Vics
Veteran
Family vacation trip to D.C. I'll be staying in the 14th and U area (NW), and I'm wondering about a good place to buy Tri-X and 400 speed C-41 (35mm). Also any suggestions for good shooting opportunities would be welcome. I have guidebooks, and we all have our wish lists of the usual sites, but... We'll be there for about ten days starting about the 12th of October. I'd appreciate any help.
Vince Lupo
Whatever
Probably Calumet/Penn Camera -- 840 E. St. NW.
Look at a DC events calendar to see what might be happening in town there....there's always something going on!
Portrait Gallery is nice, and the National Aquarium on 14th St./Constitution is rather interesting (though a bit small). Eastern Market is fun on Saturday morning.
Look at a DC events calendar to see what might be happening in town there....there's always something going on!
Portrait Gallery is nice, and the National Aquarium on 14th St./Constitution is rather interesting (though a bit small). Eastern Market is fun on Saturday morning.
ibcrewin
Ah looky looky
Go to busboys and poets for lunch or dinner. I went to the one on 5th and K.. Love it..
Also, over in Georgetown there's a place called farmers fishers bakers that's really good to. Old town alexandria is nice and not too far. Lots of cool little places and stores over there.
Also, over in Georgetown there's a place called farmers fishers bakers that's really good to. Old town alexandria is nice and not too far. Lots of cool little places and stores over there.
Vics
Veteran
Thanks for those suggestions! Just the kind of thing I'm looking for.
furcafe
Veteran
What do you like to shoot? Can you (or do you want to) separate out from the rest of the family?
14th & U, for example, is conveniently located, but is more of a nightlife/party area. Family-friendly destinations around there are rare, other than Meridian Hill Park up a few blocks (southern end starts @ FL Ave., bet. 15th & 16th Sts.).
As far as buying film, Penn (owned by Calumet, but still called Penn on their sign, etc.) is the only place in the city that's likely to have a decent selection, but it's cheaper to just to bring your own.
14th & U, for example, is conveniently located, but is more of a nightlife/party area. Family-friendly destinations around there are rare, other than Meridian Hill Park up a few blocks (southern end starts @ FL Ave., bet. 15th & 16th Sts.).
As far as buying film, Penn (owned by Calumet, but still called Penn on their sign, etc.) is the only place in the city that's likely to have a decent selection, but it's cheaper to just to bring your own.
Vics
Veteran
I just like to wander around (usually on my own) looking for interesting pictures. It'll be a challenge with the monuments, but I'll try. I mainly shoot Tri-X all the time. BTW, it may be a mis-print, but Penn's site has Tri-X for a lower price than Freestyle. $4.99 for 36 exp! I just like to minimize the X-Ray passes, so I try to buy at the destination when I can.
Zoeica
Well-known
Penn normally has a good selection of B&W film
furcafe
Veteran
Understood. Hey, if Penn is actually selling Tri-X for that cheap, then I need to stop by (though I'm guessing that's the mail order price from Calumet, not in-store)!
For street shooting, my friends at Strata (http://stratacollective.com/) like the corner of 7th & H in Chinatown (really Chinablock) at golden hour. It's also 1 of the few non-office commuter areas of the city that has any kind of daytime pedestrian density that resembles Manhattan; basically, it's become the Times Sq. analog (especially at night when there's a hockey or basketball game) for DC if you're into that kind of thing. Dupont Circle can be interesting, too, though not as convenient to 14th & U as Chinablock.
As Vince Lupo mentioned, Eastern Market is nice on weekends.
Another, newer market is Union Market (http://unionmarketdc.com/) in NE, which is sort of our local equivalent of the Embarcadero/Ferry Building market in SF, i.e., gourmet food vendors. The blocks around there are still gritty & photogenic as that's where DC's wholesale food vendors are currently located (most will be moving soon as gentrification continues, but they should still be there in October).
If you like art galleries (openings & such), they're spread around the city now.
Nightlife & night street shooting is easier to find. In addition to 14th & U (including the stretch of 14th below U), there's also Adams-Morgan, on 18th St. bet. Columbia Rd. & FL Ave., Dupont Circle, & H St., NE.
