Unusual Angles

On October 10, 2010, in Photography Tips, Washington DC, by admin

Tulips and Capital Columns, National Arboretum, Washington, DC

One way to capture unique images is to look at your subject from an unusual angle.  I took this image at the National Arboretum in Washington DC.  Near the end of my day there I was looking at the old capital columns trying decide how to shoot them.  As I was putting down my gear I noticed the tulips along the edge of the sidewalk.  I got down on my stomach, framed the image, and took several shots whole moving my tripod slightly to capture different variations.

My tripod was particularly helpful in this instance.  On my tripod I am able to flip over the center column and hang the camera upside down.  This allows me to position the camera closer to the ground.  In this case the columns were located on higher ground than the tulips.  Being able to locate the camera closer to the ground allowed me to aim the camera up and capture both the tulips and the columns.

The Live View feature on my Nikon also saved me of neck strain, but that is another story!

Bonsai, National Bonsai and Penjing Museum, The United States National Arboretum

The United States National Arboretum has a lot to offer photographers almost year round.  One of my favorite spots within the grounds is the National Bonsai and Penjing Museum.  Open from March through October, the museum contains amazing examples of bonsai and penjing.  In addition to the standing collection of bonsai and penjing, the museum also rotates special exhibits.  On the day I was there they had a collection of miniature azaleas.

Photography can be a bit tricky within the museum.  Since the plants are against walls, there are some shadows to deal with when the sun is low on the horizon.  Note also that the hours for the National Bonsai and Penjing Museum (10 – 4) do not match those of the National Arboretum itself (8 – 5).  I usually arrive as the guards open the gates at 8 and roam the grounds getting those early morning shots until the Bonsai museum opens.

Oh, be careful with your tripod legs in the special exhibits wing.  One of my legs went under the rope and tripped a motion detector which brought one of the curators running.  I received a stern lecture, apologized profusely, and had a nice talk about the museum with the curator.

The National Bonsai and Penjing Museum is a great photography location, and a very quite and peaceful place to spend the day.

Station by PageLines