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E. David Luria
Founder and Director at Washington Photo Safari
E. David Luria is a prominent architectural photographer and the founder and director of Washington Photo Safari, established in 1999. This organization has conducted over 6,700 photo safaris for approximately 46,000 amateur photographers, averaging about five participants daily throughout the year. Washington Photo Safari is notable for being the first in the United States to offer regularly scheduled local photo safaris, earning multiple Trip Advisor Certificates of Excellence since 2014 due to high customer satisfaction ratings.12
Professional Background
Luria's photography training began in Paris under a protégé of the renowned photographer Henri Cartier-Bresson. He is a member of several professional organizations, including the American Society of Media Photographers and the Society of Photographic Educators. His work has been featured in over 100 publications and on 30 magazine covers, showcasing his images of Washington, D.C..13
Contributions and Impact
Luria has also contributed to the photography community by developing a manual that inspired similar programs in 20 cities across the U.S. and Canada. He has authored a comprehensive 130-page eBook Guide for Amateur Photographers, focusing on various photography techniques. Beyond his role at Washington Photo Safari, he has provided instruction for numerous organizations, including the National Cherry Blossom Festival and NPR.12
Personal Background
An honors graduate of Amherst College and a U.S. Army veteran, Luria is fluent in Spanish, French, and German. Before his career in photography, he held senior executive positions in international non-profit organizations such as CARE and World Learning. He remains active as a volunteer information specialist at Reagan Washington National Airport.14