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The National Academy of Sciences: a Photo Safari in Art and Architecture! (Photographer)

Explore one of Washington’s most remarkable architectural landmarks on this exclusive photo safari through the historic National Academy of Sciences. Guided by an Academy docent and professional architectural photographer E. David Luria, participants will photograph stunning interiors, iconic artwork, and the grand Great Hall while learning techniques for capturing architecture and design. Perfect for DSLR, mirrorless, or smartphone photographers seeking rare behind-the-scenes access.

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  • 16 and older
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  • 5114 Ritchie Rd #644, Bealeton, VA , USA, Bealeton, VA
  • 2 hours

Express Checkout – $129

Fri. Dec 11, 2026, 1:30pm ET


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Class Description

Description

The National Academy of Sciences was first established in 1863 by President Abraham Lincoln. Its current building, dedicated in 1924, is an historic neoclassical temple of science near the Lincoln Memorial, serving as the headquarters of the National Academy of Sciences engineering and medicine. It features iconic art and the famous outdoor Albert Einstein Memorial.

Designed by architect Bertram Grosvenor Goodhue, the building mixes neoclassical art with Art Deco Hellenic and Egyptian influences. Its picturesque Great Hall serves as a gracious venue for conventions of scientists.

The interior views include ceiling iconography by Hildreth Meiere and architectural sculpture by Lee Lawrie that celebrates scientific history

On this photo Safari, limited to 10 photographers and their accompanying non-photographer companions, we will be led by an Academy docent to the most photogenic interior spaces of the Academy including the Great Hall, the boardroom, the auditorium, the library and many other spaces that are a visual delight for the photographer. Beautiful works of art adorn the walls of the Academy, and the Academy has given exclusive access to Washington Photos Safari for this unique photo tour.

For this safari we suggest the widest angle lens of your DSLR or mirrorless camera or your late model smartphone. No tripods are allowed.

Here is a sampling of the images clients will be able to get on this safari. (All of these images were taken with a smartphone.)

National Academy of Sciences | Flickr

The safari will be led by an Academy docent and photo instruction will be provided by E. David Luria, director of the Washington Photo Safari and a professional architectural photographer who has photographed over 2,500 apartment buildings, hotels and restaurants and has directed the training of over 47,000 amateur photographer customers since 1999.

Refund Policy

  • Cancellations must be made in writing via email at least 10 business days prior to Safari date to [email protected]
  • Cancellations received 9 business days or more in advance of Safari date receive a refund of 75% of the amount paid.
  • No refund is made for cancellations received less than 9 business days before the Safari date.

Washington Photo Safari operates rain or shine. A separate itinerary is followed on rain or snow days, utilizing landmarks with unique photogenic interiors, such as The National Building Museum, Union Station, The National Postal Museum, The Lincoln Memorial, and the Jefferson Memorial.

In the event that an instructor or the school needs to cancel last minute, students will receive a refund less a 5% non refundable registration fee.

In any event where a customer wants to cancel their enrollment and is eligible for a full refund, a 5% processing fee will be deducted from the refund amount.

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Washington Photo Safari

Washington Photo Safari offers half-day and full-day photo courses in Washington, D.C. and other cities, providing participants with extensive tips on camera use, composition, lighting, and more. Both beginner and advanced photographers are welcome, and any type of camera, including smartphones, is acceptable.

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Washington Photo Safari
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