Sunday, March 18, 2012

Photographing the Cherry Blossoms in Washington DC

Although we are still a week away from peak cherry blossom time in Washington, DC, it is an absolutely beautiful site to behold.  After viewing the beauty of these trees, parks, and moments, it is easy to see why millions of people travel every year to view the cherry blossoms in bloom.

Taking pictures at the cherry blossom festival is like taking pictures at the Washington, DC monuments.  Expect your pictures to be crowded with people. 

Sunrise is the best time of day to photograph the cherry blossoms.  Not only will you have fewer people in your photographs, but typically your lighting will be breath taking.  Unless you visit the park on an overcast day, like the day we visited.  The beauty of an overcast day is that the clouds act like a giant softbox and provide nice diffused lighting. 

If you want to take family pictures with the cherry blossoms, this is possible.  Your best bet is to not take these pictures at the monuments, but travel farther South-east near the East Potomac Park.  Cherry blossom trees line the streets and early in the day you will actually have the chance to take a picture here without other people in your photograph.

If you have the opportunity to travel to the cherry blossom festival in Washington, DC, I highly recommend this.  You will not be disappointed with the beauty of this area.

Take-aways:

1) Bring multiple memory cards.  You will not be disappointed with the picture options.

2) Go early in the day to get the best light and have fewer people in your photographs.

3) Be patient with all the people viewing and photographing the cherry blossoms.

4) Be prepared to walk to the most picturesque viewing sites.  There is not much parking right around the tidal basin

5) Bring a picnic breakfast or lunch and enjoy the day with the rest of the crowds.

Happy Photographing!

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