2017 Cherry Blossom Mini Sessions | Northern Virginia Family Photographer

1/8/2017

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Although it's winter, spring is around the corner. The Cherry Blossoms will be blooming before you know it and many people requesting to have family portraits taken with the cherry blossoms.

Helpful information concerning the 2017 Cherry Blossom Festival and our Cherry Blossom Sessions.
Please read the following before requesting a portrait session!

LIMITED SESSIONS AVAILABLE

Purchase Cherry Blossom Session

The National Cherry Blossom Festival is scheduled during a three week time frame at the end of March and beginning of April, with the hope the blossoms will bloom at that time.

The cherry blossom blooming period lasts approximately 1 to 2 weeks. That means you can get beautiful portraits at (3) times:

as the blossoms are preparing to bloom (a few days before peak bloom)
peak bloom
a few days after peak bloom when the petals turn to pastel pink and white

Tamieka Smith Photography is allocating one day in Washington D.C. to schedule portraits. To reserve one of the 8 sessions available, we request that you book now and then once the peak dates are released by the National Park Service, Tamieka Smith Photography will contact you in the order of who schedule first to choose the desired time. Please note: sessions are already being booked. (Update - as of March 3, 2017, there are 4 sessions available)

From the National Cherry Blossom Festival website:

Update: The National Park Service projects Peak Bloom Date: March 14 - March 17

Exactly when the buds will open is not easy to predict and it is extremely difficult to give an accurate forecast much more than 10 days before peak bloom. http://www.nationalcherryblossomfestival.org/about/bloom-watch

Check out this blog for up-to-date information on peak bloom dates: http://cherryblossomwatch.com/peak-bloom-forecast

FAQs

What is included in the Cherry Blossom Mini Portrait Sessions?

Sessions include a consultation (via telephone) to discuss location and wardrobe ideas, 20-Minute portrait session, Ordering/Viewing Session, (1) 8x10 Heirloom Portrait with UV protection, and required permit to photograph in Washington DC.
Please note: Digital Image Files are not included in session retainer fee (unless digital package is purchased). They may be purchased during your Ordering/Viewing Session; if not prepurchased.

How do I book a session during the cherry blossom season?

Contact the studio by calling (571) 250-5073 and let me know if you would like to schedule a portrait session. I request sessions be arranged prior to the blooming of the Cherry Blossoms. This way you have first choice. However, if you would like to wait until the blossoms arrive and there is still availability, all you need to do to secure your session is to remit the retainer. Please note: The retainer is non-refundable. Portrait session retainer may be paid via check, cash, credit card, or PayPal.

Can I schedule more than a 20 minute session?

Absolutely, you may schedule a regular portrait session (up to two hours of portrait session time) and the pricing is $250 plus the DC photography permit.

How do we reschedule?

Once you have selected your date and time for your Cherry Blossom Session, rescheduling is subject to availability and a $50 fee.

Are there permit fees?

Depending on location, your photographer is required to pay $50 to $250 to the National Park Service in addition to an application fee.

What if there is bad weather during our session?

1. If it begins raining in the middle of your session, we will take cover and see if it passes quickly. If possible, we will continue photos inside one of the monuments. If that is not possible and it does not pass quickly, we will reschedule your session for a different day and/or time.

2. If the forecast 24 hours before your scheduled session shows more than a 30% chance of rain and/or extremely bad weather, we will wait as long as possible before canceling or rescheduling. In previous years, bad weather during this time has only lasted a few minutes, even if it is predicted to last all evening. I recommend preparing to hold your session, and we will both check the actual weather and sky and make a decision 1.5 hours prior to the start of your session.

Exclusive Products:

We will have two products exclusively for the Cherry Blossom Mini Sessions in addition to our standard product line.