Meetup in Washington, DC

[JoeW]

Very do-able. Amtrak would take you to Union Station (which has Metro access to the monuments).

 

[JoeW]

I'm going to leave the final decisions on schedule, locations, and itinerary to Master Lew as it's his idea (or to modify a good Russian phrase: his circus, his monkeys).

I'm going to propose some early morning details since I'm willing to be there for sunrise shots and Lew said he'd pass. Lew, please feel free to suggest away or even veto any of below if it creates a mess with the master plan that you're putting together. Any others even thinking of participating--offer feedback (but especially if you're planning on being there for sunrise shots this meet-up day).

I'm going to offer two options:
1. Sunrise at the Iwo Jima Memorial (i.e.: USMC Memorial) in Rosslyn, VA. Great sunrise location, once the sun comes up it's a spot for a great view of part of DC, the memorial is worth shooting, it's near a Metro stop that will get people in to DC easily. Downside: it's near a spot that used to be a popular gay area cruising joint so having a couple of males show up pre-dawn, stand around and say "oh, no problem officer, we're just here for a meet-up" will go over just swimmingly I think. Also, while it's an iconic spot, once we've shot here we then have to get on Metro and trek in to DC to meet the rest of our hardy bandy (unless people decide to shoot the Arlington Artisphere which usually opens at noon on saturdays but is cool space and there's a nice urban park/overpass near it).
2. Steps of the Lincoln Memorial on the Mall in DC. Great sunrise location, once the sun comes up you've got the freaking Lincoln Monument to shoot, it's near Einstein and the Vietnam Veterans Memorial, we'll be at the Lincoln before any crowds show up, the Vietnam Veterans Memorial shoots very well at night (if you happen to miscalculate and get there early). Plus, if it's a cloudy morning with little to no sunrise at the appointed hour, we've still got a bunch of cool stuff to shoot with 2 minutes walk. Downside: if we shoot this area at sunrise, it may conflict with the plans of those not planning on being there at 0-dark-thirty that day. Unlike Rosslyn, there won't be foot emporiums or even coffee shops set up nearby for us to snack on as we boast about our hardiness for getting up so early. Also, it's not close to a Metro stop (Smithsonian or Foggy Bottom or Federal Triangle I think are the closest stops).

Thoughts and feedback? Again, Lew, I'm not trying to usurp your plans, just responding to someone (Braineack?) who had asked about the "battle plan" especially given that you'd said you'd pass on the sunrise portion of the adventure.

 

[The_Traveler]

There is no master plan beyond getting together to meet and shoot interspersed with meals and bathroom breaks as needed.

 

[bobandcar]

Anyone planning to head in from new Carrollton or greenbelt?

 

[Braineack]

Nope, I'll be coming from Chantilly.

 

[JoeW]

It sounds like most folks are planning on arriving at a sane hour along with Lew. I, however, am planning on shooting a sunrise. Right now, I'm leaning to the Marine Corps Memorial (i.e.: Iwo Jima) though I could be persuaded to go with the Lincoln/National Mall. I'm willing to coordinate a location and time (and even bring some donuts) if there is anyone else in the group planning on shooting a sunrise. I figure our hardy band (okay, maybe just me) would get there at an obscenely early hour, shoot the sunrise, and then meet up with the rest of the group at a location Lew sets.

Who wants to shoot a sunrise in DC on the meet up day?

 

[Braineack]

I'd meet at Iwo Jima in the morning; I'll be parking a block away at lynn and wilson.

The skys are looking really nice lately in the morning (Oct always seems to have the best sunrises) and I'd like to get back and retry shots there and improve from this.

Sun seems to be peaking out between 6:30 and 6:30.

 

[mattymags]

Would it be okay for an absolute amateur (and the fact that I just joined this yesterday) to tag along? I would be willing to make that pre sunrise meet up to have a chance to shoot a scene like you captured Braineack. That is a stunning image. Thats the kind of picture that I would like to be able to take at some point in time.

 

[The_Traveler]

Experience not necessary, any members welcome.
Perhaps the early risers can pick a meeting place and exchange cell numbers.
This week, I will drive into the city and find a place for the late-arriving to meet near the White House ~ 8 or so to have coffee, etc. (that is close to the monuments) and we can go off from there.

Please PM me your cell numbers and I will reply with a list for all.

Lew

 

[JoeW]

Would it be okay for an absolute amateur (and the fact that I just joined this yesterday) to tag along? I would be willing to make that pre sunrise meet up to have a chance to shoot a scene like you captured Braineack. That is a stunning image. Thats the kind of picture that I would like to be able to take at some point in time.

Sure, complete beginners are welcome. We will, however, make you carry all of our gear and during lunch, you'll have to sing your school fight song. Okay, I kid, I kid. As Lew said, everyone is welcome.

Since it looks like (counting me) there will be at least 3 people doing sunrise shots, I will get more details out prior to the date for where the small gallant band of insane early risers can meet and how we can identify each other (usually the camera bags/slings are a dead giveaway but I'll think of something a bit more specific).

 

[The_Traveler]

Please send me your mobile phone numbers and I will redistribute
I will be driving into DC early this Saturday AM to scout out a good breakfast meeting spot - unless someone has a suggestion.
It should be somewhere in the neighborhood of the White House/Farragut Square; that is walking distance from monuments and close to Metro stops.

Be sure to bring enough cash to pay for meals because no restaurant will split checks for tables of more than 2.

If you buy Metro card, you will need enough for 3 or 4 trips.
Metro card can be bought with credit card or cash.

Lew

 

[Nevermore1]

Haven't been on in a while but I may try to make it if I don't have to work. I probably won't know until the very last minute, all depends on how much the govt wants to spend their money before the end of fiscal year. If I can't make I hope we can do it again sometime, it would be great to meet all of you!

 

[The_Traveler]

I will send you information just in case.

 

[Nevermore1]

Thanks

 

[The_Traveler]

I will be at the Peet's coffee house at 1701 Pennsylvania Ave, Washington, DC from 8 AM on on Sat Sept 20th, (assuming someone will show up and it's not raining terribly. In that case I will email night before)
Peet's is directly on the corner cattycorner across the street from the Old Executive Office Building

On either the Red Line or the Blue-Line Metro, it is a simple walk from the respective Farragut Square stop South down 17th Street towards the Mall.

once you see this, turn around

and you'll see Peet's Coffee right on the corner

SEND ME YOUR MOBILE NUMBER