The George Mason Memorial is a picturesque location on the National Mall in Washington D.C. that offers a beautiful backdrop for portrait photography. The memorial was authorized by Congress in 1990 and dedicated in 2002, in honor of George Mason, a Founding Father who played a significant role in shaping the early history of the United States.
The memorial is located on the Tidal Basin, near the Jefferson Memorial and the FDR Memorial. In fact, the George Mason Memorial is a popular stop along the way to taking portraits at the Jefferson Memorial. The setting is both beautiful and historic, with the Tidal Basin and the Jefferson Memorial in the background. The memorial includes a statue of George Mason, a pool, trellis, circular hedges, and numerous inscriptions, plus many nearby nooks and crannies created by old trees and foliage offer more natural aesthetics, all of which provide a variety of options for different types of portraits.
The George Mason Memorial is relatively uncrowded compared to other popular tourist destinations, making it easy to get good shots without having to worry about people in the background. It is also well-lit, both during the day and at night, which is ideal for portrait photography.
Another benefit of the George Mason Memorial is that it is free to visit, making it a great option for people who are on a budget. Additionally, the memorial is one of three sites in the National Mall area where weddings are permitted, which is a testament to its beauty and suitability for special occasions.
However, there are some challenges to consider when using the George Mason Memorial for portrait photography. The memorial can be crowded, particularly during peak tourist season, making it difficult to get the shots you want without having to worry about people in the background. The Tidal Basin location can also be windy, which can be a problem for some hair styles and attire options. Additionally, the marble construction can be reflective at certain times of day making it difficult to control glare.
