Welcome to this absolute stunner of an engagement session at the Library of Congress. The weather in Washington DC in the Spring can be unpredictable, but for us on this day, we were blessed with mild temperatures and partly cloudy skies.
Lauren and Hue’s engagement session at the Library of Congress (LOC) was truly stunning. We got the best of both worlds and also snapped some stunning images at the US Capitol building across the street. Hue and Lauren often walk their dogs through the city and living a 10 minute walk from the LOC, so this iconic location was a no-brainer for their engagement photos.
With easy access via the Capitol South station on the Metro (a 5 minute walk), it was really easy for me to hop on the Silver line from Herndon and meet up with Lauren and Hue in the city for their photos. I don’t always take the metro, but it is a nice option when parking is unpredictable or limited.
Incorporating Trends in Your Engagement Session
A trend we are still seeing show up in 2024…BOWS. And lots of them!
You can wear bows in your hair, on your earrings, on your outfit, or on your shoes. You can even tie bows on your chair and on your wedding cake! Needless to say, I am here for the bows and hope they stay.
Adding in bows and other on-trend elements will be a fun conversation piece when sharing your images with friends and family 30+ years down the road. Think of trends happening now as the cherry on top to your engagement images, not the focal point. Your engagement photos will still be about you as a couple and stand the test of time by choosing me as your photographer. I take special care in preparing you for your session and by giving posing guidance and prompts so that you feel natural and look your best in your images. I also tend to edit true-to-tone and take extra care when editing your images to keep them as authentic as possible.
When choosing your outfit (and accessories), consider the location. This couple opted for a classy and elevated look to pair well with the strong architecture of the Library of Congress. She opted for a white two piece skirt with flowy details and texture. He opted for a black modern cut suit with a bit of color by wearing a blue dress shirt.
Library of Congress Hours and Permit Requirements
101 Independence Ave SE, Washington, DC 20540
At this time, you do not need a photography permit for engagement portraits at the Library of Congress. This is rare in DC, as many of these iconic locations do require a permit. We did some pre-planning and acquired free timed-entry tickets to go inside, but there was a long line by 10:30am. Seeing that, we opted to continue taking portraits outside instead of waiting in line. After capturing many incredible portraits on the steps at the Library of Congress, we took a short walk across the street to the US Capitol and were able to continue their engagement session for a second location option.
If you are planning on going inside for photos or visiting, then its best to arrive with pre-purchased free timed entry tickets to avoid being turned away. Check their hours ahead of time to ensure they are open.
Visiting the Library
- Monday: closed *
- Tuesday: 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
- Wednesday: 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
- Thursday: 10:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m.
- Friday: 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
- Saturday: 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
- Sunday: closed
Last entry for visitors is 30 minutes prior to closing.
If you’re a history buff or just like being in-the-know, then you may want to check out these articles posted on the LOC website about current events and other news topics.
The Library of Congress is a Romantic Backdrop
This session was elevated by the delightful demeanor of this lively and in-love couple. Their joy and laughter filled the air as we embarked on their portrait session amidst the architecture. They embraced direction with ease, infusing it with their unique personalities. The experience was simply incredible, and I’m thrilled to share this Spring engagement session with everyone.
Captured with my Canon R6, I am enamored with its ability to perform in any setting. It’s an absolute workhorse, worth every investment. If you’re considering a new camera, I wholeheartedly endorse the Canon R6 or my trusty backup body, the Canon Mark IV. Feel free to reach out to me anytime for further insights or gear recommendations.
I did not (yet) get back the 35mm film scans from their engagement session, but I will be writing a new blog post soon to showcase recent images I have taken on film! Be sure to check back frequently for updates. I have now acquired 8 film cameras, but most likely will be using my Canon 1v for your 35mm film images.
If you’re drawn to the romance of literary settings and the timeless elegance of the Library of Congress, I’d love to capture your love story in a similarly enchanting backdrop. Visit my website to explore more of my work and learn about booking me for your own portrait needs. Let’s create memories together amidst the pages of history.
I feel absolutely spoiled being a wedding and portrait photographer in DC. How lucky am I? The images speak for themselves.
If you’re in the market for a wedding venue, take a moment to learn about this Whimsical White Tent Wedding Venue in Maryland.
