Most Instagrammable Spots at the National Cherry Blossom Festival

Where to find the most Instagram-worthy spots at the National Cherry Blossom Festival, Best places in DC for Cherry Blossom Photos, Take Cherry Blossom Photos like a Pro!

Don’t get stuck in the bottleneck of tourists - come check out the best spots to take photos at the National Cherry Blossom Festival, no matter the crowds. Here are my favorite spots for the most instagrammable photos of DC’s cherry blossoms. Enjoy the photos below, and don’t forget to check out my cherry blossom fine art print shop!

South side of the Tidal Basin

Check out both sides of the Jefferson Memorial along the water (bathrooms available there too!). Low-hanging branches on the east side of Jefferson yield stunning, artistic photos highlighting both the cherry blossoms and our national monuments.

Tidal Basin Paddle Boats

There’s nothing more adorably iconic in DC than the swan paddle boats floating peacefully on the Tidal Basin. They are located on the east side of the basin, just off 14th Street.

Capitol Building - Mall Side

In one direction you’ll be able to photograph the Capitol Building, and in the other direction, the National Mall and Smithsonian Castle peeking out over a cluster of cherry blossom trees. You’ll want a telephoto lens for this, the museums on the Mall are pretty far away from this spot.

FDR Memorial

The least crowded side of the Tidal Basin during the National Cherry Blossom Festival, the FDR Memorial has dozens of trees sprinkled throughout. You’ll also have spectacular views of the Jefferson Memorial from this (west) side of the basin, and the ground slopes so you can stand up higher than the crowds and easily take great photos.

Walk from MLK Jr Memorial to the Jefferson Memorial, and on your way you’ll discover the location for iconic photos of the National Cherry Blossom Festival with the Washington Monument in the distance. It’s extremely easy to avoid getting too many people in your photos thanks to the basin’s curve in that spot. This area is gorgeous any time of day, from sunrise (below) to sunset.

Kutz Bridge on Independence Ave

The north side of the Tidal Basin has the most space to walk around, and gorgeous views across the water of the Jefferson Memorial, and the pink cherry blossom trees in all their glory. Stay to the west of Kutz Bridge and you’ll see the Japanese Lantern (first cherry blossom tree memorial) and a wide-open grassy space - that’s your spot!

There are tons of low-hanging branches so you can get those crisp, detailed close-ups of the delicate cherry blossoms. These branches also offer a spectacular backdrop for portraits (see below: yours truly!)

Small Pond across the street from the Tidal Basin

Between Independence Ave SW and Kutz Bridge is a small pond (separated from the Tidal Basin by Kutz Bridge) completely surrounded by cherry blossom trees on one side. Plenty of low-hanging branches make it easy to photograph individual blossoms, or step back a few feet and artistically frame the Washington Monument with pink flowers.

MLK Jr Memorial - view of the Washington Monument

Staying on the north side of the Tidal Basin, you’ll have great views through white and pink cherry blossom trees of the MLK Jr Memorial. The Jefferson Memorial and Washington Monument are visible too, by turning in other directions.

BONUS!

Smithsonian Castle's Enid A. Haupt Garden on Jefferson Drive SW (entry on Independence Ave).

When the magnolias are in bloom just before the cherry blossoms reach peak bloom, the entire garden is pink. It’s breathtaking and while it can attract crowds, not everyone knows about it, so you might get lucky and have the garden almost all to yourself like I did.

Cherry Blossom Sunrise with your Pup!

ONE PREMIUM SPOT REMAINING!

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Cherry blossom photos at the Tidal Basin in Washington DC are nothing short of spectacular! Sunrise cherry blossom sessions are always pink, dreamy, light-filled, and fun! Natasha and Kyle came to DC last year for the cherry blossoms close to their wedding anniversary, and they brought their adorable puppy with them to be part of their photos.

I often get asked by couples and families, Can I bring our dog to our photo session? The answer is almost always - YES! The only exception would be if our location doesn’t allow pets, but I hold most portrait sessions in parks and gardens where man’s best friend is allowed to come out and play!

