Join photographer Sahar Coston-Hardy for a hands-on masterclass exploring how to capture urban design and the public realm. The program begins with an introductory presentation, then moves to an on-site photography session at the National Portrait Gallery’s Robert and Arlene Kogod Courtyard, where participants will practice composition, natural light, motion, and depth of field while documenting the dialogue between historic architecture and contemporary design. The program concludes at Arlo Washington DC with a guided group critique. Coston-Hardy, joined by photographer Alex Nelson of Colby College, will review participants’ work and offer feedback for continued development. 

Equipment Requirements  

• DSLR or mirrorless camera with manual controls  

• Multiple lenses (recommended but not required)  

• Wide-angle lens for contextual and large-scale compositions  

• Telephoto lens for architectural details  

• Optional filters such as neutral density (ND) or polarizers  

This masterclass is designed for designers and photography enthusiasts seeking to strengthen their ability to document urban environments with clarity, creativity, and intention. 

Program Schedule  

12:45 pm: Check-In at F Street Entrance 

1-2 pm: Presentation & Introduction (City Action Hall, National Building Museum) 

Welcome and program overview. Explanation of the approach to photographing urban design, a discussion on visual storytelling, and a site overview. 

2-2:30 pm: Preparation Session 
Camera settings review and technical preparation for fieldwork.  

2:30-2:45 pm: Walk to Robert and Arlene Kogod Courtyard  

2:45-5:30 pm: Field Session (Kogod Courtyard) 
Site walkthrough and scouting; exploring design intent, public interaction, movement, composition, and patterns of use. 

5:30-6 pm: Walk to Arlo Washington DC  

6-8 pm: Image Review & Critique (Arlo Washington DC) 
Image download and group review; constructive instructor feedback and closing remarks. (Dinner will be provided) 

About Sahar Coston-Hardy 

Sahar Coston-Hardy creates images that highlight urban and ecological design, the built environment, and people. With over 20 years of experience behind the lens, she seeks to tell stories through her imagery, focusing on important narratives by weaving together landscape architecture photography, portraiture, and street photography. Sahar received a BFA (2005) from Tyler School of Art and Architecture, and she has lectured frequently on landscape architecture photography and visual storytelling. Recently, her work has been published in Landscape Architecture Magazine, Architect, Oprah Daily, and The New York Times. Sahar’s other publications include Garden as Art: Beatrix Farrand at Dumbarton Oaks edited by Thaïsa Way, and XX Miller Prize: Centering Women’s Stories Through Portraiture co-authored by Rhiannon Sinclair for Active Landscape Photography Diverse Practices, edited By Anne C Godfrey. Coston-Hardy’s collaborative projects have received national recognition, including a Women Photograph + Nikon grant and a Gold EXCEL Award from Association Media & Publishing. Sahar is represented by Esto Photographics and she is a member of Diversify Photo and Women Photograph. Short/ Sahar Coston-Hardy creates images that highlight urban and ecological design, the built environment, and people. With over 20 years of experience behind the lens, she seeks to tell stories through her imagery, focusing on important narratives by weaving together landscape architecture photography, portraiture, and street photography. A graduate of Tyler School of Art, Sahar has lectured frequently on landscape architecture photography and visual storytelling and her work has been widely published. Sahar is represented by Esto Photographics and she is a member of Diversify Photo and Women Photograph.  

About the National Portrait Gallery’s Robert and Arlene Kogod Courtyard 
Designed by Foster + Partners and GGN, the Robert and Arlene Kogod Courtyard brings contemporary design into dialogue with historic architecture at the National Portrait Gallery. Its blend of old and new creates a dynamic setting for exploring spatial relationships, light, and structure. It is an ideal site for photographing the public realm. 

About Arlo Washington DC 
Arlo Washington DC is an adaptive reuse of the historic Harrison Apartment Building, originally constructed in 1888 and listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The building combines preserved historic character with updated design. It offers a fitting environment for reflection and discussion on architecture and urban space.