Cherry Blossom Sunrise with your Pup!

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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
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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.

Hannah & Joe's Cherry Blossom Portrait Session

CHERRY BLOSSOM ENGAGEMENT - MINI SESSIONS

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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.

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.

October Engagement Session in Washington DC

Engagement sessions are a fun way to get used to being in front of the camera, get to know your wedding photographer, and have fun capturing loving memories!

Last week I spent a beautiful autumn afternoon with Bao & Alex down at the National Mall. We started at the Lincoln Memorial and ended up at the Tidal Basin. My Classic Engagement Session allows enough time for multiple locations and an outfit change. Most couples choose one casual outfit and one more formal outfit for each location, so they come away with a variety of photos to use on save the dates, wedding announcements, guest book, and wedding website.

How They Met

Bao and Alex met on Hinge during the pandemic. Alex said, “at some point I realized that if I could spend the rest of my life with her it would be such a blessing and I'd be the luckiest guy ever.”

Alex says, “Bao is one of the most caring people I've ever met, and she's got a great sense of humor. She has a balance of knowing when to take life seriously and when to let loose and just have fun”

Their Love Story

Bao knew she wanted to spend her life with Alex once she realized how easy and effortless it is to be with him. “He integrated into my life so easily and gets along so well with my family and friends.” 

Bao loves that “Alex is incredibly thoughtful and caring. And he can always make me laugh!”

How He Proposed

On Bao’s birthday, they went to a nice restaurant they’d been wanting to try. Alex planned the event far in advance. He coordinated with the restaurant - he would propose after they brought out a birthday cake. They all sang for her and Alex got down on one knee afterwards – she was definitely surprised!

Bao says the best thing about being with Alex is, “how he makes me feel; grateful and happy for our lives together.”

How did you hear about Lincoln Photography, and what, in particular, made you want to work with me?

Yelp!  Your reviews were great, people had some really kind things to say about you, and we like your style after checking out your site.  

“Everything in life is better with Bao. She's always got my back, knows how to lift me up when I'm down, and enjoys the ride when life is high.”

— Alex

Rooftop Proposal

Colin and Isabel had their first date at the rooftop bar of Hotel Hive in downtown DC. They met in DC, and now both live in other states. They were planning a trip to DC for the Fourth of July, and Colin wanted to propose in that special place. After, their friends came up to surprise Isabel and they had a wonderful celebration together. The next day, Colin and Isabel booked my classic engagement session, which allowed us enough time for multiple locations around the Tidal Basin, National Mall, and Lincoln Memorial, as well as an outfit change.

Interested in booking photography at your proposal? Email me! You’ll be in expert hands.

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.

Surprise Proposal over Reflecting Pool & National Mall, Washington DC, Lincoln Photography

Ashley and Jamie were acquainted years ago while on the same swim team; it wasn’t until 2017 when he moved to DC that they had their first date at Heritage Brewing in Virginia. Since then, their love has grown as they stand strongly, side-by-side, through the best and worst of times.

When they “survived” their first vacation together in Cancun, Ashley knew their future would always be filled with fun and laughter, no matter what they got into. But, when Jamie was ill with food poisoning while returning from Europe, Ashley took charge of packing and helping him walk through multiple airports. “She saw me at my absolute lowest point, and still wanted to be by my side. It was then that I truly knew I would spend my life with her.”

And when Ashley’s company hit a rough patch in 2020, Jamie was by her side through anxious phone calls and emails. He always reminded her that they were a team, saying “we will get through this.”

James proposed to Ashley this weekend on a perfect, blue-sky afternoon at the Lincoln Memorial in downtown Washington, DC after lunch in Georgetown.

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“I fell in love with Ashley's extremely kind heart and thoughtfulness; her ability to love me for me, despite how silly and child-like I can be at times. Ashley makes me feel cared for, inspired, confident…the words can go on and on. She makes me feel this way every day.”
~ James

“I fell in love with Jamie when I first saw him interacting with my niece and nephew. Jamie is a totally family-oriented person and it really warmed my heart to see how well he interacted with them and how naturally it came.”
~ Ashley

Surprise Proposal in downtown Washington, DC ~ Esha & Nihar at the Spanish Steps

When Nihar called me a few weeks ago about his proposal to his girlfriend, Esha, he had every last detail planned; they would “meet some friends” at the Spanish Steps (a quaint, tree-lined space tucked away in northwest DC), where a bottle of Veuve Clicquot and a bouquet waited their arrival. Esha beamed with happiness, and I was honored to have photographed those precious moments of the next stage in their life together. I was taking photos from far enough away that I couldn’t hear the words, but the expression on her face and how they held each other close said everything (and I didn’t wear waterproof mascara that day so …).
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Esha and Nihar met at summer camp over a decade ago; it was then that Nihar noticed her passion for life, and soon after discovered, in his words, “the warmth in her heart that brightens his world and puts a pep in his step.” They spent the rest of the summer laughing, playing
kickball, and bonding.

