Sidebar Sidebar
Become a MacRumors Supporter for $50/year with no ads, ability to filter front page stories, and private forums.

Anyone live in (or know) the Washington DC metro?

T

TwoLaneHighway

Suspended
Original poster
Aug 22, 2021
162
28
Out West
Hello. Does anyone here either live in (or know) the Washington D.C. metro?

I may have to travel there for a video project, and could use some help navigating the area.

Fwiw, I have been to D.C. before, but once was in highs chool where I didn't have to drive or park, and another time was maybe 15 years ago where I was there on a Sunday or a holiday and so getting around was easier than normal.
 
hmmm... when you asked about the DC Metro, this was my first thought
Information about the Washington DC metro
I have only driven into mid-DC once (in maybe 15 trips over a period of more than 40 years - I live in Delaware)
I don't like driving in big cities, and consider that the DC Metro rail is a very efficient method of getting from place to place. I leave my car outside of DC.
 
DeltaMac said:
hmmm... when you asked about the DC Metro, this was my first thought
Information about the Washington DC metro
I have only driven into mid-DC once (in maybe 15 trips over a period of more than 40 years - I live in Delaware)
I don't like driving in big cities, and consider that the DC Metro rail is a very efficient method of getting from place to place. I leave my car outside of DC.
Click to expand...

Hmmm... When I think about the DC Metro I think I'd ratehr trust a human-being than some website... ;-)
 
If I travel to DC, it will be to shoot some video for a documentary I am working on.

Sadly, I am a one-man crew which is what makes navigating (and surviving) larger cities scary.

These are things I worry about if I go...

1.) Wherever I park my car, will it be safe 9and still be there) when I return?

(Currently, I have a laptop bag and another smaller bag and my tripod that I use to lug around my iPhoen and video gear. It is actually very mobile - which was the point when I built it - but I am nervous about traveling to places like NYC or DC...) :-(


2.) Am I going to be able to lug my video gear out to the film site from wherever I park my car?


3.) Are there going to be bathrooms within any reason distance of timeframe?

(For instance, if I park my car somewhere, and I take the train fro an hour, and then I walk another 20 minutes, and I get to where I am filming and THEN I have to pee, then what?! The days of "holding it" like when I was a kid are long gone...)


4.) If I got into a bind with either nefarious people or bad weather, will I have an escape route - especially if I am parked miles away or take mass-transit?


5.) Does it even make sense to travel to Washington DC?
 
Where are you going to be filing in DC? All of DC isn’t bad, just like other cities. Parking will depend on where you are filming.
 
One thing to take into consideration, too, is that in some areas you will need a permit to film (especially if this documentary is for commercial purposes) and to use a tripod, since much of DC is federal property. You can't just walk up to the White House, the Capitol Building, etc., and set up the tripod and start filming.....

This site should be useful to you:

Permits FAQs - National Mall and Memorial Parks (U.S. National Park Service)

National Mall and Memorial Parks
www.nps.gov www.nps.gov
 
  • Like
Reactions: Dingster101 and TwoLaneHighway
StaceyMJ86 said:
Where are you going to be filing in DC? All of DC isn’t bad, just like other cities. Parking will depend on where you are filming.
Click to expand...

I am working on a documentary about domestic terrorism and white nationalism, and read this morning in the Washington Post that there is supposed to be a Trump/Post Jan 6 Rally on Sept 18.

So I assume this would be near the U.S. Capitol, but I cannot say for sure.

To clarify, I'm not afraid of being on the ground, more about getting stuck with nowhere to pee or getting my car broken into or stolen. ;-)

If I go to the above event, I am more worried about the attendees than the local people of D.C. ;-)
 
Clix Pix said:
One thing to take into consideration, too, is that in some areas you will need a permit to film (especially if this documentary is for commercial purposes) and to use a tripod, since much of DC is federal property. You can't just walk up to the White House, the Capitol Building, etc., and set up the tripod and start filming.....

This site should be useful to you:

Permits FAQs - National Mall and Memorial Parks (U.S. National Park Service)

National Mall and Memorial Parks
www.nps.gov www.nps.gov
Click to expand...

Interesting.

Well, since I am really doing journalism, and not a Hollywood movie, I don't believe that applies to me.


https://entertainment.dc.gov/page/film-permit-faq
A film permit is required in the District of Columbia for all non-personal filming activity (except reporters/journalists/crew covering live breaking news events). Tourists or others filming strictly for personal use do not require a permit. If you're producing something OTHER than your family vacation video, you need a film permit.
Click to expand...
 
IMHO it is still very important to check that you don't need a permit...... What you consider and are claiming as a "journalism" project may actually not be regarded as such by those who are responsible for monitoring still and video photography in the Nation's Capitol. The permit situation usually applies specifically to professional journalists, not amateurs or someone doing a school video project. As it says right there in what you quoted, if someone is simply a tourist shooting a video on his or her iPhone of Mom and the kids standing in front of a monument or in front of the US Capitol building, that's one thing, but if you are filming for something OTHER than a family vacation video or a verified photojournalism situation, you will need a film permit. If you are someone who is actually still in school and doing a photojournalism project as an assignment, that may not pass muster. If you are an adult just doing this as a project on your own without any official backing, again it may not pass muster.

