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.
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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. 

Last month, I had the honor of photographing Colonel Veeder's promotion ceremony at the United States Capitol building on the Speaker of the House balcony.  It is a beautiful location as the balcony overlooks the National Mall in Washington D.C.  In addition, the Washington Monument is in the background.  That morning, there was an inch of snow on the ground, which provide a white ground surface.  
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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.
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​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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It was a beautiful day in Washington D.C. at The National Archives museum for an Air Force promotion ceremony.  Captain Kravitz's friends and family began gathering outside the museum before entry.  

Many potential photography clients wonder why should I have a consultation with my family photographer?  This is an excellent question.
 
If you’re not having a consultation with your photographer before your family or newborn portraits, you should and here’s why.  Your photographer wants to ensure you’re receiving portraits of your family you’ll love and adore.  The consultation is a fact-finding time for your photographer to learn about you, your family, and your wishes for the requested portrait session.  It’s also a great time to get to know your photographer and to determine if you’ll be a great match.  If you have kids, the photographer you like and want to hire may not be a fan of children or may only photograph children after a certain age. 

​This fact-finding meeting will also help your overall experience with your family photographer and your expectations towards the result.  It’s also a wonderful time to get answers to your burning questions.  
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​With the shutdown in full swing, many military members had their promotion or retirement ceremonies schedule to take place in the National Archives Museum in Washington D.C.  Now many are wondering what other locations can be used for their military ceremony.  This week’s Friday Fives list is a helpful list to give you some ideas and possibilities. 
 
Being in Washington D.C. there are so many wonderful locations to have as a military ceremony.  This is a quick list of five different possibilities if you are not able to schedule your promotion or retirement ceremony at the National Archives Museum.
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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. 

In this week's Friday Fives, I'll discuss five reasons why having your family pictures taken in Washington D.C. is a wonderful idea.  Living this close to Washington D.C. has its privileges; especially when it comes to taking family pictures.   

​Washington D.C. is such a beautiful place regardless of the time of year.  When it's spring the Cherry Blossoms are in full bloom and make for a beautiful background for your family's spring portraits; and during Autumn, the foliage on the trees are amazing.  If you're a part of the military community, having your family's portrait taken in Washington D.C. will also be a great way to remember you were stationed in the Washington D.C. area.