We hold the majority of our cherry blossom photo sessions at the Tidal Basin in downtown Washington DC. Most sessions took place at sunrise or around 9 am - morning has become increasingly popular to help avoid insane crowds. I’ve been holding photo sessions at the cherry blossoms in DC for over 15 years, so I know all the best spots for crowd-free, flower-filled photos you’ll never tire of looking at.

DC Cherry Blossom Peak Bloom Engagement and Anniversary Photos at the Tidal Basin

Cherry Blossom Mini Sessions
ONLY TWO SPOTS REMAINING!

Donal and Fernanda visited DC from Ireland! Our session that year almost got rained out, but the sky turned a beautiful shade of blue just in time for them to dance and giggle their way around the cherry blossom trees. We even saw a precious mama duck with her ducklings.

Magnolia Madness! Where to find a pink dreamland in Washington DC

Where are the best places to photograph magnolias in Washington DC? When do the magnolia trees bloom? Where to go to see flowering trees in downtown DC? I have all the answers!

Tucked away behind the Smithsonian Institution Castle is the Enid A. Haupt Garden, which has a magnificent display of pink flowering magnolia trees every spring. This breathtaking garden blooms in late March, right before cherry blossoms reach their own peak bloom. The magnolia trees surround the parterre garden, just inside the wrought iron gates on Independence Avenue. On either side, you can explore the Moongate Garden and the Fountain Garden. Your photos will be stunning from every angle!

If you’re planning to photograph the magnolia trees in DC this spring, be on the lookout for them - they only last a few days! The best time to avoid crowds is sunrise, right when the garden opens, but evenings just before sunset (when the garden closes) can also be quite pleasant.

View of the Smithsonian Institution Castle

The Washington Monument peeking through the magnolia trees at the Enid A. Haupt Garden

Washington DC magnolia trees in bloom

Entrance to the Moongate Garden

Smithsonian’s Sign of the Dragonfly Exhibition

Dragonflies hover over the pond in the Moongate Garden, making delightful reflections and fun subjects to photograph.

Take a walk away from the National Mall

You’ll find plenty of quaint, colorful corners as you explore Eastern Market, Capitol Hill, Dupont Circle, and more!

Fine Art Prints available

Brighten your walls with a touch of pink and liven up your home or office space! Fine art prints of these photographs and more are available in my shop.

National Cherry Blossom Festival in Washington DC

Sneak peek at what the cherry blossoms will look like during peak bloom at the Tidal Basin! Check out my cherry blossom wall art in my online shop.

Spring is just around the corner in our nation’s capital! The cherry blossoms will soon bloom around the magnificent Tidal Basin.
Here’s a shot of the Jefferson Memorial during last year’s peak bloom.

Photographed with my Canon 5D Mark II at f/13, 1/640 sec.

The Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial sits across the basin from Jefferson, with the Lincoln Memorial just behind it.

Photographed with my Canon 5D Mark II at f/9, 1/320 sec.

Magical Cherry Blossom Maternity Session at Sunrise

ONLY TWO SPOTS LEFT!

SUNRISE CHERRY BLOSSOM SESSION

We met at the Jefferson Memorial at 6am, the night sky just starting to turn pink with the first rays of cherry blossom sunlight. The Tidal Basin was still and glassy, perfectly reflecting the deep blue night sky. A magical morning for celebrating new life. Congratulations you two!

~ Sneak Peek at their epic engagement ~

Hannah & Joe's Cherry Blossom Portrait Session

CHERRY BLOSSOM ENGAGEMENT - MINI SESSIONS

Three mini spots remaining - save yours now!

I absolutely adored watching these two together as I photographed them around the cherry blossoms - romantic, easy, and happy to let me take their photos well past sunset for some fun nighttime shots.

The Washington DC Cherry Blossom Festival is the perfect location for engagement photos. This year I’m offering full engagement photo sessions, and mini sessions as well! They are nearly sold out, so book yours early! Mini sessions are scheduled for Saturday during peak bloom, and our rain date is the next day, Sunday, at the same time.

