With the warming temperatures, the long delayed cherry blossoms along the Tidal Basin have finally hit their peak bloom. With an early pre-dawn departure, I arrived to the cherry blossoms before dawn. Many photographers were already on-site establishing their desired position for the sun rise.
The cloud cover wasn’t as desirable to ensure a brilliant sunrise, but the warm colors still shined through. This is the first warm spring morning where the temperatures were in the upper 60’s. In previous years, I’ve been bundled up like an Eskimo, but this year it was short sleeves.
The cherry blossoms were nothing short of glorious, and along the water it was a picture perfect way to start the day. Oh the pinks, the creamy whites, the delicate blossoms. Where does one even start when capturing the blossoms.
Starting with an establishing shot, I then began to wander along the basin. I explored the Franklin D. Roosevelt Memorial, which as a semi-local, I have to admit I never knew was there! There is also the new Martin Luther King Memorial, surrounded with young blooming cherry blossom trees.
I then pulled out my Macro lens and started to get closer images of these beautiful flowers. I’m going to save the memorials to share with you tomorrow.
But you must click through to my smugmug site to see some of the closeups of these beautiful flowers. I promise you, it’s worth the trip!
Categories: 2013 Project 365, Flowers, Nature, travel, Washington DC
Emily Carter ~ Nature as Art 
Simply stunning!!!
Thanks Ali ! Now to get them on google+ for the group. 🙂
These are fantastic!! I love the Jefferson Memorial. Wow!! Were you there early enough to get a parking spot?
Yep, I got there at 6am and parked on Ohio street along the Potomac. Free parking there. Thanks for the thumbs up. I wish now I had taken more pictures. LOL!
I can’t imagine ever getting enough photos of the cherry blossoms! But you only need a few stellar ones 🙂 and you have those! I may have to just do it despite my deadlines…
LOL ! I agree. What I think is that I didn’t get enough establishing/people type shots. I have some from last year, but it was cloudy and overcast that day. Tomorrow is another sweet spot day but hot. Rain on Friday
I would go at dawn to be home by 10 or 11. Just looking at the map right now. We are still working tonight on the magazine so I think I could probably escape for a few hours in the morning and it would be OK.
Oh that would be perfect. The light actually got hot by 9’ish. I arrived at 6am which was right in the nick of time. Park on Ohio Street and you’re right there across the basin from the Jefferson Memorial. The FDR memorial is there (restrooms)
Awesome advice! I will let you know how it goes. Might have to wait until Thursday but hope for tomorrow. Look forward to seeing more photos!!
Thanks..I’m still working through them. I just picked out the best ones.
Well you have a great eye, for sure!
Glorious indeed! Spectacular!
Thank you so much Soonie ! So happy you enjoyed them.
I absolutely love the mood of the sunset and your amazing photo of the blossoms 🙂
Thanks Andy ! I have to say, this year is exceptional with the beauty of the blossoms.
Love this time of the year 🙂 🙂
Me Too ! I’m going crazy because I want to go out and shoot every day. Tulips, Bluebells, other spring flowers, migrating song birds. Too much!
Sounds like it’s going to be a good busy few days 😉
Your cherry blossom is stunning. Really something special.
Thanks Charlie! You’re so awesome with your wonderful comment. So happy you enjoyed these. I saw that tons of new cherry trees have been planted in the area, so in about 5 years the area will be truly stunning.
Wow, so that’s what I just missed! I was in DC a few days ago hoping that the cherry trees would bloom but it was a few days early. Thanx for rubbing it in with those excellent pictures! 😉
Oh you are kidding ! I feel so much for you. I am truly blessed to have the luxury of living close by and have a flexible schedule so that I can enjoy them on their best day. I’m more than happy to share these with you and I think it deserves you to get a 8×10 print of your choice if you want. Just let me know!
Beautiful Captures – thanks for sharing:) Have a Great One!
It is truly my pleasure Renee. So happy you enjoyed them.
The reflection of the structure on the water is magnificent. It seems to be a windless day. As for the close up picture, really smug, huh? You are one good photographer.
LOL ! You are too funny..Yep, quite smug indeed. I was really lucky there was no wind, it makes a huge difference. Thank you so much for your kind words.
All of them are great, but #24 was past awesome! (the reflection)
I have to agree with you Jerry ! That reflection shot is my favorite of all of them. It was such a fantastic day. Wish you could have been there to enjoy the morning too.
Absolutely stunning photos! All three of them have special appeal in their own way. Marvellous!!
Thank you so much Lizzie, You should also check out the gallery in smugmug. I have some nice closeups of the blossoms.
These are stunning, Emily, and what a wonderful way to start the day. And hooray for the weather. A bit of sun on our backs does us the world of good after the long winter.
Have fun!!
It is so true, but we went from winter temperatures to summer temps. Today is high 80’s Eeh gads! Thank you so much for your kind compliment Corinne and hope all is well with you.
you show why the early bird gets the worm–the light is fantastic on your photos !
You are so kind Will. It’s true. I heard that in the afternoon for sunset the place is PACKED with photographers. Much more enjoyable at dawn. Not so many early risers. 🙂
Amazing… 🙂
Merci Monsieur
Wow Emily, these are gorgeous – from your set-up straight through to the close-ups. The colors generating from the golden glows of the sun, to the pinks of the cherry blossoms are a painters dream. Spectacular work!
How I wish you could be here to enjoy these blossoms with me. They are truly spectacular and unique. Filled with inspiration and warmth. Thank you so much for your kind words Mary. You are too generous.
wow, those are some wonderful pictures emily!! finally spring arrived in vienna as well and from tomorrow on i will have a lot of time for my camera 🙂
That is wonderful for you Evi. Somehow I thought spring would be a little later for you in Vienna. Can’t wait to see what you find in the warmer days.
Too beautiful!!! Excellent shots!!!
Thank you so much Rexlin.
Stunning photos! Love them! 🙂
Thank you so much for your kind comment Flanerie. I appreciate you stopping by and hope to see you back soon.
Tremendous beauties Emily! So glad you are up and out early to capture these scenes!
You mean while you’re sleeping in for me. 😉 More than happy to do it for you any time. Thanks Phil.
Absolutely glorious shots. Beautiful.
Thank you so much Lynne. I love how as photographers we can watch how our art progresses.
Breathtaking! 🙂
You are too kind Sheryl. Thank you so much. I know you would have loved to have been there this past week. I understand the trees are done with their flowers already.
That’s a special set of photos you compiled at sunrise. Well done, Emily!
Thank you so much Tom. Well worth the 4am wake up call then? Hope all is going well with you.
Magical! Just like a fairy tale.
Wow, look what I just discovered Fatima. A really old comment that I never acknowledged. Oh how I wish you could enjoy these cherry blossoms in spring with me. You are such a kind and wonderful friend.
Always a pleasure to look at your amazing photos and this way I’ve had another look, which is wonderful this time of year as I do get a bit low in spirits in the depths of winter and sometimes I just can’t see the light at the end of the tunnel, that being the Spring!