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.

Graduation Portraits

Brooklyn was honored with a prestigious art award at the Capitol, and her whole family was flown out from Ohio for the event. I had the pleasure of photographing her on the National Mall, and together we coordinated each fabulous outfit for our various locations. Some of my favorite spots for photos on the Mall are the Enid A Haupt Garden, the Reflecting Pool, and the Lincoln Memorial.

Completely Unposed Family Portrait Session

Brooks and Shana had a special request for their fall family portraits - that their photos be completely candid. Normally I capture a variety of candid and classically posed, with instructions on how to sit or stand and interact so they look completely natural. B & S wanted minimal direction, and had a blast playing with their two boys. They tickled, chased, and hugged their way through their portrait session, and I just love the result!

Want to book a family portrait session? I’m currently booking fall in DC and October 14th weekend in Nashville. Once you book, I’ll send along instructions on how to prepare, what to wear, and offer guidance on coordinating outfits.

DC's Top Wedding Venues

I’ve had the honor of photographing weddings at some of the best wedding venues in Washington DC - here are my top favorites! They are beautiful, the service is impeccable, they have adequate light that is a pleasure to shoot in, and they offer a wide variety of great spots for photos without walking too far. My wedding photography clients value an old-world, classic setting for their special day, and these venues offer that and more!

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The Omni Shoreham

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Daughters of the American Revolution Continental Memorial Hall

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Woodend Sanctuary

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Larz Anderson House

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Dacor Bacon House

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L’auberge Chez François in Great Falls

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Morais Vineyard

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Grammercy Mansion

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Tabard Inn

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Salamander Resort

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Nashville Maternity Session :: Family Portraits in Centennial Park

I spent a beautiful week in Nashville taking family portraits and had the pleasure
of meeting this wonderful family for a maternity session in Centennial Park!

I love maternity sessions with older kids because the photos are just so darn cute! The older siblings have fun hugging and kissing mama’s belly and talking to their new little brother or sister. Kids can be such goofballs and have high energy during afternoon photo sessions, so we use that energy to create laughter and love-filled portraits, a combination of candid and posed photos.

Thi told me before her session that

How to Prepare for Your Family Portrait Session

Below are some tips on how to prepare for your session - what to wear, what to bring, and what to expect during & after your session.

What to Expect

Let me do the work. You don’t have to worry about posing or anything of that sort. You just need to focus on being together and enjoying the company of your loved ones.

Everyone looks best when they are having fun, so let’s have a good time interacting together! We’ll be sure to get classic posed photos of everyone, but most of the session will be action-shot oriented. I will pose you and call out directions as I take photos, and we’ll move around the whole area you’ve selected for your session so you have a variety of backdrops.

Little kids like to run around and rarely sit still for more than 1-2 shots. I know this, and work with them accordingly. If your little one isn’t a fan of a certain pose or action I’ve suggested, that’s ok! I will still have gotten good photos out of it, and we’ll move on to something he or she might like better.

Babies

Babies are curious and learning about the world, so they look everywhere - including directly at the camera, and directly away from the camera. That’s ok! I know how to work around it, and we’ll set up poses or actions that will allow me to see his/her adorable little face!

Don’t fret if he or she doesn’t look at me the whole time - some couples get tense and start arguing because they feel like their baby is not cooperating, or one feels his/her spouse isn’t helping keep the baby looking at the camera. They wear themselves - and the little one - out from constantly calling out his/her name, when simply waiting a few extra seconds will do the trick.

Even when a baby cries during most of the session, I’ve still been able to get *lots* of beautiful photos from those little brief little moments when he or she stops crying and looks up at you with wonder or a smile.

Props

It’s always fun to bring along props! Don’t hesitate to bring anything that truly reflects you and your children individually or as a family. For instance, I’ve had a family bring along a soccer ball for their two oldest children (8-11) who were on teams that year. Another family bought cotton candy and had fun eating it together. The list is endless!

Suggestions:
Favorite book, bikes, painting & drawing sets for your little artist, baseball mitts, favorite truck or doll, family heirloom (jewelry, toys, blankets, etc).

What to Wear to Your Family Portrait Session

Wear something you would dress in for a really nice dinner. You can also do a more casual look with jeans and a dress top.

I recommend sticking to solid colors (tiny patterns don't photograph well), and for women, using accessories like scarves or jewelry for accent pieces. Bold jewelry, scarves, and shoes photograph well!

Men

Think very nice dinner. That means no polos or t-shirts. Also avoid writing and logos, unless it’s your favorite shirt and there’s an inside joke about it that you both agree should be documented. :)

Please come clean shaven, if you don’t wear any facial hair. While I can easily remove any razor burn or cuts in post-production, removing stubble or a 5-o’clock shadow may need to be done by a retouching specialist.

Ladies

Don’t bring a purse, if you can help it. Unless it’s part of your props, or even your bag to carry your props in, you probably will not want to worry about where to set your purse as we walk around the location taking photos. You might want to bring a small lipgloss or lipstick with you, but most women I have worked with haven’t needed to touch up their makeup.

