Visiting Washington D.C. on Friday, what should I see?

[Sully75]

Hi all,

I'm passing through Washington D.C. on Friday, this is a pretty rare occurrence for me.

Just saw the note about the Timothy O'Sullivan show, but what else would be worth seeing? I have no idea what the normal photographic things to do in Washington are, rarely make it past NYC. So I'd like to make a big photographic day of it.

Someone told me that there was a show of historical photography, all different kind of processes, but I'm not sure where that is. Any ideas?

Thanks!
Paul

[keithwms]

I'll be going up on Friday and will be hanging out with the DC photoposse. No word yet on what we might do.

These links might help you:

http://www.nga.gov/exhibitions/darkroominfo.shtm

http://photography.si.edu/Exhibitions.aspx

Photographically speaking, the mall is pretty blah to me unless there are some nice big protests or such The downtown area close to the mall is worse than blah for me, personally, but there are many interesting neighborhood scenes beyond. Who knows, you may find inspiration anywhere. It's a bit early in the season but the woods along the Clara Barton Hwy can be very nice. And I'd love to get access to the mormon temple which isn't far from Bethesda. The nat. cathedral is also quite photogenic... it lacks history, but there are many interesting scenes.

The insanity that is the National Cherry festival is less than one month away!

[Sully75]

Thanks Keith...for the record I probably won't be taking many pictures, just want to see some.

The darkroom exhibit was what I was looking for, thanks! Looks like I made it just in the nick of time.

[Photo Engineer]

The Smithsonian is always a treat for me.

PE

[Pinholemaster]

Baltimore, it is the best part of DC. HA!

[keithwms]

P.S. Stop for lunch in the cafeteria of the museum of the native americans. Unfortunately, apart from that and the atrium of the building, there isn't much else there of note (as a Cherokee descendant I was hoping to learn a lot more there). That cafeteria rocks! Best food on the mall, bar none.

P.P.S. Walt? Baltimore? Really???!

[TheFlyingCamera]

There's a fantastic show over at the Museum of American Art right now. The Timothy H. O'Sullivan western expeditions.

http://americanart.si.edu/exhibition...010/osullivan/

In my opinion, the American Art museum has been doing a MUCH better job with their photography exhibitions than the NGA has. NGA exhibits are usually relegated to a two-to-three room chamber in the basement of the museum. At the American Art/National Portrait Gallery, they often have multiple photo exhibits running concurrently, spanning three to five rooms each, and covering a wide spectrum of photographic history.

[eddym]

The insanity that is the National Cherry festival is less than one month away!

Yes, and speaking of insanity, my wife and I are going to be there for it. Could you please arrange for the snow to be over and maybe some warmer weather? Coming from the tropics, we'd really appreciate it... :o

[keithwms]

Yes, and speaking of insanity, my wife and I are going to be there for it. Could you please arrange for the snow to be over and maybe some warmer weather? Coming from the tropics, we'd really appreciate it... :o

The snow will be gone, no worries there. But do bring good walking shoes and a packed lunch and drinks- you're in for a good hike. You'll very likely need to park a mile away or so. My advice would be to stay in Arlington and get shuttled.

[TheFlyingCamera]

Stay anywhere BUT downtown and take the Metro. Closest stop would be Smithsonian, followed by Federal Triangle and Archives/Navy Memorial.