A Photography & Travel Guide to Washington DC Murals
Washington, DC is not just monuments and marble. It is layers. It is a brick. It is concrete. It is stories sprayed at 2 am and commissioned at 2 pm.
You want murals? Start in NoMa. The Metropolitan Branch Trail is basically an outdoor gallery. Long walls. Big color. Artists are going massive. You will see abstract pieces, portraits, social justice themes, and clean line work next to wild style lettering.
Head over to Shaw and U Street. That neighborhood has history in its bones. Jazz, protest, culture. The walls reflect that. You will find tributes to musicians, civil rights leaders, and community legends. Some are polished and city-funded. Others are raw and layered, tags over wheatpaste over stencil over time.
Union Market is different. That area feels curated but still creative. Large-scale murals. Bright palettes. Instagram-friendly, sure. But also technically impressive. Big walls demand confidence.
Cross the river into Anacostia. That is where you feel your heart. Community-driven murals. Stories about resilience, family, and identity. Less about hype. More about meaning.
Then there are the alleys. The spots that are not on maps. Roll down a random alley in Northeast or behind a warehouse in Ivy City. You might find throw-ups, burners, paste-ups, and political statements. That is the pulse. That is where you see experimentation.
DC has also embraced public art through programs like the DC Murals Project. They commission artists. They protect walls. They legitimize what used to be chased away.
But understand this. Murals in DC are alive. Some get painted over. Some evolve. Some disappear. That is part of the culture.
If you are walking with a camera, slow down. Look high. Look low. Look behind dumpsters and loading docks. The city talks through its walls.
There are so many incredible murals across the city right now. Finishing my newest book on DC Murals and Graffiti has turned into a full on scavenger hunt. I walk down alleys that most people ignore. I turn corners with no expectations. And almost every time, I discover something bold, thoughtful, or completely unexpected.
That is the fun of it.
DC has truly embraced its artists. The DC Murals Project has done a fantastic job supporting public art and documenting many of the works around the city. Their website is a great starting point if you want to explore the scene and learn about the artists behind the pieces.
But here is the reality. Murals are popping up faster than they can be cataloged. Some disappear. Some get painted over. Others show up overnight. Not all of them make it onto the official site.
So I created my own Google Map.
Every mural I have photographed and verified is pinned there. It is organized, constantly updated, and growing every week. You can download it and use it as your own personal DC mural treasure map.
If you enjoy street photography, urban culture, or simply discovering parts of the city you might otherwise miss, this is such a fun way to explore. Go early in the morning for clean compositions. Go late in the afternoon for dramatic light. Talk to people in the neighborhood. They often know about new pieces before anyone else.
And if you find one I haven't pinned yet, tell me. That is part of the adventure.
Art is alive in DC. You just have to look down the alley.
For my book, I have separated the Murals into a few categories—favorites, black lives matter, women’s rights, quotes etc. I am hoping to finish it within the next few weeks. There is such a tremendous variety of colors, patterns, and messages in each mural. The talent of the artists is stunning.
My previous book on Murals called Expressions of the World can be found on Amazon and has pieces from more than 24 countries around the world.
I am constantly searching for new murals across Washington, DC. Early mornings, side streets, behind restaurants, down industrial alleys in Northeast. It has become part exploration, part obsession, part treasure hunt.
Some murals are massive and commissioned through programs like the DC Murals Project. Others show up quietly. No announcement. No press. Just an artist leaving a mark and moving on.
That is why I offer a DC Mural Photography Tour.
This is not a basic walk past a few well known walls. This is a curated experience built from hours of scouting. I take you to the iconic pieces in NoMa and Shaw, but also to the hidden gems that most people walk right past. We talk composition, light, storytelling, and how to photograph murals in a way that feels intentional, not just documentary.
You will learn how to:
• Use leading lines in tight alleyways
• Frame portraits within murals
• Capture texture and detail
• Work with harsh midday light
• Shoot clean wide shots and creative close-ups
Whether you shoot with a DSLR, a mirrorless camera, or just your phone, you will walk away seeing the city differently.
And here is the best part. The walls change. So every tour feels different.
If you are interested in joining a DC Mural Photography Tour, reach out. Bring comfortable shoes, an open mind, and curiosity.
The city is talking. Let’s go photograph it.
Here is one of my newest finds in NOMA
If you want to see some of the most amazing murals in Washington, DC and actually learn how to photograph them well, join my DC Mural Photography Workshop linked below.
This is not just a walk around the city pointing at colorful walls. I take you to carefully scouted locations across NoMa, Shaw, Union Market, and beyond. Some are well known. Others are tucked down alleyways you would never think to explore on your own.
We focus on real technique.