If you are planning to be shooting video and/or stills in many locations around the DC area you also will still need a permit to use a tripod. Otherwise you may arrive at a scene and be told by security that you cannot shoot there, you cannot use a tripod there, whatever. DC isn't your usual city, it has protective measures and situations that other cities don't usually need to address. Unfortunately, thanks to the events in January 2021, we are even more sensitive to potential issues and it has only been rather recently that the barbed-wire fencing around the Capitol grounds was removed. [Note: I have read where it is very likely that it will be erected again prior to the September 18th event.]

My suggestion is to stay far, far away from that rally which has been scheduled for September 18th. And, yes, it is to be in the area of the Capitol. Streets all around the immediate area are going to be blocked off, so no parking for vehicles, and there may be issues with Metro making stops at the Capitol South Metro station, too, or the others adjacent to the area. The DC Metropolitan Police Department and other security forces are already gearing up in preparation for this, and things could get ugly very quickly. Caught up in that event, you'd more than likely have a whole lot more to worry about than where you could find a place to pee.....to be rather blunt, actually it, that physical personal event, could happen unexpectedly and naturally wherever you were if things got really out of hand.

Stay home. Find somewhere else to shoot your video footage. In the long run it will be a whole lot safer for you.
 
Last edited:
  • Like
Reactions: TwoLaneHighway, EedyBeedyBeeps, KaliYoni and 1 other person
Plus even when there isn't something "special" happening, the DC Police or the Secret Service can tow your car from anywhere, anytime if somebody important is going to be nearby. Believe me, it is not fun thinking your car has been stolen when it actually was dumped 15 blocks away from somebody's fundraiser.
 
  • Like
Reactions: Clix Pix
Quite an adventure ahead of you TLH :)

I cannot speak on the peculiarities of filming/vlogging/etc. (already well-covered).

Way-Way-Back-In-The-Day, I lived on the Maryland-side (Point of Rocks/Frederick/Tuscarora) of DC for five years; then, I moved to the Virginia side (Fairfax/Vienna/Falls Church) for another ten.

I was young, and straight from the Rural . . . naturally compelled to explore Everything; any chance I could get.

All Of It :)

I lived (rather PT, mind) with the Homeless and Disenfranchised over an extended period of time; to study, document and understand . . . these experiences were, well . . . *sigh* . . . equal parts "depressing" and "enlightening".

Thesis: "Don't Let Things Come To That".

To-admit, I never lugged-around much in the way of gear (esp. photo/tech (this was before cellular)), but I rarely ever felt threatened; even when on-foot in strange places, at night.

The Metro is fantastic, and is most-ideal for getting in-and-out.

As you might expect in an Urban environ., visitors often face the real need to P&P, but Facilities are extremely limited (usually behind the triage of a Host(-ess) who really expects one to be a paying Customer).

As a young male, I was invariably denied access to any of the rare restrooms in the Metro.

The Museums (Smithsonian, National Gallery, et al.) are Public, and you can usually find (reasonably) timely respite.

I would advise to moderate your caffeine consumption ;)

With regards to "driving", my counsel would be to not physically drive a vehicle into--and park-in--D.C. . . . use the Lots at one of the terminating stations of any Line, and take the train in.

www.wmata.com

WMATA | Parking

Metro news and service information for the Washington, DC, Maryland, and Virginia region.
www.wmata.com www.wmata.com

You're definitely going to spend $ for parking/travel, but navigating the abject vagaries of navigating "Parking" in the District will cost you time, emotion and $$ (and may very-well lead you to question why you ever got a license in the first place <smile>).

wrt: "9/18, and All That May Ensue":

Remember that the violence of 1/6/21 was with those who found themselves on the Steps (and Within), so gather yourself around the candle of your discernment for proper-placement and situational awareness.

If you know 'People', you know that they always like to talk about themselves . . . a veritable Cornucopia of Stories to be told, and recorded.

Be safe, have fun and do not be afraid (or ashamed) to just Walk Away.

Regards, splifingate
 
  • Like
Reactions: TwoLaneHighway and Clix Pix
@splifingate,

You sound like a Beatnick poet! 👍👍

splifingate said:
Quite an adventure ahead of you TLH :)
Click to expand...

Potential adventure if I take the leap...


splifingate said:
I cannot speak on the peculiarities of filming/vlogging/etc. (already well-covered).

Way-Way-Back-In-The-Day, I lived on the Maryland-side (Point of Rocks/Frederick/Tuscarora) of DC for five years; then, I moved to the Virginia side (Fairfax/Vienna/Falls Church) for another ten.

I was young, and straight from the Rural . . . naturally compelled to explore Everything; any chance I could get.

All Of It :)
Click to expand...

