A visit to the us capitol, the best tour in washington dC

What do you do when you get the shot everyone else got? It can be disheartening when you take a great picture, only to find this is what everyone’s picture looks like at that landmark. This happened to me in Washington D.C. at the US Capitol in September 2024. The shot I’m referring to is that enchanting dome.

I realized it immediately after a few clear pictures. But I jumped the gun here.

Upon approaching the building, I had to stop and admire. As everyone else did. Keep in mind, I enjoyed the similar looking Old Courthouse in St. Louis and loved Indianapolis’ even more. So, to see the Capitol, where Congress meets to discuss legislation was a wonderful privilege. I have yet to visit Wisconsin’s in Madison, and there is a tour available (adding to the list).

I revisited the next morning for more exterior shots. Of course, you’re never guaranteed a perfect sunrise. And I got completely grey sky but I am grateful I could get clear shots of the building. I wish I had gone another morning. And wish I went for a night shot. Reminder, DC is a city with a lot of opportunities for sightseeing day and night.

a look at the lobby

Even waiting in the lobby had me excited. This glass ceiling made me think of metal jacks (yes, the children’s toy). It became more obvious as the sun shifted and this shadow appeared. Checking my timestamp, the difference was less than 10 minutes apart.

Various statues were sprinkled about.

At the tour, we were given headphones even though our guide was going to be speaking live to our group. I thought it was going to be silly but after seeing the amount of groups touring at the same time, it was clearly needed. Also, no need for the guide to be screaming to make sure everyone can hear or risk people missing things. The headphones were great feature and automatically lost audio if you moved away from your group.

the capitol crypt

We started in the Capitol Crypt; the columns and the arches had an eternal feel. And although I want to say a museum vibe, an old church might better explain it. We looked at a small model of the US Capitol and the surrounding area. There were statues all around from different states, it felt a little claustrophobic.

A small area is roped off that was meant to symbolize the spot (but two stories below) in which George Washington was originally meant to be buried. The original idea was George Washington would forever rest at the US Capitol. However, he was buried at his private estate at Mount Vernon per his wishes.

the rotunda

As we entered the Rotunda, the dome had everyone in awe. I expected that. However, I was immediately overwhelmed by the rest of the room. Massive paintings on the circular room, statues in between and details all over depicting the history of this country.

I highly recommend visiting the Capitol at least a second time. You need one tour just for pictures, and the second to really appreciate it and get your proper history lesson. You will be distracted by everything.

But as I took pictures of the dome, I quickly ran out of the ideas once I got multiple clear shots of the dome. I started off the as perfectly centered as possible. An easy go-to when trying to get a picture to look different is to go black and white. Not all pictures will pop but always something to try. Use the slider to see which you prefer.

My group moved around to show different paintings and statues. Once you let go of that perfect center picture, you start going with what you’ve got. I went at different angles, which came off playful in this one. It brings out the exterior circles.

I loved the long, arched windows that encircled the dome.

This sculpture looks to be a second Mount Rushmore.

Another idea would be to close in on the details. I went for the filigree here with a bust.

Another one had a depiction of indigenous peoples, including Pocahontas risking herself for John Smith.

These are things that could get lost if you kept going with the dome or getting overall pictures of the room. Which would be a shame since so much work has gone into it.

We spent a great deal of time in this room, but had to move on.

old senate chamber

Fair warning, the Old Senate Chamber was too small for the group to stand in all at once since most of the space is roped off. It will be a quick walk through, and only time for one picture a person to get this shot.

National statuary hall

Finally, National Statuary Hall (or Old Hall of the House) holds the collection of more state statues. Although yes, you will be looking up since the ceiling captures your attention. The statues lined up against the columns in the room was commanding. I believe there was a good amount of time in this room to look around. A bit of drama with the red and grey colors, which contrasted with the bright gold design of the ceiling.

I loved seeing anything associated with all 50 states, you can’t help but be curious about your home state. And I go back and forth between looking for the state or seeing what your eye naturally is drawn too. Bringing the states together, even figuratively, is always a great thing to see. People can get so hung up on in the pride of their own state, you forget it’s all meant to go together.

At the end of the tour, we walk back through the Rotunda for a final glance.

Looking back at the pictures, I could’ve tried incorporating a statue or another element against the dome for a different image. Or if I had gone early morning or late afternoon (last tour at 4pm), I might’ve been able to play with the light more. So mental note taken. This was not included everything in the tour, but I’ll save those details for another post. I highly recommend this tour, and I’d even get backup reservations if I were going again. Yes, this is one of those mandatory landmarks. Take a look for yourself.