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Cherry Blossoms along the Basin in DC
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Mar 19, 2019 16:18:59   #
Kingman
 
There are currently numerous posts regarding the conditions for Texas bluebonnet shooting locations. The UH group is wonderful in knowing the all the right places!

Apparently I will be in the DC area for the now predicted peak of the cherry blossoms climax during the first weekend of April. I couldn't have time my trip any better! While I know that the Basin will be the best. Anyone have a particular favorite shooting location(s) and best time of the day. What about sunrise versus sunset? Both? Bring it on!

Oh, I will be back in Texas in time for bluebonnet peak climax likely in North Texas in mid April (Easter weekend).

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Mar 19, 2019 17:55:56   #
Just Fred Loc: Darwin's Waiting Room
 
It's nearly impossible to get anywhere near the cherry blossoms during the peak season. The tour buses are disgorging a lot of (often nasty and careless foreign) people, and views are blocked by moving bodies everywhere.

A photographer I know took an outstanding photo of the cherry blossoms at night, using light painting (he had about 30 people with flashlights, though). Then, you can have the place almost all to yourself.

Yes, the Tidal Basin is optimal, and I suggest you go. But don't get your hopes up too high for that award-winning photograph.

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Mar 19, 2019 21:49:36   #
rgrenaderphoto Loc: Hollywood, CA
 
Just Fred wrote:
It's nearly impossible to get anywhere near the cherry blossoms during the peak season. The tour buses are disgorging a lot of (often nasty and careless foreign) people, and views are blocked by moving bodies everywhere.

A photographer I know took an outstanding photo of the cherry blossoms at night, using light painting (he had about 30 people with flashlights, though). Then, you can have the place almost all to yourself.

Yes, the Tidal Basin is optimal, and I suggest you go. But don't get your hopes up too high for that award-winning photograph.
It's nearly impossible to get anywhere near the ch... (show quote)


What about if you went at sunrise?

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Mar 19, 2019 21:56:11   #
Kingman
 
I am thinking sunrise for sure! Backlight, looking into the East from MLK, Jr. Memorial, FDR Memorial, Jefferson Memorial?

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Mar 19, 2019 22:32:10   #
frjack Loc: Boston, MA
 
An alternative to experience cherry blossoms is Kenwood, a suburb in Bethesda or perhaps part of Bethesda, MD. I took some family members who were mobility impaired through the area by car. They loved it. Look it up on internet. The Montgomery County website has much advice on getting there, the realities of no parking, how to bike, Metro, etc.

Depending on the weather the traffic in downtown D.C. may be gridlocked during prime viewing hours. Do not consider driving. Kafka set several stories in D.C. in which the plot depended on trying to park. Uber et al could also take a very long time. If you must go downtown use the Metro. It will be crowded but will get you there more or less efficiently.

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Mar 20, 2019 06:44:54   #
traderjohn Loc: New York City
 
Just Fred wrote:
It's nearly impossible to get anywhere near the cherry blossoms during the peak season. The tour buses are disgorging a lot of (often nasty and careless foreign) people, and views are blocked by moving bodies everywhere.

A photographer I know took an outstanding photo of the cherry blossoms at night, using light painting (he had about 30 people with flashlights, though). Then, you can have the place almost all to yourself.

Yes, the Tidal Basin is optimal, and I suggest you go. But don't get your hopes up too high for that award-winning photograph.
It's nearly impossible to get anywhere near the ch... (show quote)

"often nasty and careless foreign people," Of course American tourists share none of those qualities.

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Mar 20, 2019 06:50:47   #
d2b2 Loc: Catonsville, Maryland, USA
 
traderjohn wrote:
"often nasty and careless foreign people," Of course American tourists share none of those qualities.


My thought, exactly.

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Mar 20, 2019 07:23:07   #
kcimato
 
frjack wrote:
An alternative to experience cherry blossoms is Kenwood, a suburb in Bethesda or perhaps part of Bethesda, MD. I took some family members who were mobility impaired through the area by car. They loved it. Look it up on internet. The Montgomery County website has much advice on getting there, the realities of no parking, how to bike, Metro, etc.

