I am wondering if I can take pictures of the monuments there if I ever travel to Washington D.C. When I flew to New Orleans in 2004, I was told that you can't take pictures of federal buildings. Furthermore, when I was in Baltimore, a travel guide informed me that I couldn't take any pictures in the airport there. So can I take pictures of the Lincoln Memorial, Washington Monument, WWII Memorial or the White House? I don't know for sure if I am going to D.C. next month, but if I have the chance to go, I want to make sure that I know where and where not I am allowed to take pictures. Thank you in advance for your response.
2006-11-15 03:15:09 · 12 answers · asked by SecretAgent4777 2 in Travel ➔ United States ➔ Washington, D.C.
When we were there we took over 200 pictures in 5 days. You can only get so close to the White House. We didn't get the tour but it is fenced and guarded quite well. Anything outside that fence is up to you. Some places we were not allowed to photograph were inside the Capital on the House floor (they actually take everyones camera away there), in the National Archives where there is a tattered flag on display, and the Declaration of Indepedence and the Constitution. These last two could be photographed but with no flash. They recommend you step out into the hallway and test fire your camera to make sure it is not going to flash as you only get one mistake and you are escorted out. All the other monuments and such were fine.
2006-11-15 06:03:45 · answer #1 · answered by rsimons56 4 · 2⤊ 0⤋
You can take photos pretty much everywhere, except (and they'll make sure to tell you so):
* In certain areas of the Pentagon
* Inside the chambers in the Capitol (the Senate and House floors)
* Typically on stairs while moving in a tour, for safety reasons.
* Also, the use of flash photography is banned around most paintings and temporary galleries in art museums.
Be careful if you have a film camera, though. Since September 11, most places have added X-ray machines. A couple times through will not affect your film, but an accumulation of times will harm it. You can almost always ask the security personel to inspect your film by hand.
Also, I believe that some people told you false information. I've never seen or heard anything about taking pictures at the airport, at BWI or anywhere else. That sounds like rot to me.
As far as the other buildings, if you start taking photos of snipers and such, you may get questioned, but you are free to do it. They just want to make sure that you're no Al Qaeda, you know.
2006-11-15 19:17:15 · answer #2 · answered by AA 2 · 2⤊ 0⤋
The only places I've heard that tourists have been stopped from taking pictures are the Metro station at Pentagon, the Justice building, and someone said the FBI building too.
You'll be able to take pictures at any of the monuments and the White House without trouble.
2006-11-15 12:00:40 · answer #3 · answered by nomadgirl1 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I live in DC and I see tourists taking pictures of the monuments and famous buildings here all the time. It won't be a problem. The only problem I see is if you start taking pictures specifically of the security structures and facilities around the capital dome, the white house, or any other major government building.
2006-11-15 11:24:06 · answer #4 · answered by Celtic Rebel 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I'm pretty sure you can take pictures of all the monuments. The last time I was there no one cared. The White House however may have changed, but since there are often newcasters around there filiming for the news I would assume you could actually still take picture sof the white house.
2006-11-15 11:24:29 · answer #5 · answered by Lili 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If you're taking pictues of a known monument, or eidiface, then you're going to be ok. It's when people go to take pictures of buildings where federal workers work, or side entrances and parking lot layouts that the sec urity of those buildings will take interest. Stick to the tourist places and you'll be fine.
2006-11-15 11:23:43 · answer #6 · answered by Marvinator 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Yes, you can take pictures almost everywhere. Some places have restrictions, but they have signs. If you are going, I recommend that you try to get a tour of the pentagon. My boss just got back from DC and they did the pentagon tour. He said it was awesome. You have to send them info, though because they have to do a background check on you.
2006-11-15 11:25:02 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
If it's outdoors on public property or from the street, yes.
If you're in the airport, inside governement buildings, in the subway, etc., it's generally a no-no.
2006-11-17 14:07:15 · answer #8 · answered by ty 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You can take pictures of any museum or federal building...if it isn't being allowed then there should be a sign up or a guard telling people it isn't allowed.
2006-11-18 18:32:02 · answer #9 · answered by VAWeddingSpecialist 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
you can take pictures of the monuments. When you go into the museums they will check your bags, but i think you can take pictures in the museums too.
2006-11-17 00:41:22 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