Most women I photograph choose to show off their beautiful locks - and I highly encourage this. To help you out the day of your photo session, try using a little hairspray on long bangs that might fall into your face from the side (don’t pile it on though, we want you looking natural!), or bring a backup hair tie in case there is some wind. Occasionally a slight breeze will blow hair in the way, but don’t worry, we’ll work around it and make sure your hair looks great in your photos.

Kids

If your daughter or granddaughter is wearing a dress, add on some tights or leggings. That way if she squirms or crawls around, and her little dress gets out of place, the photos are still useable. :)

Think Color Palettes.

Coordinate, don’t match. Choose colors that make you look alive and bring out the best in your features. If you are pale, stick to deep colors like navy, maroon, or forest green (not pale pink, white, etc).
Avoid having a single person in a contrasting outfit, meaning a very bright white or red shirt - they will stick out much brighter the rest of the group!

Try your clothes on first (everyone!) and double-check in the mirror. Look for any problem areas and choose outfits that flatter you from all sides. While bra straps, low-cut shirts, or logos can usually be edited out in Photoshop after your session, the extra work will delay your finished photographs, and may cost extra. Plus, you need to be comfortable and confident in what you’re wearing. If you love your clothes, you’ll be more relaxed and your photos will turn out even better!

What Kind of Photos Will We Take?

Classic family group portraits and unposed, candid full-family photos; group shots; just the kids; parent-kid groupings; close-ups and action shots; you name it!

I like to capture a wide range of photos so you have a variety to choose the images you love for your walls and sharing online. If you have a preference for classic or candid, just the kids, etc, let me know.

Getting to Your Photography Session

Please be on time! I’m a natural-light photographer, so the sun dictates how long I can photograph you. Please make proper considerations for traffic, hair delays, and kid emergencies! If you arrive 30 minutes late, the session is not extended, but, rather, ends at the regularly scheduled time. I want the BEST photography experience for you, and being on time achieves exactly this!

*Please note: Parking at the National Mall is difficult any time of year. If your session is taking place there, please plan to arrive at least 45 minutes early to your session to ensure you don’t spend session time finding parking and walking several blocks + across the Mall to our

meeting point. As a reminder, the metro also runs slower on weekends, usually scheduling trains 20 minutes apart. Please take this into consideration when traveling to the National Mall.

Pets

Can I bring my dog(s) to our family portrait session?

YES! Please do!

I always recommend bringing a friend along to watch over your pup while we take any photos of the whole family that don’t have your pet in them, or maybe while we are at a spot that doesn’t allow animals (like on the steps of a monument or museum).

Other

Family sessions are for...families!

“Quick Linkedin headshots" and all other shots not geared towards family will not be taken.

Why do Lincoln Photography family sessions only last 45 minutes?

Many photographers set family portrait sessions at 2-3 hours. Nearly a decade of experience photographing families of all sizes has taught me that this lengthy duration is not necessary and can prove counterproductive. Almost inevitably, children under the age of 10 lose interest, get tired, cry, or complain after 45 minutes. !

In the first 30-40 minutes that I am with a family, I am able to
capture a variety of poses, groups, and close ups with the
adorably dressed little ones. I spend a few extra minutes exploring fun and candid options and then the kids lose steam. I choose to stop my sessions there in order to provide you a better set of photos with less stress, and to save you money. I pride myself on high levels of customer satisfaction and I have found that my method produces the best results.

After Your Photo Session

After your session, it will take 1.5 - 2 weeks for your photos to be processed and uploaded. I’ll remove any photos with closed eyes, less flattering expressions. I’ll email you a link and password to access, view, and download your gallery.

Retouching includes sharpening, brightening, contrast adjustment, color correction, cropping if needed, and light blemish removal on close-ups only.

Your final retouched images will go into a downloadable high res gallery. Anyone with the link and password can download the photos and purchase prints. Prints are provided by one of the country’s leading professional printing companies, and ship directly to you!

Looking to book your family portrait session?

Start here! Or email me

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

Family Christmas Photos ~ in home portraits

Deck the halls with boughs of holly!
Wrapping up this holiday family portrait season with one of my favorite families - I’ve had the privilege of photographing these kiddos from 0 to now - and look how big and bright eyed they are! They had a great time showing me their favorite ornaments, and little Kai broke out his guitar for a full-on concert!
Happy Holidays, everyone!

James & Dara are Engaged!

When James messaged me on Instagram asking me to photograph his proposal last Saturday to his girlfriend, Dara, I was beyond thrilled - proposals are one of my favorite things to photograph, and James was so excited and full of ideas! He wanted to take Dara to see the beautiful view at Constitution Gardens near the National Mall. The island is full of weeping willows, and peaceful geese float along nearby. There’s a little bridge that takes you to the secluded spot, perfect for a romantic proposal! What’s more, her family came earlier than she knew to surprise her after the big event. They showed up all smiles and perhaps even a few tears of joy, and presents in hand.

