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Spring season is finally here! And you all would agree with the fact that the spring season brings a delightful fresh vibe with itself! The defrosting of frozen landscapes as the weather starts warming up and the blooming of beautiful flowers especially the cherry blossoms is one-way nature is telling us that “new life” is here.
As you all know, the spring season in Washington DC means the beginning of the National Cherry Blossom Festival! Historically, it started when Japan gifted these trees to the US in 1912 to grow goodwill between the two countries. The flowering cherry tree, or “Sakura,” has a symbol with rich meaning in Japanese culture.
When the blossoms start appearing on the trees, thousands of visitors flock to Washington DC to watch and enjoy the annual bloom. Photographers, both amateurs and professionals, will also try to capture images of this beautiful spectacle. But capturing the perfect photos is not as simple as it sounds!
Here is my Top 6 Tips in Photographing Cherry Blossoms in Washington DC. Enjoy!
Though cellphone cameras can do wonders nowadays for any of your travel photography, I still consider having a good camera gear to be a better choice when photographing the annual Cherry Blossoms Festival in Washington DC. Especially when you are planning on arriving early in the morning, you will need a camera that can handle low light situations.
Here’s a list and links of camera gear I brought with me for this shoot (you can bring something similar as long as you can control your camera settings manually with best possible results) –
- Canon EOS R5 Full-Frame Mirrorless Camera
- Canon RF 15-35mm F2.8 L IS USM
- Canon RF 70-200mm f/2.8 L is USM
- Canon Wireless Remote Control BR-E1
Using the amazing Canon EOS R5 or similar cameras with an in-body stabilization allowed me to hand-hold my camera when shooting at slow shutter speed without depending on a tripod at certain situations.
Photo Credit Edwin Ochoa
#2 Best time to Photograph
Make a little sacrifice to avoid the crowds and come really early in the morning. My suggestion is even to come before sunrise. We live in Delaware which is a two-hour drive to DC but we got up at 4 Am and drove to get there on time for the 6:54 AM sunrise. When we got there it was still pretty dark. That actually allowed me to photograph some “dawn shots” of the Tidal basin.
#3 My Favorite Locations To Shoot
Walk around the Tidal Basin while keeping social distance from everybody else. Believe me, even at 6 AM you will see at least a hundred people either jogging, walking, or wanting to take photos of sunrise and the cherry blossoms. Below is a small map of the Tidal basin. I marked all my favorite spots to shoot with some sample photos. Enjoy!
Source: Google Maps
- Spot Number 1- Top Of Ohio Drive Bridge
While on the top of Ohio Drive Bridge, use a wide-angle lens to shoot a panoramic view of the Tidal Basin with both the Washington Memorial on the left and the Jefferson memorial on the right as your backdrop. Check out the image above.
- Spot Number 2- Walkway Along Tidal Basin
Cross the Ohio Drive bridge and make your way to the walkway along the Tidal Basin. At this spot, you will see a fantastic view of the Thomas Jefferson Memorial with the sun rising from behind! I know it could be overwhelming while shooting. But try to focus on being a little creative through the process. One good trick is to frame your shot of the memorials with the beautiful blooms around you. Don’t just take photos of the cherry blossoms but tell a story with your photos – show a sense of place while showcasing the beauty of nature.
And just a little advice – don’t come too close to the edge of the walkway because I’ve seen people falling into the water before and that’s not fun at all especially when you have a $4,000 camera in your hands. Yikes!
- Spot Number 3- The Other Side Of The Bridge
On the other side of the bridge on the way to the Thomas Jefferson Memorial, you will find some beautiful blooms that you can use to frame the Washington Memorial in your shots.
- Spot Number 4- Around The George Mason Historical Marker area
This spot is the ideal location to find some cherry blossoms and colorful magnolia trees.
#4 Best Lighting For Engagement or Family photography
These pieces of advice I am listing here are not only for landscape photographers but also for wedding, engagement, or family photographers like me.
While I was there doing some landscape photography, I came across a lot of other photo sessions happening in front of me. I know it’s a little sacrifice for you and your clients to get up early in the morning but trust me this is the best time to get those perfect engagement or family photos without the crowd of tourists being in most of your shots. And the best part about it is, you have that “Golden hour” light you can use to be creative with your portraits. For any creatives, this is heaven.
While photographing the cherry blossoms along the Tidal basin in Washington DC I witnessed a couple kissing and snapped a couple of shots. For sure they are doing their photo session with their photographer and they picked the best place to do so. If you recognize this couple I want to give this image to them.
#5 Parking Advice
If you are driving to the location, then parking would be difficult. The usual street parking along the Potomac River is all blocked during the festival. So your best bet is to come early, you can save yourself a parking spot along Ohio Drive.
Directions: Pass the Jefferson Memorial on the right, then make a left on Ohio drive, and you will find parking lots A and B. Try to come before 6 am because they get full very soon! After 7 AM you have to park miles away or get dropped off by Taxi or Uber.
#6 Relax And Enjoy
Last but not least – my most important tip for you is to try to relax and enjoy the experience. Just imagine how amazing it is to watch the sunrise while capturing the beauty of nature in your photos! It feels like heaven on earth!
Once again always be safe and don’t forget to have fun!
Share us some love and comment below. Feel free to share this article on your social media posts. Thank you and Happy Spring!