If you post again in October, I can let you know what's going on (most of my friends are hipsters in their 20s-30s, so that's way too far in the future to make plans now).
For street shooting, my friends at Strata (http://stratacollective.com/) like the corner of 7th & H in Chinatown (really Chinablock) at golden hour. It's also 1 of the few non-office commuter areas of the city that has any kind of daytime pedestrian density that resembles Manhattan; basically, it's become the Times Sq. analog (especially at night when there's a hockey or basketball game) for DC if you're into that kind of thing. Dupont Circle can be interesting, too, though not as convenient to 14th & U as Chinablock.
As Vince Lupo mentioned, Eastern Market is nice on weekends.
Another, newer market is Union Market (http://unionmarketdc.com/) in NE, which is sort of our local equivalent of the Embarcadero/Ferry Building market in SF, i.e., gourmet food vendors. The blocks around there are still gritty & photogenic as that's where DC's wholesale food vendors are currently located (most will be moving soon as gentrification continues, but they should still be there in October).
If you like art galleries (openings & such), they're spread around the city now.
Nightlife & night street shooting is easier to find. In addition to 14th & U (including the stretch of 14th below U), there's also Adams-Morgan, on 18th St. bet. Columbia Rd. & FL Ave., Dupont Circle, & H St., NE.
If you post again in October, I can let you know what's going on (most of my friends are hipsters in their 20s-30s, so that's way too far in the future to make plans now).
Vics
Veteran
Thanks, Furcafe! That's terrific! I will bump this up again in October.
Vics
Veteran
Thanks for that. We'll probably do a day trip to Baltimore. My author/daughter has an event scheduled over there. Hoping for some great seafood!
MarylandBill
Established
Actually I have found Tri-X and bw400cn at CVSes in the DC area. Way over priced, but it might do if you are in a pinch.
If you are going to do day trip to Baltimore, during the day check out Lexington Market and at any time check out the Inner Harbor.
If you are going to do day trip to Baltimore, during the day check out Lexington Market and at any time check out the Inner Harbor.
Vince Lupo
Whatever
If you can make your way up to Hampden in Baltimore (36th St. and Falls Rd), you'll likely find some interesting things to shoot (hit Golden West Cafe for breakfast). Personally I'm not a fan of the city (I don't live right in Baltimore), but if you can get out of the Inner Harbor, then you're more likely to see less touristy things, depending upon what you're interested in shooting (if you want areas that are more 'gritty', I can definitely point you in those directions too!). Admittedly though, the Aquarium there and the Visionary Arts Museum are worth seeing -- you could probably spend a whole day just in the Aquarium alone. Fell's Point is also okay for walking around. A great dinner can be had at Charleston in Harbor East, but bring lots of $$$. The Black Olive, Salt and Bertha's are also three good restaurants in the area. For seafood, Bo Brooks in Canton (Boston St) would do just fine. My personal fave is Marie Louise Bistro on N. Charles St., but that's French food (no local seafood or anything like that). Best crabcakes -- don't want to start a war here with fellow Maryland residents -- are down in my neck of the woods at a place called G&M, just south of the city.
Vince Lupo
Whatever
You know, one place that may be very pretty to visit at that time of the year would be Theodore Roosevelt Island in DC. I've never been, but from the photos that I've seen, it is very pretty, plus there are monuments there and nearby.
Here is the Park Service website: http://www.nps.gov/this/index.htm
Geez, I might just join you on that excursion!
Here is the Park Service website: http://www.nps.gov/this/index.htm
Geez, I might just join you on that excursion!
oftheherd
Veteran
The corner of 14th and Jefferson gives great views of the Washington Monument. By October the scaffolding may be gone. Early in the morning, there may be a great golden light hitting the monument. Or there may be fog. Or it may just be an awful dreary day. Sometimes there are nice photos towards the Capitol or the Lincoln monument. At the aforementioned corner, walk to the south looking at the Washington Monument. You will find it framed between some small pines. Not the usual tourist shot.
The Smithsonian museums are along the mall. Also, there are large art objects on the east of the Castle, across from the castle, including a sort of park that has some interesting items. The FDR monument is interesting, especially if you know some of his history. It's a short walk from the Jefferson Memorial.
