Cherry Blossom Photography | Family Portraits

It's a New Year and if you're in the Washington D.C. area you know what that means.  The Cherry Blossoms will be blooming before we know it.  It won't be long before the Washington DC, Northern Virginia, and Maryland will be surrounded with the beautiful sights and smells of the Cherry Blossoms.  Now is the perfect time to begin looking into hiring your family's photographer.  As spring gets closer, many photographers we become sold out and the frenzy and hysteria will begin.   
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Spring is a gorgeous sight to see yearly and beautiful season in the DMV area.  It's a wonderful time to photograph your family in stunning spring colors.  For military families, this is a great symbol of Washington D.C. and one of those must have family pictures.
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The National Cherry Blossom Festival in Washington D.C. is scheduled during a short three-week period, from March 20 – April 15, 2018.  The bloom period for the Cherry Blossoms last approximately 1-2 weeks, which the full bloom period lasts about a week.  There are several different stages the Cherry Blossoms goes thru before we get to see the wonderful finale - full bloom.​

Tamieka Smith Photography sets aside (2) two days for family Cherry Blossom Portrait Sessions.  To reserve your family’s session, it’s recommended you book now.  Once the National Park Service has indicated the full bloom dates, I will contact you for your preferred and specific session time.  ​
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Tamieka Smith Photography will offer two days for sessions:

• Weekday (morning & afternoon)
• Weekend (morning & afternoon)

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​There are two package available.  Each package includes 20 minutes of session time, one (1) 8x10 heirloom portrait print, NPS photography permit, and optional upgrade, download retouched images with print release  
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​The National Cherry Blossom Festival’s website indicates April 4 as the Average Peak Bloom date.  Determining exactly when the buds will open is not easy to predict and it’s extremely difficult to conclude more than 10 days prior to the actual peak bloom.  For more information, visit http://www.nationalcherryblossomfestival.org/about/bloom-watch.  You can also view the Cherry Blossom web cam (when it becomes available): https://www.earthcam.com/usa/dc/cherryblossoms/?cam=cherryblossoms.

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What is included with the Cherry Blossom sessions?​

• Consultation – Discuss clothing options
• 20 Minute Session Time
• Permit from National Park Service (required)
• One (1) 8x10 Heirloom Portrait Print (of your choice)
• Upgrade: Download of retouched images with print release
• Order/View Session

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​How do I book a session a Cherry Blossom session?
Portrait sessions may be booked directly online in the online store or by calling Tamieka Smith Photography at (571) 250-5073.  The retainer may be paid via check, cash, or credit card. 
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​Can I schedule more than 20 minutes?
​Yes, you may schedule an hour or more, if needed.  Contact the studio directly for pricing.
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​May I schedule a session at night?
Yes, night portrait sessions start 10 minutes after the sunset and are scheduled at the standard price point.  Please note there is a Photography Permit that’s required from the National Park Service.  Rescheduling is subject to availability and a $45 fee.  You may schedule a night session for any day during the cherry blossom season.  Please be aware of the blossom visibility; they’re less visible at night.
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​What if there is bad weather during my session?

1. If it begins to rain during your session, we will take cover and wait to see if it will pass.  If it’s not possible to continue with your session, we’ll reschedule your session for another day (rescheduling fee will be waived). 
2. If you’re visiting Washington DC from out of town and unable to reschedule, and were unable to have your completed session because of the weather, 50% of your retainer will be refunded.
3. If inclement weather is forecasted 24 hours before your schedule Cherry Blossom portrait session and it shows more than a 30% chance of rain, we’ll wait to determine if we need to cancel and reschedule your session for another day or if we can postpone your session time for later that day.  

Will it be crowded?
Spring in Washington DC is one of the most crowded seasons of the year, simply because of the Cherry Blossoms.  Not only are the blossoms a beautiful sight, but the Festival organizes a lot of different activities during a short period of time.  In addition, everyone that visits Washington DC or the Northern Virginia area, wants pictures with the blossoms.  It’s the ultimate symbol of spring.  There is limited parking available in the Potomac Tidal Basin area.  It’s highly recommend using mass transit or the shuttle bus.  
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When will the cherry blossom trees bloom?
Peak Bloom Date is when 70 percent of the blossoms of the Yoshino cherry trees are open. The date when the Yoshino cherry blossoms reach peak bloom varies from year to year, depending on weather conditions. The mean date of blooming is April 4, but nature doesn’t always cooperative and the National Park Service are unable to make an accurate prediction much more than 10 days prior. The blooming period starts several days before the Peak Bloom Date and can last as long as 14 days; however, frost or high temperatures, wind and/or rain can shorten this period. 
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When is the best time to schedule my Cherry Blossom session?
Once the blossoms are in full bloom, any time is a great time to have your portraits taken. However, as the day go on, there will be significantly more people.  I highly encourage and recommend going early in the morning or later in the evening.  Nonetheless, this is no guarantee of fewer people.  

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A few words of advice however:

• Book your family’s photographer early!  Cherry blossoms are only at their peak for a few **days.**  As the season gets closer, many photographers will become booked and unavailable.
• Have session early!  In addition to the best light for your family's session being at dawn, shooting at the crack of dawn is the only way to avoid the crowds in Washington, DC.  Let me be clear, it will be crowded.  Very crowded, even at 6am, but you’ll be able to walk.  Later in the day?  Not so much. 

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​Have a permit!  Shooting in any national park requires a permit.  When I was a new photographer, I photographed without a permit.  Tisk, tisk.  Now, I will not photograph a National Mall session without a permit, and I have seen numerous photographers stopped, kicked out of park areas, and brides and grooms leave their DREAM, ONCE IN A LIFETIME location all because someone didn’t get a permit.  It can be extremely heartbreaking.

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Please Note:  If your schedule is inflexible and need to reserve a specific date, you can schedule a specific date or wait and schedule your Cherry Blossom session once the National Park Service dictates the actual bloom dates.  Sessions dates will be announced based on the Peak Bloom Dates.

Do you have questions?  Don't hesitate to ask; I would love to help.  My email address is [email protected] or telephone number is (571) 250-5073.

Tamieka Smith Photography is located in Northern Virginia.