Your Guide to Engagement Photos at The Cherry Blossoms in Washington DC
Each year in Washington DC The National Cherry Blossom Festival at The Tidal Basin and Jefferson Memorial! The annual festival celebrates the 1912 gift of 3,000 cherry trees from the mayor of Tokyo to the city of Washington DC and honoring the friendship between The United States and Japan. Today the festival last about four weekends and attracts about 1.5 million tourist. The blossoms can be seen around The Tidal Basin, Jefferson Memorial, MLK Memorial, and many other areas. Many couples choose the Cherry Blossoms as the perfect time to plan their surprise proposal or engagement photos!
Here are some tips for planning your photos at the cherry blossoms:
1) Plan Ahead: photographers book up for cherry blossom photos FAST! Book your photographer at least 1-2 months out to secure a spot. If you wait until the last moment the photographer you want may be fully booked. Photographers only book a limited number of sessions.
2) Peak Bloom: Aim for scheduling photos around the peak bloom! On average, DC's cherry blossoms reach peak bloom around late-March into early April, but the exact timing varies year to year depending on the local temperatures in the leadup to the bloom. Here is a website to track peak bloom predictions!
3) The Most ideal Time! Plan to go at sunrise and on a weekday for the least amount of tourist. Anytime after sunrise can be extremely busy: especially during peak bloom and a weekend! Go at sunrise!
For professional photography on the Memorials property in DC there is a photography permit that you are suppose to get from NPS! The permit is a $90 application fee + $50 permit fee: $140 total.
Some shots along the pathways around the Tidal Basin! The Tidal Basin and Jefferson Memorial are ideal locations for Cherry Blossoms!
The Lincoln Memorial is a great spot to propose with a view of The Washington Monument! After the proposal you can walk nearby for Cherry Blossom photos!
Client Reviews
“Jon shot a surprise engagement for us at cherry blossoms up in DC. His efforts were outstanding. Throughout the process (3 months) we kept in contact with him always responding quickly. Jon arrived extremely early the day of the engagement which was good because we got there early as well. Jon knew exactly where he wanted to take pictures but also asked us several times if we had any requests. He sent us a few pictures the same day and we got the full album in less than a week. I highly recommend him.”
Learn more about planning engagement photos at he Cherry Blossoms in Washington DC by using the contact form or emailing jonflemingphotography@gmail.com