Mannassas isn't far and has the Bull Run battlefield if you like Civil War history. The Metro is a good way to get around DC, northern Virginia and southern Maryland. It is generally safe and clean. DC is like any big city. If you watch yourself and are careful, you probably won't have problems.
Oh, I haven't heard mention of it lately, but I used to hear on forums that the Park Police considered those who used tripods to be professionals and needed to have a permit. Perhaps someone else can comment on the with more recent knowledge. I used to like to carry my Velbon even when I wasn't likely to use it for photography. It makes a good bludgeon.
The Smithsonian museums are along the mall. Also, there are large art objects on the east of the Castle, across from the castle, including a sort of park that has some interesting items. The FDR monument is interesting, especially if you know some of his history. It's a short walk from the Jefferson Memorial.
Mannassas isn't far and has the Bull Run battlefield if you like Civil War history. The Metro is a good way to get around DC, northern Virginia and southern Maryland. It is generally safe and clean. DC is like any big city. If you watch yourself and are careful, you probably won't have problems.
Oh, I haven't heard mention of it lately, but I used to hear on forums that the Park Police considered those who used tripods to be professionals and needed to have a permit. Perhaps someone else can comment on the with more recent knowledge. I used to like to carry my Velbon even when I wasn't likely to use it for photography. It makes a good bludgeon.
alfredian
Well-known
National Botanical Garden
National Botanical Garden
One of the "hidden gems" on the Natonal Mall is the Natl. Botanical Garden. It's in front of the South Wing of the Capitol, next place over from Smithsonian's Mus. of the American Indian. An architectural gem, inside or out, the NBG has plenty of plants (obviously), in several habitats. Neat-o feature: walkways at several levels so you can see things growing at various heights. Any lens from wide-short tele is good. Paradise for a DR Summicron, too.
National Botanical Garden
One of the "hidden gems" on the Natonal Mall is the Natl. Botanical Garden. It's in front of the South Wing of the Capitol, next place over from Smithsonian's Mus. of the American Indian. An architectural gem, inside or out, the NBG has plenty of plants (obviously), in several habitats. Neat-o feature: walkways at several levels so you can see things growing at various heights. Any lens from wide-short tele is good. Paradise for a DR Summicron, too.
furcafe
Veteran
If you like the plants, another place worth visiting is the National Arboretum: http://www.usna.usda.gov/
Not Metro accessible, though.
Not Metro accessible, though.
sykotec
Well-known
Roosevelt Island is a pretty ok place to walk around, though those statues are pretty comical in person. That said, it's along the GW Parkway, which is always a pretty drive, and on the way to Old Town Alexandria, which is one of my favorite towns in the area.
I'll generally pass on Baltimore proper as well, but I'm in Tide Point area over by the Domino Sugar plant for work on occasion, which can be pretty photogenic.
I'll generally pass on Baltimore proper as well, but I'm in Tide Point area over by the Domino Sugar plant for work on occasion, which can be pretty photogenic.
Vince Lupo
Whatever
Another very photogenic place to visit in DC would be the National Cathedral: http://www.nationalcathedral.org/
Florida Avenue Grill for a greasy spoon breakfast: http://floridaavenuegrill.com/
I'll second the recommendation for Old Town Alexandria -- when you get tired of the touristy stuff there, you can either drop in to the Torpedo Factory to see a variety of artists and their work ( http://www.torpedofactory.org/ ), or explore the residential side streets to see some beautiful old houses and gardens.
Florida Avenue Grill for a greasy spoon breakfast: http://floridaavenuegrill.com/
I'll second the recommendation for Old Town Alexandria -- when you get tired of the touristy stuff there, you can either drop in to the Torpedo Factory to see a variety of artists and their work ( http://www.torpedofactory.org/ ), or explore the residential side streets to see some beautiful old houses and gardens.
oftheherd
Veteran
Isn't Ben's Chille Bowl close to 14th and U Street as well? I just googled and it is about a block and a half from 14th & U. It is famous locally. Very busy at lunch I understand.
Vince Lupo
Whatever
Oh yes, forgot about Ben's Chili Bowl. Yeah, you need to visit that.