Picture Perfect: Capturing Iconic Images of the U.S. Capitol Grounds

The Capitol campus is defined by the architectural magnificence of the U.S. Capitol Building, the Supreme Court Building and the Library of Congress, each a pinnacle of architectural grandeur that captures the attention of millions of visitors each year. Equally impressive in beauty is the 286-acre U.S. Capitol Grounds, a Level III ArbNet¹ accredited arboretum gracefully enveloping and complementing the architectural details of these historical buildings. More than 4,800 trees and impeccably curated flora exist harmoniously alongside historical architectural details, most of which are original to Frederick Law Olmsted, the landscape architect responsible for the design of the U.S. Capitol Grounds.

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At the Architect of the Capitol (AOC), professional photographers from the Photography and Technical Imaging Branch are responsible for memorializing the reciprocal interplay between the natural elements of the arboretum and the magnificent architecture of the Capitol campus. Below are our tips to help you capture the stunning architecture, sweeping views and historic significance of this iconic location.

Work with the Light

Understanding the relationship between light and the changing seasons is essential for photographers. Throughout the year, the seasons create natural apertures through which the architecture of the U.S. Capitol Grounds and the landscape of the arboretum can be seen in a completely different light.

During the spring and summer, the foliage of the arboretum's crown may obscure or hide certain architectural details, building an anticipation of a grand reveal. Autumn and winter provide more stark and solemn views of the U.S. Capitol Building, leaving visitors with a sense of reverence. Furthermore, the colorful palettes of summer and autumn lend themselves to vibrant, saturated photography, while early spring and winter become alive in the tones and contrasts of black and white. The seasons also change the directionality, duration and quality of light on the picturesque scenes across the Capitol campus. Understanding how light changes throughout the day and how sunlight illuminates the façade of a building or flowers blooming throughout the spring is essential to capturing stunning well-composed images.

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Bright light provides a sharp contrast in color and highlights details of seasonal plantings in Senate Parks.

Sunrise view of the Library of Congress Thomas Jefferson Building dome; sunrise brightens the architecture of the U.S. Capitol Dome and Senate wing pediment.

Ultimately, the time of day during which one photographs the arboretum landscapes and architecture of the U.S. Capitol Grounds is the most impactful factor that determines the mood, composition and overall quality of the images captured. There is always a sense of magic in the early morning hours that translates well through photography. Witnessing the colors of the sky change from deep blacks and blues to warmer tones as the golden sunrise slowly cascades down the Dome of the U.S. Capitol Building is an amazing experience and one that, given the right camera, lens and a bit of patience, can result in the creation of timeless memories.

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The Capitol Reflecting Pool adds contrast and depth to this evening photo of the U.S. Capitol.

There are also several architectural features across the U.S. Capitol Grounds that stand out when photographed at night. The cascading water feature and central fountain of the Senate Parks is generally illuminated throughout the spring, summer and fall, and can be used as either a focal point or as foreground elements to frame the equally bright Dome of the U.S. Capitol Building in the background. The Capitol Reflecting Pool can also yield beautiful images with spectacular reflections of the U.S. Capitol Building at night. It is important to keep in mind that taking photos at night requires lenses with "fast" or large apertures or the use of a tripod. However, the use of a tripod on Capitol Grounds may require a special permit from the U.S. Capitol Police.

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Lastly, the weather conditions of any given day also greatly influence the look of images captured on Capitol Hill. The flat, even light of overcast days may seem gloomy to most, however to the eyes of a photographer, such cloudy days provide opportunities to capture architecture without the harsh contrasts of bright highlights and deep shadows.

Find Your Focus

Another photographic technique that influences the composition, focus and overall aesthetic of each shot is the use of lenses. The use of telephoto lenses and large apertures creates a shallow depth of field in an image resulting in stunningly sharp subjects with beautifully blurred backgrounds.

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You can recreate the same effect by focusing on an object close to one's eyes; the scene behind that object becomes soft and blurred. This basic principle of photography can be used to great effect to draw the eye onto a particularly beautiful bloom of flora framing the suggested outline of the U.S. Capitol Building or, conversely, onto a particularly interesting architectural detail surrounded by the flora of the arboretum.

The use of a telephoto lens can also help isolate a particular scene from traffic and pedestrians, creating an illusion of solitariness and drawing the viewer of the image directly onto the subject of the photograph.

Put Things in Context

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A view of the U.S. Capitol on a cloudy day.

There are numerous spots around campus that are perfect for capturing stunning and impactful photos. The Olmsted fountains and planters along the East Plaza of the U.S. Capitol Building, the Summerhouse, the Ulysses S. Grant Memorial and the Capitol Reflecting Pool are some of the most popular sites. Each location offers photographers the opportunity to capture the unique contrast of colorful flora and formal architecture that results in awe inspiring photos. Such intentional views are purposefully created and maintained by gardeners, masons and arborists from the AOC's Capitol Grounds and Arboretum jurisdiction and are essential aspects of appreciating the complex and beautiful elements of the Capitol campus.

There is also no shortage of wildlife that calls the arboretum home: from the colorful plumage of cardinals and mallard ducks to the curious squirrels that roam freely about the campus, the opportunities to capture photographs of these creatures are limited only by the imagination.

A bird rests on a fountain in the Summerhouse; A duck stands among the tulips in a planter near the U.S. Capitol.

The most compelling of such images are the ones that place the subject within the context of the Capitol Grounds. In other words, if a pair of ducks decide to nest in the Olmsted fountains along the East Plaza of the U.S. Capitol Building, it is best to photograph them doing so with the architecture of the building as the background. Most importantly, however, is to remember to be respectful of any wildlife that becomes the subject of a photograph.

Enjoy Your Surroundings

In capturing the timeless beauty of the U.S. Capitol Grounds and the lush tranquility of the surrounding arboretum, we are reminded of the harmony between history and nature. This iconic landmark not only represents the resilience and spirit of our nation but also offers a serene escape that invites reflection and awe.

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The light at sunrise provides a sharp contrast in color and emphasizes details of the Statue of Freedom.

Chasing the light across the living history of the trees, the seasonal flora and fauna, and onto the architecture is a rewarding endeavor. Through photography we can immortalize these moments and inspire others to appreciate the beauty that surrounds us every day.

1. Level III arboreta have at least 500 species of woody plants, employ a collections curator, have substantial educational programming, collaborate with other arboreta, publicize their collections, and actively participate in tree science and conservation.