Favorites – Washington, D.C. Cherry Blossoms

Washington D.C. Tidal Basin / Washington D.C. Photographer

Around this time each year, the Washington, D.C. metro region is abuzz with anticipation for the blooming of the cherry blossoms on the Potomac River tidal basin. The tidal basin is awash with performers, food vendors, and swarms of tourists and locals, all clamoring for a peak at these beautiful natural wonders who only show their faces for a week, tops. Well, today I am sharing my favorite photos taken during peak cherry blossom bloom of years past, so you can sit right there, not fight the crowds, and ogle these mystical blooms all from the comfort of your own computer chair.

This time of year is like a second holiday season in the area, all focused around these tiny, pink and white, fluffy buds known as cherry blossoms. It’s a sign that spring has sprung, or at least is on the horizon. The city is coming out of its winter hibernation and celebrating with the annual Cherry Blossoms Festival.

I have been to the Cherry Blossom Festival three times – once in 2010 and twice in 2014. It is total chaos, let’s be honest! Getting into the city is stressful, finding parking is a nightmare, and fighting the crowds is 100% unpleasant. But I have to say, it’s all worth it once you are able to set eyes on the cherry blossom trees lining the water. And for me, it was definitely worth it to capture images of the gorgeous scenery & buds.

Last year I didn’t have the energy to fight the crowds, so instead I took my dog for a walk along the opposite side of the river – the Virginia side – and was able to capture some photos of the cherry blossoms from that point of view, which was a tad more peaceful than getting up close & personal with them!

This year I’m going to be offering sunrise mini-session portraits during peak bloom, and am so excited to do so! At sunrise we’ll beat the majority of the crowds & get some truly stunning images with the cherry blossoms as the backdrop. So if you’re interested in scheduling a session, contact me here for more details!

For now, sit back, relax, and enjoy the eye candy that are these beautiful blooms.