​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.

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​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.

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Christmas season is a popular time of year for many families to send out holiday cards to their friends and family.  This is a perfect time of year to share updated family portraits as well.  This past fall, I received a telephone call from Donnie wanting more information about scheduling a family portrait.   

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. 

​The first of the year is a time when many people (myself included) reflect on their lives and establish goals for themselves and for their families; in addition, business owners work on their goals for their respective companies.  This past week, I’ve been thinking about what goals I want to establish for my photography business.  

Autumn is one of my favorite times of the year especially in Northern Virginia.  It’s my favorite because when you step outside you feel the crispness in the air and the smell of wood burning in the fireplaces.  In addition to the crispness, the color on the trees come to life with beautiful oranges, reds, browns, and yellows.  When the wind blows, leaves begin flying in the air making for an amazing family portrait.  

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Did you know November is National Adoption Month?  Many of you may not know, but I'm an adoptive Mom.  Yes, my husband and I adopted our youngest son almost ten years ago.  Like many couples we struggled with infertility.  From the start of our marriage, we always wanted to adopt a young child, but wanted to have our biological children first.  However, God had other plans.

Location...Location...Location. Did you know many of the parks and Federal land in Washington DC and Northern Virginia require photography permits?

This includes Private Gardens, Fairfax County Parks, and all Federal land like the National Mall.  Permits can range from $50 up to $250 per session.