It's hard to believe the Cherry Blossoms in Washington DC have already bloomed and are not gone.  Each year, I look forward to the arrival of spring and the blooming of these beautiful flowers.  This year's Cherry Blossoms were a marvelous sight and a wonderful opportunity for amazing family portraits.  Despite the chilly breeze, the pink and white blooms were breath taking.   Yes, spring has sprung. 
 
As a parent, we don’t know how our kids will interact with strangers especially when it comes to taking pictures.  However, these little kiddos where excited and ready to have their portrait taken with the symbol of spring for Washington DC; I even had a creative director.  
 

Spring has sprung in Washington D.C. and do you know what that means?  There are many families wanting to have their family photographed with the beautiful Japanese Cherry Blossoms in downtown Washington DC.  Once you get pass the traffic, crowds of people, and find a parking space, the blossoms serves a wonderful backdrop for your family's spring photo.
​

We met at Ft McNair, in Washington DC, where the National War College University is located right off the Potomac River.  It was a beautiful sight with the blossoms on the trees, however the temperatures had us singing the burrr song.  With the smiles on these bright faces; you wouldn't know the temperature were in the 40°s. 

The Cherry Blossoms in Washington D.C. are so beautiful, and they bring lots of people to the area.  Yes, congestion of cars and people will be the norm in just a couple of weeks.  If you decide to travel down to the Tidal Basin to see these beautiful blossoms, pack your patience.  However, if you would like to the Cherry Blossoms, but avoid the Tidal Basin and crowds of people here are a few locations to visit.
​
​

​As a professional photographer in Northern Virginia, “What to Wear” is a commonly asked questions when families are planning their family portrait session.  I totally understand receiving these questions, because everyone wants to look their best, and styles and color trends are consistently changing.  I share these posts as I want to make things easier for my clients.  In addition to sharing these helpful tips, I also let my clients know, I’m willing to come to their home to help create a style/wardrobe for their family pictures.  
​
​

​We’re getting closer to the peak bloom of Cherry Blossoms in Washington D.C. and Northern Virginia.  Which means there will be an influx of visitors and an increase in traffic in the surrounding area for the Cherry Blossom festival.  Seeing photos online of the pictures of the Cherry Blossoms doesn’t give the beauty of these flowers’ true justice; they must be seen in person.  After several years of visiting the Cherry Blossoms in D.C., I want to share my experience with those traveling into the city.  Below you’ll see some helpful tips to see the D.C. Cherry Blossoms as well as how to schedule your 2019 Cherry Blossom family pictures.

​

​Earlier this week the National Park Service and The Cherry Blossom Festival released the peak bloom date for the blossoms in Washington D.C.  April 3-6, 2019 are the projected peak bloom dates for this year.  I can see spring in our near future, can you?  During this week’s Friday Fives, I want to share with you the top five tips and most important things to do and visit during the festivals. 
 
1.  Plan
Plan as much of your visit as possible.   Although the blossoms are projected to peak April 3-6, 2019, the weather makes it difficult to plan the exact date until 10 days out.  The National Cherry Blossom Festival (March 20 – April 14) is schedule from mid-March through mid-April every year with a full calendar of activities.  If you’re wanting to see the Cherry Blossoms with less crowds, I highly recommend visiting during the weekday.  The weekends are filled with locals as well as out of towners who have traveled to the area for a day trip.  The Tidal Basin has a lot more wiggle room during the weekday because many people are at work and children are at school. 

​If you decide to visit the Tidal Basin during the weekend, it’s better to plan visit early in the morning or later in the day.  No matter what day of the week you visit the earlier in the morning the better.  Wandering around the Tidal Basin at 7am can be delightful, even on the weekends.  However, as the morning progresses, the crowds will significantly increase; especially after 9 a.m.  If you’re wanting to take pictures of the monuments with the blossoms the light for pictures shortly after sunrise is stunning.

​

Spring in Washington D.C. and the surrounding area provides the most beautiful backdrop for family pictures – why because of the amazing Cherry Blossoms.  We are blessed to live in an area where there is such a wonderful array of colors.  When the National Park Service (NPS) announces the full bloom dates, there are many visitors that pounce on the area.  Fall in Northern Virginia is another great opportunity for family pictures, however, I love spring because of the colors, but also the pleasing smell. 

Happy New Year!  It seems like these words come around faster and faster each year.  With each new year it seems like many people reflect on their yearly goals and resolutions.  I know some of the most popular goals and resolutions are losing weight, going to the gym, eating better, taking a family picture, a family vacation, and having better relationships.  I can’t argue with any of these and some are on my list to improve as well. 

​Another thing I look forward to each year is the NCAA Football Championship game.  I’ll be cheering for Alabama.  Yes, Alabama…if you didn’t know the college is located in my hometown.  So, I'll be cheering for the hometown team.  I'll also be making my family's favorite cookies.    

Spring is one of the most wonderful seasons for many of us, especially if you live in Northern Virginia and Washington D.C.. The air is fresh, the flowers are blooming, people are happy…​
​

Have you scheduled your Cherry Blossom portrait appointment for 2018 in Washington DC?  If not, this is a great opportunity to schedule your family portraits.  Spring is a wonderful time to have your family photographed.  It’s a lot warmer and the beautiful blossoms and the wonderful smells are everywhere. 

If you haven’t scheduled your appointment, now is a great time.  I will be giving one family who schedules with Tamieka Smith Photography for their Cherry Blossoms before January 21st of this year a complimentary 20 page, 10×10 Heirloom family – a $1500 value!  In addition, two families will receive a $300 and $200 credit, respectively. 

There is no limit on the number of pictures that may be included in the album, just remember the more pictures you place in the album, the more crowded the pages become. The winners may also upgrade from this album if so desired. 

These albums are produced using archival inks and acid-free papers.  Then handcrafted using a 1/4" thick moisture resistant, acid-free, warp-free boards and only the finest textile cover materials. These family heirloom albums are created to last for 200 plus years with less than 8% color fade.