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CHERRY BLOSSOM PHOTO SHOOT FAQs

What if it’s overcast?
Mini sessions are held mid-afternoon when it’s nice and bright, so we’ll still have plenty of light on even the cloudiest of days. And, as a perk, you might get a deep blue, dramatic sky!

Isn’t mid-afternoon too bright for good photos?
Nope! We don’t shoot at noon, we shoot from 2:30-4:30, in what I like to call pre-sunset light. It’s hard to take a bad photo at the cherry blossoms, and after nearly 16 years of photographing around the Tidal Basin, I know the best time of day for our needs, and the best locations for crowd control (see below).

I’m worried about crowds if we don’t take photos at sunrise.
On peak bloom weekend, yes, there will be TONS of people. However, after 16+ years of photo shoots during cherry blossom peak bloom, I’ve selected the ideal spot for our mini sessions: wide spaces to allow more room to work around people walking, away from the main path (so more people sitting to picnic rather than constantly walking by), and trees on all sides, not just along the Tidal Basin, to give us several backdrop options while still photographing the cherry blossoms.

What if we take photos before/after peak bloom?
These are what I call my Priority Sessions (vs Premium). Peak bloom means 70% or more of the cherry blossom trees are in full bloom. Before that, you’ll have fewer blossoms overall, but some trees may reach peak bloom before the majority. You’ll still get beautiful, pink, flower-filled photos, even days before or after peak bloom. My priority session clients are always THRILLED with the results.

Early Morning Cherry Blossom Family Portraits

CHERRY BLOSSOM MINI SESSIONS!

During your family portrait session, we’ll prioritize getting that frame-worthy family portrait, but we’ll also have time to take lots of other combinations - mother+kids, father+kids, just the parents, just the kids, individual portraits, and more!

This beautiful family drove up for the National Cherry Blossom Festival and arrived on a picture-perfect morning during peak bloom. In the days leading up to their session, we spent days texting about everyone’s outfits, something I *love* to help clients with to ensure a timeless, elevated look and elegant portraits they’ll treasure for generations.

For photographers, check out my Family Portrait Pose Guide!

We hold the majority of our cherry blossom photo sessions at the Tidal Basin in downtown Washington DC. Most sessions took place at sunrise or around 9 am - morning has become increasingly popular to help avoid insane crowds. I’ve been holding photo sessions at the cherry blossoms in DC for over 15 years, so I know all the best spots for crowd-free, flower-filled photos you’ll never tire of looking at.

a Dreamy, Pink, Light-filled Cherry Blossom Engagement Session

Aswitha and Mayur were a delight to photograph at this year’s cherry blossom festival. We spent an hour and a half running around the Tidal Basin on a chilly but beautiful morning just after sunrise during peak bloom. Aswitha’s graceful poise and cherry blossom-pink dress paired with Mayur’s easy smile and affectionate gaze at Aswitha were a photographer’s dream to work with. Congratulations on your engagement and I wish you all the best as you plan your big day!

We hold the majority of our cherry blossom photo sessions at the Tidal Basin in downtown Washington DC. Most sessions took place at sunrise or around 9 am - morning has become increasingly popular to help avoid insane crowds. I’ve been holding photo sessions at the cherry blossoms in DC for over 15 years, so I know all the best spots for crowd-free, flower-filled photos you’ll never tire of looking at.

Sunrise Cherry Blossom Family Portraits

I had the pleasure of working Corene and Cody at Christmas last year for their family photos - including brothers, sisters, aunts and uncles, and grandparents! This spring it was just the two of them and their kiddos. They are a picture-perfect example of how to elegantly coordinate colors and outfits for cherry blossom family photos. I just love the soft pastels everyone is wearing, and Corene’s dress is gorgeous!

I mentioned in an earlier post about needing to reschedule due to cold weather at the cherry blossom festival; this family had to do the same! Fortunately, my schedule takes into account unexpected bad or freezing weather during the extremely in-demand cherry blossom season, so I always have room to reschedule as needed and families get the date that works best for them.

