The Beauty of the Capitol Dome, originally uploaded by sweetspot@f8.
Marvelous, as you can see, the beauty of the Capitol really shines in low light. This photo of the Capitol Dome was taken from the east side during summer at 8.53pm right after sunset.
It would be a great experience for you photograph the capitol at sunset or at sunrise.
The nearest metro station on this side of The Capitol is the Capitol South Metro station serviced by the Blue and Orange Line. Please refer to the map below.
View The Capitol Grounds in a larger map
Shot Details:
East Side of the Capitol Showing part of the Dome. Handheld shot taken using a Canon Rebel XS 10.1MP SLR Camera
Art of the Capitol, originally uploaded by sweetspot@f8.
Taken from the East Side, the photo above is just one of the many achitectural drawings you can find in the Capitol. I enjoy taking photos of this art masterpiece, lots of details, textures, it’s just magnificent.
Here is the same photo converted to Black and White. If you are going to ask me which of the two I prefer, I prefer the black and white. For me, sometimes colors can be distracting, with black and white I can easily see the details and texture of a photograph.
To give you more idea of what to photograph, here are two more photos from this side of the capitol:
The nearest metro station on this side of The Capitol is the Capitol South Metro station serviced by the Blue and Orange Line. Please refer to the map below.
View The Capitol Grounds in a larger map
Shot Details:
East Side of the Capitol Showing part of the Dome. Handheld shot taken using a Canon Rebel XS 10.1MP SLR Camera
The U.S. Capitol, originally uploaded by sweetspot@f8.
HDR photograph of the Capitol Dome and East Side steps. Processed using the free opensource HDR tool Picturenaut. While I was going through each images in my Lightroom Catalog, I notice that I have multiple shots of this photo with different exposure, I was really planning to create an hdr image out of them, but didn’t have the time then, so here it is. This is one of my first attempt to create an hdr image. All photos were taken handheld, because tripods are not allowed in the Capitol grounds so what I did was I sat down and hug my camera really tight, to avoid shake, and luckily it came out good.
Tripod use is extremely prohibited in this side of the Capitol. You may be able to get away with a small tabletop tripod but if you need to use a full size tripod you need to get a permit. See the Filming and Photography In the District.
Filming and Photography In The District: The use of camera equipment to film or photograph on Capitol Grounds is permitted, provided the photographs or film are for private or other non-commercial use. Non-commercial documentary or historical filming is permitted on a case-by-case basis. The use of tripods or other film or photography enhancement equipment requires special permission, and is limited to grassy areas where pedestrian or vehicular traffic will not be impeded. For permits and other info please go to the Capitol Police website at http://www.uscapitolpolice.gov/
The nearest metro station on this side of The Capitol is the Capitol South Metro station serviced by the Blue and Orange Line. Please refer to the map below.
View Larger Map
Shot Details:
Capitol East side steps and Dome. Handheld shot taken using a Canon Rebel XS 10.1MP SLR Camera
The U.S. Capitol, originally uploaded by sweetspot@f8.
Here is another photo of the Capitol from the North end, this is actually the front side of the Capitol. Security on this side is very tight. You will see a number of Capitol Police officers walking around the area.
Tripod use is extremely prohibited in this side of the Capitol. You may be able to get away with a small tabletop tripod but if you need to use a full size tripod you need to get a permit. See the Filming and Photography In the District.
Filming and Photography In The District: The use of camera equipment to film or photograph on Capitol Grounds is permitted, provided the photographs or film are for private or other non-commercial use. Non-commercial documentary or historical filming is permitted on a case-by-case basis. The use of tripods or other film or photography enhancement equipment requires special permission, and is limited to grassy areas where pedestrian or vehicular traffic will not be impeded. For permits and other info please go to the Capitol Police website at http://www.uscapitolpolice.gov/
The nearest metro station on this side of The Capitol is the Capitol South Metro station serviced by the Blue and Orange Line. Please refer to the map below.
View Larger Map
Shot Details:
View of the U.S Capitol Building from the North End. Handheld shot, photographed from the right end of the building.