I've been to all 50 states long ago, and could have my own cable channel on my experiences, but I keep adding onto them as long as I can.



splifingate said:
I lived (rather PT, mind) with the Homeless and Disenfranchised over an extended period of time; to study, document and understand . . . these experiences were, well . . . *sigh* . . . equal parts "depressing" and "enlightening".

Thesis: "Don't Let Things Come To That".
Click to expand...

Was that for school?

Do you have anything you can share?

I would like to do a documentary on the homeless also, but it is farther down my To-Do list.




splifingate said:
The Metro is fantastic, and is most-ideal for getting in-and-out.
Click to expand...

So where would be safe places to park outside of DC?

And how long and how much would it take to get near the US Capitol?



splifingate said:
As you might expect in an Urban environ., visitors often face the real need to P&P, but Facilities are extremely limited (usually behind the triage of a Host(-ess) who really expects one to be a paying Customer).
Click to expand...

And with the pandemic, that is the ultimate excuse to refuse use of restrooms.


splifingate said:
As a young male, I was invariably denied access to any of the rare restrooms in the Metro.

The Museums (Smithsonian, National Gallery, et al.) are Public, and you can usually find (reasonably) timely respite.
Click to expand...

But are they open due to the pandemic?


splifingate said:
I would advise to moderate your caffeine consumption ;)
Click to expand...

When I go out and know I have limited time or access to restroom,s I usually fast. Nothing after Midnight and go the whole day with no water or fluids or food. This past week I have pulled a few 24-hour fasts while out shooting. Eat yesterday, shoot today, eat and collapse tomorrow.



splifingate said:
With regards to "driving", my counsel would be to not physically drive a vehicle into--and park-in--D.C. . . . use the Lots at one of the terminating stations of any Line, and take the train in.

www.wmata.com

WMATA | Parking

Metro news and service information for the Washington, DC, Maryland, and Virginia region.
www.wmata.com www.wmata.com
Click to expand...

Do you have to pay for parking at MTA lots?

Is it safe to park in Metro lots if you leave nothing in your car?



splifingate said:
You're definitely going to spend $ for parking/travel, but navigating the abject vagaries of navigating "Parking" in the District will cost you time, emotion and $$ (and may very-well lead you to question why you ever got a license in the first place <smile>).
Click to expand...

Yeah, that is why I started this thread....



splifingate said:
wrt: "9/18, and All That May Ensue":

Remember that the violence of 1/6/21 was with those who found themselves on the Steps (and Within), so gather yourself around the candle of your discernment for proper-placement and situational awareness.
Click to expand...

I would never go on the Capitol property if it was off limits, but the thinking was there will be tens of thousands of yahoos farther out from the Capitol, and it seems like a great place to set up my tripod - or not - and shoot video all day.

Maybe I am being naive about DC and the Capitol region after Jan 6?



splifingate said:
If you know 'People', you know that they always like to talk about themselves . . . a veritable Cornucopia of Stories to be told, and recorded.
Click to expand...

That is what I already do...


splifingate said:
Be safe, have fun and do not be afraid (or ashamed) to just Walk Away.

Regards, splifingate
Click to expand...

Thanks for the encouragement and advice!
 
HDFan said:
Make sure that your equipment is insured so that you don't have to worry (as much) about theft. When parked none of your possessions should be visible.
Click to expand...

I find insurance for gear to be a waste. It is more time and hassle and thus money than a claim MIGHT pay out. (And that is exactly what insurance companies intend to do.)

I have thousands invested in gear, but I always keep in mind if it is damaged or I lose it, it's just a cost of doing business and I risk I accept.

And, yes, I never leave anything in my car when in urban areas.

(It helps that I drive a nearly 30 year old car that looks like crap - although maybe that will cause suspicion from the cops?)
 
Clix Pix said:
ID and a bag search will be required if you intend to enter many of the federal buildings in DC, and of course masking and perhaps proof of vaccination will as well.
Click to expand...

My plan was just to shoot video out in the open far enough away from things like the US Capitol to get interviews and catch any action, but certainly not rushing the front steps!

Had I been there on Jan 6, I *may* have gone against better judgment and at least went up the steps to document crimes against democracy, but I don't think I would have been foolish enough to go inside.

For this or any other events, I just want to capture the emotions of the moment and speak to as many people as possible.

I still think parking, peeing, and getting to the site are the hardest things to navigate...
 
For your concerns about "P&P"... One option would be Depends™, or similar product...
Not that I would go that direction, personally -- just offering an alternative... :cool:
 
  • Like
Reactions: Clix Pix
My friends tell me that I sometimes have a strange outlook on life.
So, I think that means you are my latest subject...
(I am officially backing away now :D )
 
DeltaMac said:
My friends tell me that I sometimes have a strange outlook on life.
So, I think that means you are my latest subject...
(I am officially backing away now :D )
Click to expand...

Yeah, maybe you need to stop giving Depends to your "friends" on birthdays and holidays? ;-)

Other than diaper advice, and additional insight into my latest questions?
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Register on MacRumors! This sidebar will go away, and you'll see fewer ads.
Top Bottom
Back