The National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception, representing the largest Catholic church in North America, offers an extraordinary opportunity for photographers. Located in northeast Washington, DC, this magnificent structure showcases Byzantine and Romanesque Revival architectural styles set upon beautifully landscaped grounds featuring a striking garden, decorative fountain, and impressive statuary.
Construction of the Shrine began in 1920, experienced significant delays due to the Great Depression and World War II, and finally reached completion in 2017. The church houses more than 80 chapels and oratories dedicated to honoring the Mother of God. This majestic structure is internationally recognized not only for its stunning sacred artwork but also for its distinctive architectural design and deep significance within Catholic and American cultural heritage.
You can preview sample images from this photography safari to see the types of photographs you will capture during your visit.
This photography safari is led by accomplished architectural photographer E. David Luria. The experience begins with capturing outdoor scenes and then proceeds indoors to photograph the soaring golden transepts and arches, intimate niches, ornate altars, and statuary that line the corridors of the Shrine. All photography will be conducted without the use of tripods.
Mr. Luria will teach you how to effectively use your camera or modern smartphone to capture beautiful church interior photographs without tripod support, providing a valuable skill for all your future travel photography. You will receive comprehensive guidance on composition principles and, for those using traditional cameras, instruction on white balance settings, ISO selection, shutter speed adjustment, and aperture control in this low-light environment. Special techniques for photographing the spectacular stained glass windows will also be covered.
Recommended lens choices include wide-angle lenses for expansive interior views, medium-length lenses for balanced compositions, and telephoto lenses for detailed shots of architectural elements and decorative details.
Free parking is available in the Shrine's dedicated parking lot. The nearest public transportation option is the Brookland/CUA station on the Red Line at the Catholic University of America.