Taken using a Canon Rebel XS 10.1MP SLR Camera
at ISO 100, F/20, 1/50 seconds in Manual. Post processed using Adobe Photoshop Lightroom 2.7
The U.S. Capitol After Sunset, originally uploaded by sweetspot@f8.
The U.S. Capitol is the place where the U.S. Congress meet. It is located in the East end of The National Mall. It is among the most architecturally impressive and symbolic buildings in the world. Begun in 1793, the Capitol has been built, burnt, rebuilt, extended, and restored; today, it stands as a monument not only to its builders but also to the American people and their government. For complete info please go to http://www.aoc.gov/.
During summer The Capitol is a place for seasoned and amateur photographers aliked. You will see photographers line up across the reflecting pool waiting for sunset. It is one my favorite spot to photograph, or you can just sit there relax and enjoy the view
The nearest metro station to The Capitol is the Federal Center SW serviced by the Blue and Orange Line. Please refer to the map below.
View Larger Map
Filming and Photography In The District: The use of camera equipment to film or photograph on Capitol Grounds is permitted, provided the photographs or film are for private or other non-commercial use. Non-commercial documentary or historical filming is permitted on a case-by-case basis. The use of tripods or other film or photography enhancement equipment requires special permission, and is limited to grassy areas where pedestrian or vehicular traffic will not be impeded. For permits and other info please go to the Capitol Police website at http://www.uscapitolpolice.gov/
Shot Details:
The Rear View of the U.S Capitol Building. Photographed from the across the pool.
Taken using a Canon Rebel XS 10.1MP SLR Camera
at ISO 200, F/8, 1.3 seconds in Manual. Post processed using Adobe Photoshop Lightroom 2.7
U.S. Capitol at The National Mall, originally uploaded by sweetspot@f8.I have been taking pictures in the District for a year now, and after going through my archives I realized that I have collected quite a decent amount of photos so I decided to do a personal project, and here it is, I call it the District.
The District project or simply The District is my personal collection of photographs that I took in and around the Metro DC Area. I figured that by posting some of this photos it will help other photography enthusiasts specially amateurs to see the beauty of the District from a different perspective.
Shot Details:
The Rear View of the U.S Capitol Building. Photographed from the across the pool.
Taken using a Canon Rebel XS 10.1MP SLR Camera
Camera : Sony DSC-V1 Cyber-shot 5MP Digital Camera w/ 4x Optical Zoom
Nightshot : Enabled to remove the IR blocking filter
IR Filter : Opteka HD² 58mm R72 720nm Infrared X-Ray IR Filter
Below are the stuff that I used to capture this image in infrared:
- Opteka HD² 58mm R72 720nm Infrared X-Ray IR Filter
- 58mm Conversion Lens Tube or Filter Tube for Sony DSC-V1
- And an IR capable camera like the Sony DSC-V1 Cyber-shot 5MP Digital Camera w/ 4x Optical Zoom
Here is a good site to get some information on how to use the Sony DSC-V1 Cyber-shot 5MP Digital Camera w/ 4x Optical Zoom
Camera : Sony DSC-V1 Cyber-shot 5MP Digital Camera
Nightshot : Enabled to remove the IR blocking filter
IR Filter : Opteka HD² 58mm R72 720nm Infrared X-Ray IR Filter
Below are the stuff that I used to capture this image in infrared:
- Opteka HD² 58mm R72 720nm Infrared X-Ray IR Filter
- Conversion Lens Tube or Filter Tube for Sony DSC-V1.
