Photography: D.C. Sunrise & Potomac Moonset

Sunrise with the Reflecting Pool and Washington Monument, 6:34 a.m. Saturday morning.

This past Saturday morning, with good sky conditions for viewing and photographing, moonset and sunrise in the D.C. area occurred about an hour apart. I'd like to say that I knew about the timing in advance and planned a photo shoot from strategic locations, but that was not the case.

So, how did I end up in position for the sunrise shot above? Keep reading for the answer and more photos.

The moon sets over the Potomac River and Robert E. Lee's Arlington House, 5:21 a.m. Saturday morning.

Early Saturday morning, I was driving down Rt. 66 to another location for a sunrise shoot when I noticed the setting moon. I thought I could catch a photo of the Lincoln Memorial with the moon, so I changed my destination. As I was driving down Ohio Avenue, however, I realized I wasn't going to make it to the Lincoln in time. So, I pulled off the road, and looking toward the Arlington House I took a couple quick shots of the moon.

The setting moon with the Arlington House, 5:24 a.m. Saturday morning.

Since I was in the area, I photographed the Capitol at dawn (below) and a Washington sunrise with the Reflecting Pool (top of post). It was a beautiful morning with mild temperatures, and as with most of my D.C. sunrise shoots, I felt like I had the entire Mall to myself.

Dawn breaks at the Capitol, 5:58 a.m. Saturday morning.