In Esha’s words, “Nihar has the kindest heart. He goes out of his way for everyone. He anticipates my needs (especially when I get hangry). But most importantly, he sees the good in the world and has made my life better for it.”

Congratulations Esha & Nihar!

New Orleans Evening Wedding Portraits

Natalie & Will were married earlier this year in an intimate wedding ceremony, and were excited to take a few extra portraits to celebrate. I was in town last week and was thrilled to run around Audubon Park with them at sunset. From the bandstand, through the oak alley, and over by the golf course, they couldn’t have had a more beautiful setting - a golden sky, lush greenery, and a gentle breeze swaying the moss-covered trees.
Congratulations you two!

Meghan & Nick :: Engaged!

Yesterday was a beautiful afternoon here in DC, blue skies and warm sunshine for this happy couple's engagement session down by the Lincoln Memorial. Meghan and Nick met in college, and this summer he proposed…on a secluded beach…at sunrise! #couplegoals

Lincoln Memorial Sunrise Engagement :: Kavitha & Sachein!

We met just before dawn in downtown DC, when only a few dreamers are out, ready to watch the sunrise. It was a perfect morning for Kavitha and Sachein's engagement portraits - blue clouds rising above the monuments, a gentle breeze. After exploring the Lincoln Memorial and surrounding grounds, we headed over to the Georgetown waterfront. This location is special to Kavitha and Sachein because they had their first date there, overlooking Key Bridge! As the morning came to a close, we wandered the canal and found a beautiful, secluded patio filed with greenery and flowers. These two exude happiness and are all smiles - and clearly very in love!

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.

Sunset Engagement Portraits at Meridian Hill Park DC :: Rebecca & Clark

I had the pleasure of meeting this happy couple this week on a chilly but golden-sunlight-filled evening at Meridian Hill Park in the heart of DC. They met a few summers back in school and just couldn’t stay apart! Congratulations you two, I’m so excited for your future together!

Surprise Proposal & Engagement at Officina Rooftop, The Wharf DC

On a perfect, sunny autumn day, Brandon proposed to Rachel on the fabulous Officina rooftop. She said YES! I’m pretty sure everyone had misty eyes, including me. The entire moment was beautiful and I’m honored Brandon asked me to help them remember it forever.

Sunrise Engagement Portraits :: Alaysia & Jordan

Alaysia & Jordan met me on the National Mall in the wee hours of the morning for their sunrise engagement session! We started at the WWII Memorial on 17th, strolled along the Reflecting Pool toward the Lincoln Memorial, then headed over to Old Town Alexandria where golden-orange leaves magically fell from the trees and covered the cobblestone street.

Abhinaya & Nikhil's Garden Engagement Party!

Abhi & Nik’s engagement party in their family’s home was nothing short of fabulous! Their closest family and friends gathered around as they cut their (delicious!) cake, against a stunning backdrop of Virginia’s fall colors. Congratulations you two!

Zach's romantic sunset proposal to Eliza at the Jefferson Memorial

The sky was deep blue and orange, golden light on the trees around the Tidal Basin…Zach got down on one knee on the edge of the water and proposed to Eliza! *She said yes!* And, to celebrate the happy event, their families were waiting nearby with balloons and cheer. Congratulations you two!

Fall Engagement Session in DC :: Ashima & Abhishek

This fabulous couple came down to DC from New Jersey! Their love and happiness together - not to mention Ashima's beautiful dress - added a wonderful pop of color to this cool autumn afternoon.
Congratulations you two!

She said yes! July 4th Proposal ~ Nation's Capital

On a surprisingly quiet, stormy July 4th afternoon in DC, Tyerell surprised his girlfriend Felicia with a beautiful diamond ring in the dreamy Luce Center of the Smithsonian American Art Museum. Congratulations you two!