- And an IR capable camera like the Sony DSC-V1 Cyber-shot 5MP Digital Camera w/ 4x Optical Zoom
Here is a good site to get some information on how to use the Sony DSC-V1 Cyber-shot 5MP Digital Camera w/ 4x Optical Zoom
Camera : Sony DSC-V1 Cyber-shot 5MP Digital Camera
Nightshot : Enabled to remove the IR blocking filter
IR Filter : 52mm, 950nm IR Filter
Lens Filter Tube : 52mm
Focal Length : 72mm
ISO : 200
Exposure : 1/30 sec at f/2.8
Weather Condition : Cloudy
Time : 8:00 AM
If you are interested in getting into IR Photography you will need a IR Filter like these:
- Opteka HD² 52mm R72 720nm Infrared X-Ray IR Filter
or Hoya 52mm RM-72 Infrared Filter
- And an IR capable camera like the Sony DSC-V1 Cyber-shot 5MP Digital Camera w/ 4x Optical Zoom
Here is a good site to get some information on how to use the Sony DSC-V1 Cyber-shot 5MP Digital Camera w/ 4x Optical Zoom
Other info :
Digital Darkroom Apps:
Adobe Photoshop Lightroom 2
I found this book to be a great resource for infrared photography.
To record the “invisible light ” has always been an intriguing and fascinating experiment. The infrared part of the light spectrum is outside the range of what the human eye can see, but with a digital camera, we are able to record only this “invisible light ” while blocking the “visible ” part. The results are often unusual, yet beautiful, renderings of otherwise fairly common scenes.
Since as far back as the 1960 ‘s artists have experimented with analog infrared photography, as seen on the album covers of Jimi Hendrix and Frank Zappa. But as we enter the digital age, new equipment and technology has opened up the exciting world of infrared photography to all.
Here is a great book to learn more about Adobe Photoshop Lightroom.
• Work efficiently with images shot in the raw or JPEG format
• Import photographs with ease and sort them according to your workflow
• Create and manage a personal image library
• Apply tonal adjustments to multiple images quickly
• Integrate Photoshop Lightroom with Adobe Photoshop
• Export images for print or Web as digital contact sheets or personal
portfolios
Camera : Canon Rebel XS 10.1MP Digital SLR Camera
Focal Length : 55 mm
Lens : Canon EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS SLR Lens
Exposure : 1/6 sec at f /5.6
ISO : 200
Mode : Shutter Priority
Camera : Sony DSC-V1 Cyber-shot 5MP Digital Camera
Nightshot : Enabled to remove the IR blocking filter
IR Filter : 52mm, 950nm IR Filter
Lens Filter Tube : 52mm
Focal Length : 72mm
ISO : 200
Exposure : 1/20sec. at f/2.8
Taken on a Cloudy/Overcast day, not much sunlight
If you are interested in getting into IR Photography you will need a IR Filter like these:
- Opteka HD² 52mm R72 720nm Infrared X-Ray IR Filter
- And an IR capable camera like the Sony DSC-V1 Cyber-shot 5MP Digital Camera w/ 4x Optical Zoom
Here is a good site to get some information on how to use the Sony DSC-V1 Cyber-shot 5MP Digital Camera w/ 4x Optical Zoom
Other info :
Digital Darkroom Apps:
Adobe Photoshop Lightroom 2
I found this book to be a great resource for infrared photography.
“Digital Infrared Photography,” an all new guide that illustrates and explores the enchantingly beautiful world of infrared images.
By simply adding a filter to the camera lens, or using a converted camera, digital photographers can capture infrared (IR) images featuring expressive skies, dramatic clouds, and intriguing white foliage. Illustrated with hundreds of striking IR images taken from around the world, this unique guide shows photographers how to get started and get creative with IR. Each chapter covers IR basics as well as imaginative techniques that produce eye-catching images. Subjects such as long exposures, multiple exposures, and image enhancement with hand coloring, mirroring, toning, and layering as well as HDR, Photomerge, and other creative Photoshop techniques are illustrated and explained in easily understood detail. The book also includes an inspirational gallery showcasing IR work from top photographers such as Kathleen Carr, Joe Farace, and Lewis Kemper, and engages the reader with interactive online end-of-chapter assignments.
Here is a great book to learn more about Adobe Photoshop Lightroom.
In The Adobe Photoshop Lightroom 2 Book for Digital Photographers, Scott walks readers through the basics of Lightroom use, leading them to a brilliantly devised and super efficient digital photography workflow that dramatically improves productivity and allows photographers to spend less time processing photos and more time shooting them.
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