Here Come the Cherry Blossoms!

One of the most exciting times of the year in Washington DC is when the Cherry Blossoms reach peak bloom. Depending on many factors, peak bloom usually happens around early April.  Tourists come from far way with the hope that they planned their vacation at the right time for peak bloom. For those who don't know, the Cherry Blossom trees were given to Washington DC by Japan more than 100 years ago.  The most spectacular location to see the trees in bloom is around the Tidal Basin, near the Jefferson Memorial.

As for my photography, I prefer to shoot around sunrise. This means getting there really early but it also allows you to miss a majority of the crowds. Usually, by 9am the tidal basin is packed with people when the trees are in bloom.

One of the most critical factors affecting the bloom is the weather. This year rain is predicted for the time of peak bloom...that's bad news. The blossoms are pretty fragile, a strong rain/wind storm can nip them in the bud (so to speak) and then all we can do is look forward to next year. But, the weather forecast can change quickly in DC so I'm hoping the conditions will be good by next week.

Each year I go to the Tidal Basin to catch the peak bloom of the Cherry Blossoms. I keep hoping the conditions will be just right so I can get that one "truly fantastic" shot. I don't know if I'll ever know when I get that "one" shot, so I guess I'll just have to keep trying! 

I wanted to share a few of my favorite images from past years in hopes of them bringing me luck with good shooting conditions for this year. I look forward to any comments or questions you may have!

Posted on April 5, 2015 by Gary Stiles.