Old Town Alexandria Night Photography Tour from Washington D.C.

With cobblestone alleys and gaslight homes, Old Town Alexandria is a photography dream. It was a wealthy, international port city during the Colonial America era and a cross-road for spies, soldiers, and slaves seeking freedom during the Civil War. It is also the site of a controversial surrender during the War of 1812. Occupied during two wars and thus spared destruction, it is amazingly preserved to this day. Come discover the town and how much fun night photography can be.

You will meet your local guide at the Alexandria Visitor Center at 221 King Street, where you’ll discuss your photography experience and be provided with a tripod if requested. From there, you will leave on a half-mile route, remaining near the waterfront. The tour starts and stops near many restaurants, perfect for extending your evening.

Your guide will teach you how to smartly use the semi-automatic modes that exist on any DSLR or CSC camera and help you discover a simpler approach to night photography. During this tour you will learn how to maximize water reflections at night, experiment with creative blur, capture light trails and learn how to paint with light. You can use a Smartphone, but you will need to download a recommended App to use it as a camera on this tour (Camera + for iPhone or FV-5 Camera for Android).

On your tour you will hear highlights of Old Towns history as a prominent city in the 1700s when boats from Asia, South America and Europe would have been docked in town. Old Town played a key role during the American war of independence from the British. See the location where the first steps were taken to put Britain and its American colonies on a path towards war. Although much of the waterfront has changed since the 1700s, you will walk original cobblestone alleys and see many of the original mansions and warehouses that date from the colonial era.

Some of the sights you will see include Carlyle House, King Street, and the Torpedo Factory. You will remain outside during the tour and be at each location for approximately 15 minutes taking photos. You’ll be walking to each location and comfortable shoes are recommended.

The tour starts a different times based on the season, please check the options for your time of year.