National Arboretum Engagement Session: Brittany & Samuel

We weren't sure we were going to be able to have Brittany and Samuel's engagement session as planned last Sunday, but we decided to risk the trip to the National Arboretum in Washington, DC despite the impending storms. The risk paid off, and our session ended just as it began to rain. The National Capitol Columns were a stunning backdrop to their photos, looming over the surrounding fields. The Columns at the National Arboretum are a popular site for tourists, and for good reason!

Photographers, don't forget your permits!

I have photography sessions in DC all the time, and I always get a permit where required. On the National Mall, nearly every monument is going to require a still photography permit. I always recommend applying for permits because if a security guard decides to ask you to leave, you're left feeling awkward in front of your clients. It's just not a professional look!

I say this because for the first time, I was asked if I had a permit during this session at the National Arboretum. Luckily I did, and my couple and I were allowed to stay. However, if I hadn't had a permit, my couple would have been left feeling cheated out of their session after driving 1.5 hours to the Arboretum.

You can find the permit application for the National Arboretum here. Be aware of timing, because they require the application two weeks in advance, at minimum!