Although the cherry blossoms have yet to fully awaken, there are plenty of other photographic opportunities right now in Washington, DC.
At sunrise two days ago, the tidal basin was almost completely deserted. The sky was clear which means you can get the shot below as the sun clears the horizon.
Sunrise, April 2, 2015
At sunrise the next day, rain clouds were coming in from the west but there were some openings in the eastern sky. Again, the tidal basin was deserted.
Sunrise, April 3, 2015
The rain started within an hour after the image above was taken but it was a light rain so I checked out the status of the pink magnolia trees in Rawlins Park (E Street, Foggy Bottom) that usually are open before the cherry blossoms.
Afternoon Rain Shower, Rawlins Park
Magnolia, Rawlins Square
Magnolia, Rawlins Square
While photographing the square, I noticed some white magnolias across the street at the Red Cross National Headquarters (20th and E Streets NW). A quick check showed that an evening shot might be worthwhile.
Evening, Red Cross Headquarters
This morning, I checked out the Enid Haupt Garden at the Smithsonian Castle on Independence Avenue.
Morning, April 4, 2015
If you want to photograph these trees, don’t delay. They go quickly and inclement weather is forecast for mid-week.You can also find them in the Sculpture Garden (National Gallery of Art) and at the George Mason Memorial near the Jefferson Memorial.
Im going to try to go next Sunday morning. Hoping they are in bloom by then!
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I’m thinking they should be pretty good by then. I’ll be going down a few times before then and should have at least one post on the status around mid-week.
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I finally got to see the cherry blossoms in bloom in WDC last April. They really are spectacular. The tidal basin is one of my favourite spots in DC, always much quieter than other sightseeing areas. I love the shot you got with the trees reflected on the rain soaked ground and the one of the National Monument framed between columns.
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Thanks for your comments, Laura. That’s great that you got to see them last year. The Tidal Basin usually is pretty quiet, but less so at the peak of the cherry blossom blooms. Tonight might be a little busy over next to the FDR Memorial. The full moon will be coming up over the Jefferson Memorial. We’ll see what happens.
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A moon over the Jefferson Memorial would look fantastic. I hope you get that shot. I look forward to seeing it. I’ve only ever seen the FDR Memorial at night in the dark. FDR is my favourite president so I must take my kids to see the memorial when we are next in DC.
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Beautiful photos! I’ve been to DC once during cherry blossom time. They are stunning!
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Hi, Laura, thanks for visiting and for the comments. I see from my reader that you are back. As soon as I finish downloading today’s images, I’ll zip over and see your latest.
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Thank you for the welcome back!
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What absolutely glorious shots – Happy Easter! 😉
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Thank you and I hope yours is happy also.
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Beautiful shots! Here in Paris they are blooming and are lovely!
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Thanks very much, I appreciate the comments. Hmm. Paris and Cherry Blossoms. That sounds great.Hope to see some examples on your blog (hint)
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Wonderful update. We passed through DC about a week and a half ago. Unfortunately, we were driving our motorhome and had no time to stop. Inspiring images as always.
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Thanks very much for your kind comments. Sorry you couldn’t stop when passing by, but unless it was Saturday March 28 (Kite Festival), not much was out yet.
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Funny you should say that It was Saturday. Maybe that explains the traffic.
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Wonderful set of images. I too have a fondness for DC and all its photographic offerings. Especially love the first and second Jefferson Memorial images.
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Thanks very much. I was down there again today and the blossoms are coming right along. The crowds should be appearing soon, but it was still relatively deserted in the early hours.
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That did lift me. Beautiful shots.
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Thank you, glad you liked them. I should have more very soon, so stay tuned……
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Thanks for the info, Robin. By the way, I’m going to be routing my readers over to you for on-the-scene updates, so be fair warned! 🙂
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Thanks for the heads up, Mitch. I guess I better get working on the next report.
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Just gorgeous, Robin. These are my absolute favorite flower and I’ve never seen them up close in full bloom. Hopefully, I will one day…
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Thanks very much, Dani. I hope you can see them sometime soon. It’s quite a spectacle.
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