Book your cherry blossom photo session early - only a few spots left for spring 2024!

Cherry Blossom Maternity Session, Washington DC

Brenda and Jose came to DC for the National Cherry Blossom Festival last spring for maternity photos with their son. We spent a beautiful hour at sunset on the west side of the basin where crowds aren’t as thick, and where you’ll find lots of low-hanging branches perfect for portraits!

We hold the majority of our cherry blossom photo sessions at the Tidal Basin in downtown Washington DC. Most sessions took place at sunrise or around 9 am - morning has become increasingly popular to help avoid insane crowds. I’ve been holding photo sessions at the cherry blossoms in DC for over 15 years, so I know all the best spots for crowd-free, flower-filled photos you’ll never tire of looking at.

Looking to book a maternity session? Email me!

Cherry Blossom Family Portraits

Catherine and Matt have been coming to me for portraits for years, and seeing their kiddos get big and helping them capture the growing-up experience warms my heart and makes going to “work” not work at all, but fun! I get to spend a fantastic afternoon encouraging their giggles and watching two loving parents interact with and have fun with their kids.

During your family portrait session, we’ll prioritize getting that frame-worthy family portrait, but we’ll also have time to take lots of other combinations - mother+kids, father+kids, just the parents, just the kids, individual portraits, and more!

For photographers, check out my Family Portrait Pose Guide!

We hold the majority of our cherry blossom photo sessions at the Tidal Basin in downtown Washington DC. Most sessions took place at sunrise or around 9 am - morning has become increasingly popular to help avoid insane crowds. I’ve been holding photo sessions at the cherry blossoms in DC for over 15 years, so I know all the best spots for crowd-free, flower-filled photos you’ll never tire of looking at.

Motherhood Photo Session: a Sweet Afternoon Mother-Daughter Portrait Session at the Cherry Blossoms

L&L drove down from New York on their first mother-daughter road trip and scheduled an afternoon cherry blossom portrait session to commemorate the happy occasion. We texted back and forth a few weeks prior to their session to pick out their outfits to coordinate with each other and to create an elegant, coherent look with the cherry blossom backdrop.

Motherhood portraits are quickly becoming one of my favorite types of sessions. I love showing the special bond between a mother and her first-born daughter. They often share the same expressions, smiles, and twinkle in their eyes that can easily be captured on film. Together, we create memories that can be carried on and loved through generations.

We hold the majority of our cherry blossom photo sessions at the Tidal Basin in downtown Washington DC. Most sessions took place at sunrise or around 9 am - morning has become increasingly popular to help avoid insane crowds. I’ve been holding photo sessions at the cherry blossoms in DC for over 15 years, so I know all the best spots for crowd-free, flower-filled photos you’ll never tire of looking at.

How to dress for your Cherry Blossom Portrait Session!

What to Wear :: Cherry Blossom Edition

To create an elegant portrait that stands the test of time, a coherent wardrobe for everyone involved is a must. Figuring out what to wear to a cherry blossom portrait session should be fun and simple.

Here are my tips for putting together your cherry blossom session outfits, and links to some of my favorite pieces! You can follow the links directly or use the images as inspiration.

What color theme do we find at the cherry blossoms?

First, let’s consider the colors we find at the cherry blossoms…pale pinks, light blues, and white.
That means if you wear black or other deep colors, you’ll stick out in the photos, and not in a flattering way.

We want to highlight you in your photos, but not create a glaring, unpleasing contrast.

Stick to light colors like pastels and creams like pale pink, beige, baby blue, and ivory. Medium blues also photograph well, especially at sunset.

Avoid navy (with the exception of a light navy for men’s suits), deep orange, dark jewel tones, reds, 

What patterns are best for cherry blossom outfits?

Second, let’s consider patterns.

As a general rule, solid colors and large patterns photograph better than tiny details, but there are a few exceptions.

The cherry blossom trees have zillions of tiny flowers and we want the focus to be on you, in the cherry blossom setting. There are already a ton of tiny details in the form of blossoms, let’s try to steer clear of high contrast patterns for your cherry blossom photos. That means avoiding things like navy blue and white, polka dots, etc.

