DC War Memorial Portrait Guide | DC Photographer

Location: DC War Memorial in Washington, DC

Why I love it for photo sessions: This is another quiet, peaceful location for portraits on the National Mall. Tucked away near the Lincoln Memorial, it feels like your own private spot. Grand columns and marble steps give you that classic DC look, while the surrounding trees add a touch of nature.

Best time to take photos here: Sunrise is the best time for portraits here! If you need a slightly later time, we can also go up to two hours after sunrise. However, the most magical light is right at sunrise. Sunrise varies from season to season. Here’s an idea of sunrise times in DC throughout the year:

Spring (April – May): 5:45 – 6:50 AM 

Summer (June – August): 5:45 – 6:30 AM

Fall (September – mid November): 6:30 – 7:30 AM

I don’t currently offer winter sessions at the monuments – it’s simply too cold to get photos that early in the morning. The cut-off for the fall is early November, and sessions start again in the spring!

Can I get hair and makeup done for a sunrise session? Yes! Many photographers only do sunrise sessions at this location. Because of this, hair and makeup artists often offer early morning services to fit this need! Some can even come directly to you. I provide all of my clients with a list of my favorite vendors, so I can help you find someone.

 Is a permit required? Yes, a permit is required through the National Park Service for all still photography. There is a permit fee in addition to a filing fee. The costs are below and are accurate as of writing this post, and clients are required to pay for this for all sessions at this location.

1-10 people $50/day + $90 filing fee

11-30 people $150/day + $90 filing fee

30 people or more $250/day + $90 filing fee

It can take a few weeks to get the permit back, so you’ll need to apply for it in advance. If you would like me to take care of filing it for you, please let me know!

Parking info: There is metered street parking nearby. Another reason we do all sessions at sunrise! There are always plenty of spots available this early in the morning.

Are dogs allowed? Yes! Just let me know before your session that your pup will be joining us. 

Are there bathrooms on-site? Yes, there are bathrooms nearby.

Can I book multiple monument locations during a session? Yes!  The DC War Memorial location pairs well with either the Lincoln Memorial or the Constitution Gardens. You can fit both within an hour if you don’t mind moving quickly, or you can add an additional 30 minutes if you want more variety at each location.

This sounds perfect! How can we book a DC War Memorial portrait session with you?

First, fill out my contact form here! I’ll be in touch within 48-business hours with all the details (although, usually I get back to you sooner). My email will include pricing info, my earliest spots available to book, and everything else. If you are ready to book at that point, you can easily do so online! If you want to chat first, you’re always welcome to set up a phone call or an appointment at my photography studio in Sterling to chat.

My portrait session calendar typically fills up 1-4 months in advance, with outdoor sessions taking place April through mid-November. I recommend booking early to ensure you get a spot!