Congratulations, Dara & James!

Fall Family Portraits in DC, with the dog too!

Sheila & Greg’s daughter Alexandra is just the brightest-eyed little munchkin I ever saw! And I was thrilled when they asked to bring their puppy to their portrait session - of course! The more, the merrier! Photographing families with their pets is one of my favorite things. Kids get to run around and play, forgetting about the camera and just being themselves, and fortunately many families I’ve worked with this fall season have brought their dogs!

Fall Family Portraits at the National Cathedral, Bishop's Garden

This gorgeous, happy family and I spent a sun-filled evening running through the brick pathways of the Bishop’s Garden at the National Cathedral here in DC. Their kids are all spirit and smiles, mischievously giggling and taking a quiet moment to enjoy the roses. Happy Autumn, everyone!

18 months Baby Portraits!

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

In-home Family Portraits :: Dreamy sunset afternoon photo shoot

It’s been a few years since I last had the pleasure of photographing this happy bunch, and I’m thrilled they’ve finally moved from Cali to DC! Because that means I can take their portraits more often ;) Emerson is growing up into a beautiful young lady, and I just loved seeing their new home. We had a blast running around their backyard taking portraits a couple hours before sunset, when the golden light came through the trees and gracefully lit up their pool, garden, and smiles! They even brought out the veil from their wedding for their daughter to play with, which was a ton of fun!

First Birthday Family Portrait Session in DC!

Couples who continually come back to me for portraits make me just the happiest - they’ve adored my work and artistry, and there’s nothing more rewarding as a photographer than hearing that. John proposed to Marie a couple years ago atop the Charlie Palmer Steakhouse overlooking the Capitol Building, and last year for the cherry blossoms we held an absolutely gorgeous, perfect sunrise maternity session.
Check out their epic proposal shots here,
and
their beautiful cherry blossom sunrise maternity portraits!

Romantic Mini Wedding :: Claire & Roger

Claire & Roger’s wedding took place on a dreamy, warm summer night at Bon Air Rose Garden in Arlington (we even got lucky - it didn’t rain at all !). Only their closest friends and family were present, with a few even attending via video from Italy! Though it was a small, intimate ceremony, I couldn’t have asked for more glamorous things to photograph all evening - their champagne toasts, flower girl and ring bearer, Claire’s beautiful lace-trimmed veil and bouquet, their poetry reading, and the most fun of all - their fun-loving personalities and love for each other that shines through without any posing direction whatsoever. Congratulations Claire & Roger!

DC Wedding Portraits :: Aleasa & Neal

Aleasa & Neal were one of many couples I had scheduled for big wedding day celebrations this summer, but due to covid, had to drastically change their plans and adapt to make the most of the situation. I won’t be able to attend their new wedding for various reasons, but we took full advantage of the situation to focus on wedding photography - detail photos, bridal portraits, preparation shots, they even had a mini cake and champagne ready to go! We started with preparation photos and an impromptu *first look* session at the JW Marriott on Pennsylvania Ave, overlooking the DC skyline and the Washington Monument. They laughed together in Meridian Hill Park while popping a bottle of Moët Rosé, and cuddled in the limo en route to iconic spots around DC for portraits. We narrowly missed the rain and thunderstorms, and Aleasa & Neal’s wedding portrait session turned out fabulous! While I always give lots of direction during portrait sessions, these two hardly needed instruction to gaze lovingly into each other’s eyes, steal a kiss, laugh and enjoy life together. Such a treat to photograph! I’m so happy we made it work and that I was still able to help capture precious memories of your wedding celebrations, in a very unique way. I had so many favorites, this post doesn’t even scratch the surface. Get ready for lots of images below!

Right after I gestured to Aleasa to put frosting on Neal’s nose!

One of my absolute favorites!

Happy First Birthday, Little Girl! A summer 1st birthday portrait session

Little Olivia has grown into a beautiful one year old! I got to see her when she was just a tiny newborn, and I’m honored her parents asked me to take her first birthday portraits as well! We spent a beautiful evening at Dumbarton House - they left their gardens open for guests to enjoy while places were closed for the pandemic. It’s become my favorite spot for portraits, or just to spend the afternoon reading a book. The vast grounds make it easy to stay at least 6 feet away, so we are always at a very safe distance while still capturing loving, unposed, family portraits.

Newborn during Social Distancing :: a ray of light comes into the world

With everything that has been going on, it’s been hard to find positivity, let alone envision the future. This beautiful mama was heartbroken there would be no photos of her first child’s first days on earth - until we worked out a wonderful system to keep everyone safe and at a distance, while capturing these precious moments that will never come again. Their cul-de-sac was private and empty. They put out a brand new, sealed, hospital mask for me near their front steps. We spent just 15 minutes, at least 10 feet apart, on their front porch and capture over 40 unforgettable photos. I used my sharp, L-series telephoto zoom lens to get up close and personal from so far away. This little baby’s smile and his parents’ love put a smile on my face and hope in my future.
❤️

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.