Oliver Morton, APSA
July 2026 - Nighttime in Washington D.C.
Original
About the Image(s)
I took this photograph 14 years ago, looking down one wall of the Vietnam Memorial in Washington. Processing was a bit of a challenge since the monument was almost blown out in the original, and the rest of the image was quite dark. Camera Raw to the rescue… followed by Topaz Denoise and Sharpening. The combination of the tilt-shift lens and the f/16s aperture provided a long depth of field.
Data: Canon 5D II; 24mm Tilt-Shift lens; 30 sec; f/16; ISO 400
12 comments posted
Pete, Excellent recovery of the shadows while preserving the dramatic mood of the scene. The processing adds depth and makes the leading lines much stronger than the original. My only suggestion would be to slightly reduce the brightness of the Washington Monument so it doesn't dominate the scene quite as much, allowing the viewer to spend more time exploring the memorial wall before arriving at the monument. Beautiful work. Posted: 07/06/2026 01:47:57
Thank you, Sophia. The Vietnam Memorial is an amazing location for photography. I'll never forget when I first went down to see it, way back in 1982! It was in the evening and at that time, there were no permanent lights so the guards were handing out lanterns. There was a soft rain. The image of people walking along the Wall with their black umbrellas and lanterns was amazing. Unfortunately, I don't have any photographs from that visit.
I debated about the Washington Monument's brightness. It's hard to decide what the perfect level is. Posted: 07/11/2026 14:16:39
I debated about the Washington Monument's brightness. It's hard to decide what the perfect level is. Posted: 07/11/2026 14:16:39
Hi Pete. Lovely time of the day when there is still some colour in the sky. I love that long leading line. I agree with Sophia that the monument is just a touch too bright as it immediately draws the eye and I think you want the viewer to explore the whole image. The colours and light are lovely. Posted: 07/06/2026 03:30:11
Suzanne, I appreciate your comments! The leading lines also appealed to me. Posted: 07/11/2026 14:19:07
Hi Pete, this is a really fascinating image where I particularly like the effect of the trees reflected in the stonework. It flips the usually paradigm for a reflection. I am not bothered by the luminance of the Washington Monument and think you have done a great job processing down the light around it. Makes it a strong focal point supported by the numerous leading lines. Posted: 07/10/2026 05:07:30
Thank you, Mark. It was fun to go down to the monuments in the evening. Posted: 07/17/2026 00:04:44
(Group 11)
Hey Pete, nice perspective and use of a unique lens. I like the reflection of the wall vs. the trees to the right-nice balance! Posted: 07/11/2026 12:45:33
I appreciate it, Ed. Thanks for dropping by! Posted: 07/19/2026 01:43:50
Pete hi!
A magnificent and technically very complex shot. Any photographer could be proud of such an image!
On the contrary, I like the brightness of the monument. It acts as the central element, tying all the other elements together.
A tilt-shift lens is a very rare piece of equipment. It greatly enhances a photographer's capabilities! Which specific lens did you use? Posted: 07/13/2026 08:11:25
A magnificent and technically very complex shot. Any photographer could be proud of such an image!
On the contrary, I like the brightness of the monument. It acts as the central element, tying all the other elements together.
A tilt-shift lens is a very rare piece of equipment. It greatly enhances a photographer's capabilities! Which specific lens did you use? Posted: 07/13/2026 08:11:25
Thank you, Natalia. The lens is the Canon EF 24mm Tilt-Shift. It's an amazing bit of technology, but it has a bit of a learning curve. Posted: 07/19/2026 01:41:29
(Group 32)
Hello Pete,
This is a wonderful shot. I also like the brightness of the Washington monument, metaphorically stating the importance of the founder.
Wow, you have a tilt-shift lens. That is quite a piece of equipment. And you got a great result.
I would also note that Maya Lin's design for the Vietnam Memorial had no accidents in the design. Not surprising that the wall lines up pointing to the Washington Monument. Posted: 07/16/2026 20:35:03
This is a wonderful shot. I also like the brightness of the Washington monument, metaphorically stating the importance of the founder.
Wow, you have a tilt-shift lens. That is quite a piece of equipment. And you got a great result.
I would also note that Maya Lin's design for the Vietnam Memorial had no accidents in the design. Not surprising that the wall lines up pointing to the Washington Monument. Posted: 07/16/2026 20:35:03
Thank you, Stephen. The Vietnam Memorial is extraordinary. Please take a look at my response to Sophia. Posted: 07/19/2026 01:43:24