Depending on the weather the traffic in downtown D.C. may be gridlocked during prime viewing hours. Do not consider driving. Kafka set several stories in D.C. in which the plot depended on trying to park. Uber et al could also take a very long time. If you must go downtown use the Metro. It will be crowded but will get you there more or less efficiently.
An alternative to experience cherry blossoms is Ke... (show quote)


I also second the Kenwood neighborhood to view the cherry blossoms. I love it more than the Tidal Basin. Just don’t go there on the weekend. During the week there is some street parking during the week. I have always found parking. It is spectacular with multi million dollar homes surrounded by the cherry blossom trees. Get there early in the morning. Yes, google it and you can get a sneak peek.

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Mar 20, 2019 07:30:17   #
bobmcculloch Loc: NYC, NY
 
rgrenaderphoto wrote:
What about if you went at sunrise?


I've done that a couple of times, still a lot of people, cold, you need to get there quite a bit before sunrise to get a spot if your trying about one in particular, we got there early and walked the perimeter a couple of times, if your going to be there go, give it a try, Bob

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Mar 20, 2019 07:42:00   #
SuperflyTNT Loc: Manassas VA
 
The tidal basin is a five minute walk from my office. I’d definitely say sunrise and a weekday if possible.

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Mar 20, 2019 07:55:49   #
ronichas Loc: Long Island
 
While in DC be sure to check out the The American Veterans Disabled for Life Memorial. It is the only memorial to living vets. Great to photograph it at night.

** It is the first national memorial dedicated solely to disabled veterans, paying tribute to the hidden and visible disabilities from all conflicts and all branches of service.**

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Mar 20, 2019 08:18:27   #
johntaylor333
 
Kingman wrote:
There are currently numerous posts regarding the conditions for Texas bluebonnet shooting locations. The UH group is wonderful in knowing the all the right places!

Apparently I will be in the DC area for the now predicted peak of the cherry blossoms climax during the first weekend of April. I couldn't have time my trip any better! While I know that the Basin will be the best. Anyone have a particular favorite shooting location(s) and best time of the day. What about sunrise versus sunset? Both? Bring it on!

Oh, I will be back in Texas in time for bluebonnet peak climax likely in North Texas in mid April (Easter weekend).
There are currently numerous posts regarding the c... (show quote)


The blossoms will be in peak bloom around 3-6 April (see https://www.nps.gov/subjects/cherryblossom/bloom-watch.htm)

An alternative with many, but not as many, cherry trees is the National Arboretum on Rt 50 a few miles East of the mall. About 100 times less people!!!

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Mar 20, 2019 08:20:43   #
Fotoserj Loc: St calixte Qc Ca
 
Than most of driver around are tourist for they’re driving like they’ve got no idea where they’re going

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Mar 20, 2019 08:26:06   #
Just Fred Loc: Darwin's Waiting Room
 
traderjohn wrote:
"often nasty and careless foreign people," Of course American tourists share none of those qualities.


I didn't say "always." Of course there are inconsiderate and rude American tourists. If you check with park rangers and people charged with caring and maintaining sights and visiting areas, they will tell you there is a high incidence of disregard on the part of people from other cultures. Throwing trash, graffiti, smoking (disallowed in National Parks), climbing on structures (hey, let's take a selfie!), and other frowned-upon behaviors.

I'm a frequent state and national park visitor, as I find them a wealth of photo opportunism. My own experience bears out my observation.

You'll notice I'm not identifying the cultures from where these people originate. I suspect their disregard for our national treasures is in part based on their cultural upbringing. I'm not a park policeman, but I once chided someone (a foreigner) for climbing on something that quite obviously was not meant for that purpose.

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Mar 20, 2019 10:10:37   #
Fotoartist Loc: Detroit, Michigan
 
Try to frame the Jefferson Memorial between branches of cherry blossoms. You can do this from many vantage points. Crowds won't matter much for this shot. What will matter is depth of field. I tried multiple focus shots and combined them in the computer.

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