Capturing Time: A DC Long Exposure Photography Journal
Have you ever walked through Washington DC and felt the weight of history mingling with the pulse of modern life? It's a city of constant change, a living tapestry woven with threads of the past and present. As a photographer documenting DC, I've struggled to capture this dynamic energy with traditional snapshots. That's why I'm excited to share a new perspective: a journey through DC's evolving landscape using the art of long exposure photography in Washington DC.
Why Long Exposure Photography in DC?
Traditional snapshots can freeze a moment, but they often miss the story of movement and transformation. How do you capture the flow of time, the subtle shifts that shape our city? This is the challenge that inspired this photography blog about Washington DC. How do you truly tell a story through photography?
Long exposure photography allows me to paint with light, capturing not just a moment, but the passage of time itself. Imagine the flow of traffic swirling around Dupont Circle, the delicate dance of cherry blossoms in the spring breeze, or the steady climb of visitors ascending the Lincoln Memorial. These are the stories of a city in motion that I aim to tell through my lens.
A New Way to Share My Vision
While Instagram (@hugophotos) offers a glimpse of my work, this blog provides a deeper understanding of my long-exposure photography process, the technical details, and the stories behind each photograph. It's a chance to explore DC's narrative in a new light, a journey for anyone interested in Washington DC photography.
Featured Image: Time Flows Through the Tidal Basin
This sunset shoot at the Tidal Basin exemplifies why I'm drawn to long-exposure photography. The vibrant coral clouds streak across the sky, a dynamic contrast to the serene reflection of the Jefferson Memorial in the still water. The long exposure technique captures this dance of movement and stillness, reflecting the very essence of DC. The paddle boats in the foreground add a touch of everyday life, grounding the scene in the present. This image captures a moment in time, but also the timeless beauty of the Tidal Basin.
Technical Details:
- Camera: Fujifilm X-T3
- Exposure: 120seconds
- Aperture: f/11
- ISO: 100
- Filters: 10-stop ND filter
The Story Behind the Shot
The Tidal Basin is a place of duality, where history and nature intertwine. I chose it for this first post to highlight this contrast. The enduring monuments stand as testaments to the past, while the ever-changing sky and water reflect the constant flow of time. It's one of my favorite Washington DC photography spots.
What's Next
In the coming days, I'll be exploring various locations throughout DC, from the dynamic energy of H Street to the classical architecture of Capitol Hill. Each post will share not just the technical aspects of creating these images, but also the stories and observations that make each location unique in our city's narrative.
Join Me on This Journey
I'd love to hear your thoughts on this format and what aspects of DC's changing landscape you'd like to see captured through this lens. Whether you're a fellow photographer interested in technique or someone who simply loves our city, I welcome your engagement and suggestions.
Future posts will be published here first, followed by selected images on Instagram. To ensure you don't miss any updates, consider subscribing to my newsletter.