You will learn how to compose in tight urban spaces, how to avoid distortion when shooting large scale art, how to work with harsh midday light, and how to use shadows creatively. I will show you how to capture wide environmental shots, tight details, and layered storytelling frames.
If you shoot with a mirrorless or DSLR camera, you will refine your technical approach. If you use an iPhone or Android, I will show you how to maximize dynamic range, perspective, and editing tools to elevate your images.
Most importantly, you will start seeing the city differently.
The murals are always changing. New pieces appear. Others disappear. Every workshop feels fresh.
If you are ready to explore DC in a creative way and build a stronger urban photography portfolio, join me. The link is below.
Join Me for a DC Graffiti Photography Workshop
$99 per person | Max 6 participants or $199 Private
Washington, D.C., is a goldmine for urban photographers. Beyond the polished monuments and federal buildings, the city is bursting with colorful, expressive, and politically charged street art. The graffiti scene here is not just vibrant—it's deeply layered with history, activism, and local pride.
Graffiti in D.C. often reflects:
Social justice movements (BLM murals are everywhere—each one telling a unique story)
Political commentary
Celebrations of identity (Afro-Caribbean heritage, LGBTQ+ pride, immigrant stories)
We will be exploring the U Street Corridor, Blagden’s Alley, Georgetown, and NoMa, and much more.
The cost is $99/person for groups of no more than 6 or $199 for a private tour, and it's the perfect opportunity to sharpen your photography skills while capturing some of DC’s most iconic graffiti.
What You’ll Learn:
Tips for composition and framing to create postcard-perfect photos
How to work with light, reflections, and movement to elevate your images
We will drive and walk for about 2 hours to capture as many locations as time permits.
Location: We will meet in the Georgetown area.
Gear Recommendations:
Bring a DSLR or mirrorless camera with interchangeable lenses (in the 15 mm–100mm range, for example, a 24-70 mm lens or a 24-105 mm lens ).
Skill Level: All Are Welcome!
Whether you're just getting comfortable with your camera or you’ve been shooting for years, this class is designed for all experience levels. I will provide step-by-step guidance tailored to your skill set, helping you grow more confident behind the lens, no matter where you’re starting from.
Fitness Level: Easy and Relaxed
No hiking, climbing, or running involved—just casual walking between monuments. We’ll be on paved paths and sidewalks throughout the evening, with time to stop, set up, and shoot at each location.
What’s Included:
In-the-field photography instruction
Post-workshop image review session via Zoom
Workshop Cancellation Policy:
Cancellations made more than 2 days before the workshop will receive a refund.
No refund or credit is given for cancellations made without notice or within 2 days if the spot remains unfilled.
Questions?
Contact me (Vito L Tanzi) at vito@chasinghippoz.com to schedule it
Join Me for a DC Evening Monuments Photography Workshop!
📸 Washington, DC Evening Monuments Photography Workshop
$99 per person | Max 6 participants or $199 Private
Love photography and iconic views? Then grab your camera and join me for a golden hour photo walk through Washington, DC’s most breathtaking monuments—right as the city lights up!
Throughout the year, I host small group workshops and offer private walking photo tours (1–6 people) tailored to your style and pace. But this group workshop is a crowd favorite: a two-hour guided adventure as we chase reflections, long exposures, and those postcard-perfect twilight shots.
What You’ll Learn:
Getting to Know Your Camera and Settings
Creative composition tricks to elevate your shots
How to work with changing light, reflections, and motion
Long exposure tips for amazing nighttime images
We’ll Photograph DC Icons Like:
• Jefferson Memorial
• WWII Memorial
• Lincoln Memorial
• Washington Monument
• and a few other locations
Where We Meet:
We’ll start near the Tidal Basin. Parking is available at the lot near Floral Park (by the paddle boats on Maine Ave—click here for the map).
Recommended Gear:
Bring a DSLR or mirrorless camera with interchangeable lenses (think 24-70mm or 24-105mm), a sturdy tripod, and if you have them, an ND filter and remote shutter release. I’ve got one tripod to lend—just email me ahead of time to reserve it.
All Skill Levels Welcome!
Whether you're just getting comfortable with your camera or looking to take your skills to the next level, this workshop is designed with you in mind. I’ll guide you step-by-step—from finding the right settings to composing striking shots—so you can feel more confident behind the lens and come away with photos you'll be excited to share.
Fitness Level: Easy Breezy
No hills, no hustle—just a relaxed stroll on paved paths with plenty of photo stops.
What’s Included:
• Personalized instruction in the field
• Follow-up Zoom image review session for feedback and editing tips
Cancellation Policy:
• Full refund if canceled 48+ hours in advance
• No refund for late cancellations unless your spot is filled
Have Questions or Want to Book a Private Tour?
Email me directly at vito@chasinghippoz.com
