next day...

Capitol Building
21mm, f/22, 8 sec, ISO 100, Tripod used, PP using Lr.
                                        
White House - Front view
Back side was closed for some reason, so did not get an opportunity to prove that rear view (South Portico) of the White House is better than front side. 

Constitution Gardens Pond





                                                                                          
World War II memorial

World War II memorial - Atlantic side








Atlantic entrance to WWII memorial


Abraham Lincoln Memorial

A view of the reflecting pool from Lincoln Memorial

Smithsonian castle and washington Monument view from capitol

@ WWII memorial

@ Independence Avenue