It's quiet. Usually, when you're in a place that draws millions of tourists a year, there's a hum—cell phone pings, kids asking for snacks, the general shuffle of humanity. But at Arlington National Cemetery, specifically standing before the white marble sarcophagus, the silence is heavy. It's the kind of silence that makes you hold your breath. Then, you hear it: the rhythmic, metallic clack of a heel hitting pavement. You pull out your phone because you want to capture it. You want the perfect tomb of the unknown soldier pictures to show people back home what respect actually looks like.
But here’s the thing. Taking a photo of the Sentinels isn't like snapping a shot of the Eiffel Tower. There’s a weight to it.
The Tomb has been guarded 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, since 1937. Rain? They’re there. Hurricanes? They’re there. A global pandemic? They didn't miss a step. When you look through your lens, you aren't just seeing a soldier in a crisp uniform. You’re seeing a living promise.
The shot everyone tries to get (and why it’s harder than it looks)
Most people want that iconic side-profile shot. You know the one—the Sentinel is at the end of their 21-step walk, they turn, they face the Tomb, and they execute the "change over" of the rifle. It looks effortless. It isn't. Those rifles are M14s, and they aren't light.
If you're hunting for high-quality tomb of the unknown soldier pictures, you have to understand the timing. The Changing of the Guard happens every half hour during the summer (April 1 to September 30) and every hour on the dot during the winter. If you show up at 12:15 PM in November, you're going to be looking at a lone Sentinel pacing back and forth. Still powerful? Absolutely. But it's not the "event" most photographers are looking for.
Honestly, the best photos usually aren't of the soldiers' faces. The Sentinels from the 3rd U.S. Infantry Regiment, known as "The Old Guard," wear hats (casques) pulled down low. You can barely see their eyes. This is intentional. It’s not about the individual; it’s about the post. If you want a photo that truly captures the vibe, focus on the details. The spit-shined boots. The way the white gloves contrast against the wood of the rifle. The heat waves rising off the plaza in July.
What those carvings on the marble actually mean
When you're framing your tomb of the unknown soldier pictures, you’ll notice three figures carved into the side of the main monument. People walk by these every day without really looking at them. They represent Peace, Victory, and Valor.
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On the back of the Tomb, the side facing the Lincoln Memorial across the river, there's an inscription that usually brings a lump to people's throats. It says: HERE RESTS IN HONORED GLORY AN AMERICAN SOLDIER KNOWN BUT TO GOD.
The marble itself is Yule marble from Colorado. It’s the same stuff used for the Lincoln Memorial. It’s blindingly white in the midday sun, which actually makes photography a nightmare. If you’re using a smartphone, your camera is going to try to blow out the whites and turn the soldier into a dark shadow. Pro tip: tap the screen on the white marble to set your exposure there, then slide the brightness down. It makes the whole image look moodier and more respectful.
The "Mat" and the 21 steps
The Sentinel doesn't just walk wherever they want. There’s a black mat. They walk exactly 21 steps. Why 21? It symbolizes the 21-gun salute, the highest military honor.
Then they stop.
They turn and face the Tomb for 21 seconds.
They turn and face the city for 21 seconds.
Then they walk back.
If you’re trying to get a sequence of tomb of the unknown soldier pictures, don't just stand in one spot. Move to the side of the amphitheater steps. You get a better angle of the "scrubbing" of the heels. That crisp sound is actually caused by metal plates on the inside of the heels, which the soldiers wear to make that distinct click. It’s not just for show; it’s a cadence tool.
Weather makes for the best stories
Some of the most viral tomb of the unknown soldier pictures ever taken weren't shot on sunny days. They were shot during "Snowmageddon" or during the fringes of a hurricane. There’s a famous photo from a few years back where the snow is so thick you can barely see the Sentinel, but he’s still mid-stride, perfectly upright.
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Technically, the guards are "encouraged" to take cover if the weather becomes life-threatening, but they almost never do. They have a small green box (a shack, basically) they can stand in, but the tradition of the line is a matter of immense pride. If you happen to be in D.C. when the weather is miserable, go to Arlington. The crowds will be gone. The atmosphere is haunting. Your photos will be ten times more interesting than the standard blue-sky shots everyone else has.
Respect the "Silence" sign
This is where people get in trouble. There are signs everywhere that say "Silence and Respect." The Sentinels aren't just there for ceremony; they are active-duty soldiers. If the crowd gets too loud or if someone crosses the chain-link fence to get better tomb of the unknown soldier pictures, the Guard will stop.
They will come to a halt, slam their rifle down, and bark an order to the crowd to remain silent and stay behind the barriers. It’s terrifying and impressive all at once. If you’re filming or taking photos when this happens, keep the camera rolling, but for heaven's sake, don't be the reason they have to shout.
A little-known perspective: The flowers
Throughout the year, various groups are allowed to lay wreaths at the Tomb. If you want photos that feel "different," look for the splashes of color. A wreath of red poppies or white roses against that stark white marble is a visual gut-punch.
In 2021, for the centennial of the Tomb, the public was actually allowed to walk onto the plaza and lay flowers at the base for the first time in nearly a century. The photos from that event are incredible because they show the scale of the monument from the ground up, rather than from behind the ropes. While you can't usually walk on the plaza now, keep an eye out for special commemorative dates where the "public flower laying" might happen again.
Technical tips for your visit
Arlington is massive. If you’re going there specifically for tomb of the unknown soldier pictures, give yourself time. You have to park or take the Metro, walk through the Welcome Center, and then hike up the hill. It’s a trek.
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- Lens Choice: If you have a DSLR, bring a 70-200mm. You’re further away from the guards than you think. A wide-angle lens will just make the Tomb look like a tiny white speck in a sea of tourists' heads.
- Golden Hour: The cemetery closes at 5:00 PM. This means you can't stay for true "golden hour" in the summer, but in the late fall or winter, the sun starts to dip low enough around 4:00 PM to create long, dramatic shadows across the plaza.
- Burst Mode: The movements of the Guard are sharp and fast. Use burst mode to catch the exact moment the rifle leaves the shoulder during the inspection.
Why we keep taking these photos
We live in a world that moves fast. Everything is disposable. But the Tomb represents something that doesn't change. When you look at tomb of the unknown soldier pictures from the 1940s and compare them to shots taken yesterday, the uniform has changed slightly, and the trees have grown taller, but the act is identical.
It’s a connection to the 130,000+ soldiers who remain "unknown" from various conflicts. It’s not just a grave; it’s a focal point for national grief and gratitude.
Practical Next Steps for Your Visit
If you're planning to head out to capture your own images, here is the most logical way to handle it. Start by checking the Arlington National Cemetery official website for the exact schedule of the Changing of the Guard, as it shifts based on the season. Aim to arrive at the cemetery gates at least 45 minutes before the "top of the hour" to account for the security screening and the walk up to the Memorial Amphitheater.
Once you arrive at the plaza, move toward the North or South ends of the viewing area. Most people crowd the center, but the corners give you a better "leading line" perspective of the Sentinel’s path. Set your camera to a fast shutter speed—at least 1/500th of a second—to freeze the crispness of the guard's movements. Finally, once you have your shot, put the phone away for at least one full cycle. Seeing it through your own eyes is the only way to truly understand why this spot is considered the most hallowed ground in America.
Check the weather forecast for overcast days; the flat lighting actually helps capture the texture of the marble without the harsh glare of the D.C. sun. Ensure your footwear is comfortable, as the climb to the Tomb is steeper than it looks on a map. Standing there, watching the Sentinel's breath hitch in the cold air, you'll realize the best pictures are the ones that remind you of the silence.