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DC NATIONAL MALL PORTRAIT GUIDE
CHOOSING A LOCATION
FAQ
GENERAL PERMIT INFO
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CHOOSING THE SEASON
The DC monuments are always a classic choice for your portrait session! Here is a list of the most popular spots.
Note: all of my DC monument sessions are scheduled for sunrise. This is the best time to photos and the only time to avoid the crowds! I promise it will be worth it.
Locations
THOMAS JEFFERSON
LINCOLN MEMORIAL
UNDER CONSTRUCTION
Having a session here means you also get photos at the Tidal Basin, and views of the Washington Monument. It's also known for its marble steps and columns. There is a nearby paid parking lot with available spaces only a 7-10 minute walk away. See example sessions below!
The Lincoln includes photos of the reflecting pool and the Washington Monument. However, it is currently under construction until 2026. We can no longer take photos facing the monument, on the stairs, or in the columns, however, we can do the reflecting pool and nearby walking paths.
FAMILY PHOTOS
ONE YEAR BABY MILESTONE
DC WAR MEMORIAL
The DC War Memorial gives you a classic backdrop without the crowds. Tucked away on the National Mall, it's much quieter than the Lincoln or Jefferson. Some couples and families opt to add this onto their Lincoln Memorial session for more variety.
JENNIFER & CLIFF
This is another quiet location steps away from the Lincoln Memorial. The gardens are often empty at sunrise, giving us beautiful views all to ourselves.
CHARLOTTE & ROB - note the Lincoln Memorial photos in this session can't be done due to the current construction
CONSTITUTION GARDENS
SESSION LENGTh
My portrait sessions include up to 1 hour of photography time. If you are interested in a longer session (couples only), please inquire and ask for options. For family sessions with little kids, it's not recommended to add time as this can be too long for little ones.
When planning, be sure to arrive to the location ~10-15 minutes early. If you're driving and parking, you may want to add extra time to account for rush hour traffic, finding a parking spot, getting everyone ready at the car, then walking to our meeting location.
GENERAL PERMIT INFO
The National Parks Service requires a permit for all professional still photography at the National Mall. I've been stopped several times by NPS to verify the permit, so I require all couples to file and pay for one prior to their session. You don't want to wake up at super early for your session only to be kicked out by NPS!
On their website they recommend filing at least 3 weeks in advance since all permits have to go through their process. You can view their policy here.
$140 total: $50 permit + a $90 filing fee
The fees listed above may also change after I created this page, so you'll need to refer to NPS for official pricing. Last updated Feb. 2025.
If you would like me to file the permit for you, I can take care of this; just note you are responsible for the payment.
PERMIT COST
CHOOSING YOUR SEASON
As you can imagine, the season affects your photos. Both the backdrop and your personal weather and style preference. I offer a limited number of sessions from April through early November. All of my sessions take place on weekdays at sunrise to avoid crowds and give you the best experience. View the average start times by season below.
SPRING START TIMES
April | 6:10 AM - 6:50 AM
May | 5:45 - 6:10 AM
Expect cooler temperatures throughout April and early May. If you want leaves on trees, I recommend mid-April at the earliest when the trees have filled in. We no longer offering cherry blossom sessions at the monuments during "peak bloom" due to the current seawall restoration project on the Tidal Basin, intense crowds, and parking issues. However, I can do cherry blossoms at other locations!
SUMMER START TIMES
June | 5:45 AM
July | 5:45 - 6:05 AM
August| 6:05 - 6:35 AM
Summer temperatures are usually ideal. Comfortably warm, but usually not too hot since it's so early.
FALL START TIMES
September | 6:35 - 7 AM
October | 7 - 7:30 AM
November | 6:45 - 7:30 AM
Temperature changes greatly during this season. If you want to wear a dress and be comfortable, I recommend a September date. I also recommend September for little kids when possible. October starts to get cooler in the mornings. By November, it's very cold. Many people opt to wear a jacket, or take their jacket off for photos.
If you want fall foliage, I recommend a mid to late October date.
NOTE ON START TIMES:
We can start the session a little later, but I have to let you know the sunrise is what makes this location so special. Starting even 30 minutes after the recommended start time may affect the light in your photos. All morning sessions must take place within 2 hours of sunrise at this location.
If we end up with an overcast forecast, we may move your session start time a little later.
My personal favorite month is September. The start times aren't as early as the summer, but it's still comfortable outside. These dates always go quickly!
When do you offer sunrise monument sessions?
What if it rains on the day of my scheduled session?
I offer these special portrait sessions between April and mid-November. To give each of my clients my full attention, I take a limited number each season. I encourage you to inquire early to book your preferred season!
We typically reschedule if we have inclement weather (rain, storms, hail, etc.) for no extra charge on my end. In the past, the National Park Service has accommodated moving the permit for us. If you are unable to reschedule, the monuments have a good amount of coverage and we can sometimes move forward with the session if it's just light rain.
Why are sessions only available at sunrise for this location?
Can I get my hair/makeup done by a professional before a sunrise session?
It's the only time to get those magical, unique photos you've seen on this page. Later in the day, these locations are filled with tourists, locals, and other photographers. As an artist, I'm dedicated to giving you the very best. Sunrise is how I can accomplish that.
Yes, you absolutely can! I have several hair and makeup professionals on my list who do on-location services that early, or they invite you into their studio. It's very common for photographers to shoot this early in DC, so it's not too hard to find a hair/makeup artist who also offers those services. Send me an email for a list!
Do you have location recommendations that don't require a permit?
I have not booked my session yet, but I'm ready! How do I do that?
Yes! I have a list of favorites in the area. Please inquire for more details.
If you haven't inquired yet, send me an email at info@emilyalyssa.com or fill out my contact form HERE! If we've already been speaking about a session, please request a proposal to book. You'll receive it via email. To reserve your date and time, you'll sign the contract and pay the session fee directly online. From there, we'll begin planning your session. I can't wait to work together!