Low contrast patterns like tiny pale flowers on an ivory or pale pink dress will match the setting beautifully. Simple textures like eyelet, swiss dot, ruffles, lace, will all photograph well in the cherry blossom setting.

How to think about your wardrobe for your cherry blossom photo shoot

Last, think nature. Choose florals over zig zags. Choose cotton over polyester. Silk over satin.

To create a coherent look in your portraits, whether you’re a couple or a family of five, choose flowing dresses with sleeves over body-con and mini skirts.

Additional notes

Other things to consider: close-toed shoes for easy walking on the uneven ground, tights for toddlers and babies in dresses so we don’t risk accidentally seeing a diaper, and make sure you try your outfit on in advance and move around in the mirror to look for things like bra straps showing, a low-cut v neck that gets pulled down too far as you shift your baby around in your arms, etc.

Sakura Family Portraits :: Washington DC's Cherry Blossoms

It always means the world to me when, year after year, families and couples ask me for portrait sessions. I’ve had the pleasure of watching dozens of kids grow up from the time they were one month old - or in Jonathan’s case, not yet born! Jessica and her husband (not pictured due to his job) traveled from several hours away for their cherry blossom portrait session for the second year in a row. They used to live in Japan where she got her gorgeous kimono. Needless to say with her beautiful outfit and absolutely adorable son, there was a crowd of tourists clamoring behind me trying to take their photo! Luckily we found some quieter spots and created some magical portraits together!

If you’re planning a trip to DC, let’s connect!

I help families from across the country and around the globe plan their portrait session at all the best spots - you won’t miss anything and we’ll have a ton of fun in the process! You’ll come away with dozens of laughter-filled photos capturing your precious memories.

Family portrait sessions on your trip to DC are an exciting way to become familiar with the city, find the best vantage points, and have fun seeing the sights. Together we’ll create a custom photography collection that’s right for you. You’ll come away with a beautiful set of photographic wall art prints, an album, and online gallery to share with loved ones around the world.

Cherry Blossom Family Portrait Session :: Unposed Fun in DC

The cherry blossoms peak bloom is one of the most magical times of year. The festival marks the beginning of spring, and families of all shapes and sizes come out to play! This family portrait session took place a sunset on the Tidal Basin. After weeks of frigid weather, we finally saw bright blue skies and golden sunlight.

If you’re planning a trip to DC, let’s connect!

I help families from across the country and around the globe plan their portrait session at all the best spots - you won’t miss anything and we’ll have a ton of fun in the process! You’ll come away with dozens of laughter-filled photos capturing your precious memories.

Looking to book your cherry blossom photo session?

Send me an email!

Cherry Blossom Sunrise Family Portraits

There is a hidden patch of cherry blossom trees downtown, far from the iconic National Mall and Tidal Basin blossoms, that is just perfect for a small family portrait session, especially at sunrise before DC awakens. Last week, this beautiful family brought their little son out to discover the fallen petals and golden sunrise. I’m so thankful that we were able to capture their close moments as a family amidst all the distancing going on right now. Happy Spring, everyone!

Cherry Blossom Sunrise Engagement Session :: Jessica & Zachary

Before peak bloom, before social distancing, before the Tidal Basin shutdown, it was a beautiful, peaceful sunrise as the first buds were opening. I met up with Jessica and Zachary while it was still completely dark, a time of day when the Tidal Basin is completely empty. It’s the most romantic time, with the birds just starting to wake, fish splashing in the water, and a warm breeze announcing the coming of summer.

Cherry Blossom Portraits in DC

Far from the crowds of the Tidal Basin area downtown, this beautiful American University graduate and I found a secluded cherry blossom tree, the perfect setteing for her portraits. This session was a specially close to my heart since I also graduated from American University, almost 10 years ago now. Though the next couple months are uncertain for everyone here, one thing is for sure: with her confidence, easy smiles, and inquisitive mind, her future will be bright in whatever endeavor she undertakes.

Congratulations Laurel!