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VIDEO

How to Get There

This gives you an idea of how to get to the Netherlands Carillon, where you can view the Big 3.  Just take the Blue or Orange Line Metro trains to Rosslyn Station and walk south. The Iwo Jima Memorial and the Carillon are hard to miss.  If you want to take sunrise pictures on the weekend you’ll have to drive.  Parking is available at the Iwo Jima Memorial (though technically you’re not supposed to park there until after 6 a.m. and even then only for 1 hour).

Framing Your Shot

To take great pictures of the Big 3 you’ll need a telephoto lens that can handle focal lengths between 150 and 300 mm.  As you can see in the picture above, 200 mm is optimal from this location because it allows you to include the full height of the Washington Monument and the full width of the scene.  You’ll also need a sturdy tripod.  A remote shutter release is helpful, but not necessary.