Harris & Ewing Photographic Studio

Harris & Ewing Photographic Studio is a four-story limestone and concrete building with large rear windows in downtown Washington. The structure combines Renaissance Revival and Neoclassical architectural elements and was built to serve as a working facility for a major news photography operation.

Built in 1924 by architects Sonnemann and Justement, the building served the nation's largest news photography agency. From 1905 to 1955, it functioned as the official White House photographer, shaping the visual record of an era through its lens.

The studio was a vital hub for documenting American life and played a central role in conveying news and official events to the public. Photographers working here captured stories of politicians, citizens, and major moments that shaped the nation.

The building is located at 1311-13 F Street NW in downtown Washington near major transit routes. Photography collections from the studio are now held in the Library of Congress archives for researchers and visitors interested in accessing the extensive records.

The studio's negative collection contains over 700,000 photographs documenting American life between 1905 and 1955. These images range from official presidential portraits to everyday scenes of social gatherings, today serving as an invaluable window into that era.

Location: Washington, D.C.

Inception: 1924

Official opening: November 1924

Architectural style: Renaissance Revival architecture, Neoclassical architecture

Floors above the ground: 4

Made from material: limestone, concrete, metal

Address: 1311-1313 F St NW, Washington, DC 20004

GPS coordinates: 38.89750,-77.03083

Latest update: December 14, 2025 14:21