It had been a quiet week, thanks to the cloudy weather and intermittent rain. The cherry blossoms had not been officially declared “at peak.” Few photographers bothered to show up in the wee hours before the sun made its appearance. But on Saturday, everything changed.
A little after 6:00 AM and there were only a few spots with some room.
And it was possible to get a pretty decent image at 6:25 AM
But soon it seemed that anyone who had a camera was here.
Even an IMAX film crew working a documentary for the National Park Service.
A few photographers were fashionably color coordinated (Note the teal accents).
Even the Tripod Police dressed up with nice blue accessories.
Everyone was in a good mood, some especially so.
Those who got up late paid the price (But pink and blue was still the rule).
Still, photo ops are where you find them
Others used the blossoms as a prop instead of the subject.
This magnolia tree is a favorite for wedding photographers
A wedding announcement? Not a bad idea.
This pose started to draw a crowd.
As did this one
But the men practicing for the Kumu’ohu Challenge race on April 18 could care less.
No need to hire a photographer, get a remote and Voila!
A classic áo dài, and a perfect occasion for it.
Recipe for a perfect cherry blossom shoot?
The day before official peak must be a weekday, with a forecast that calls for clouds, rain, and wind. And the forecast turns out to be wrong on all three counts.
Keep shooting
photographybykent 
Love your optimism in the last paragraph 🙂 It looks so beautiful no wonder everyone was out there snapping and it looks like you decided if you couldn’t beat them, join them or make use of them at least.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks very much, that’s pretty much how it went: “If you can’t beat ’em…. ” Fortunately I had been down there several times during the previous week when it was quiet so I had a few good shots in the bag, as it were. Otherwise, it would have been more frustrating.
LikeLike
I love your captions! They make me smile!!! And thank you for spelling “áo dài” perfectly, with the accent tones 🙂 I am a Vietnamese so I really appreciate that! 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you, that’s very kind of you. I’ve always thought the “áo dài” was and is an incredibly elegant design.
LikeLiked by 1 person
What a fun post and a glorious location. Beautiful photos.
LikeLike
Thanks so much. I appreciate your comments.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Robin, I am so happy that you are alive and able to send these wonderful photos for all of us to see ! I haven’t been to Washington for Cherry Blossom Festival since 2008, so through your marvelous photos, I feel as if I am there again. Thank you soooo much !
LikeLiked by 1 person
Wow, you are so nice! Thank you; I’m glad you liked the series of images. Even though it wasn’t the reason I went down there that day, it was a lot of fun once I got started.
LikeLike
I love your photos, Robin! I mean… photos and stories! What a treat! Thank you!
LikeLike
Thanks, Helen. It’s great that you enjoyed them. Thanks for visiting.
LikeLike
These photos are alive as spring is.
Great!
Have a nice day, Robin, and greetings from Germany,
Ulli
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks! I appreciate it and I’m pleased you liked the post.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I love the fact that in every image the photographer is using a real camera and not their phone or tablet (no offense to those that do). I was lucky when I went to a conference in DC in 2010 it coincided with the festival. I wasn’t even aware of it at the time. I was able to extend my stay for a few days. I’d love to go back!
LikeLike
Thanks for visiting and for your comments. I must admit, there were also a lot of people using their phones but the real cameras were well represented. I spoke with one young woman who had her iPhone on one of those little Gorilla Pods doing a timelapse series of images of the sunrise. That was pretty cool but most of the camera phone people were doing selfies.
LikeLike
The blossoms look gorgeous but I don’t think I could cope with it being that crowded. You are clearly more tolerant than I am. I took a picture of my kids on that magnolia tree not realizing it was a thing people do. I unwittingly participated in cliche.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks, Laura. It helped that everyone there (except maybe the woman shooting from the car) was in a festive mood. The weather was close to perfect, not too hot which also helps. Funny that you had photographed your kids on the very same tree. In the case of that specific tree, however, I would call it more of a “tradition” than a cliche.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I love the angle you took on the cherry blossoms. I went on Sunday and it was a madhouse! This post sums up the activities (and chaos) very well!
LikeLike
Thanks, I appreciate that. I decided not to go back on Sunday, knowing that two days of that would be a little much. Overall it was a good season for the cherry blossoms. The weather was mild throughout, the blooms emerged gradually and there was no violent weather to knock the blossoms down prematurely. The cloudy days leading up to the peak on the weekend actually provided some excellent shooting opportunities because very few people came down, holding off for what was forecast to be a fabulous weekend.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Great photo journalism. I felt like I was there!
LikeLike
Thanks, I’m glad you liked it. ALways good to hear from you.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Aww, you got to see BOTH the IMAX film crew and the mounted police — I’m jealous! 🙂
Good shots, as always. It looks as though you did the same thing as me and focused quite a bit on the crowd this time around.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yes, I think it was a cameo appearance by the mounted police. And you’re right that we were on the same track. One thing about being in a huge crowd where everyone is taking pictures–no one notices when you point a camera at them.
LikeLike
Isn’t THAT the truth! People were so fixated on their own shots that I began to switch over to street shooting, and I think I got some decent images. I have the C-41 films back now; I just have to process the black and white later tonight and tomorrow.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Great post, Robin! Lemonade out of lemons! –Greg
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks, Greg. I was doing the best I could with the situation. Had fun doing it and I’m glad you liked the images..
LikeLike
So wonderful the Cherry Blossoms – amid the masses! Your photos are lovely and capturing the excitement – as their blossoms only last for a short period of time (attracting the masses) – which is all part of Spring!
LikeLike
Interesting reportage and nice pictures, Robin. Nowadays there are no hidden places anymore. People are everywhere. 🙂
LikeLike
Thanks, Alexander. I think you are right. It certainly seems that way.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Amazing how many people were there for the blossoms! I love your humorous review of the day, some interesting poses going on there! Looking at your first few photos though, you definitely got there at the best part of the day, they are stunning! Early mornings for the next few days? 🙂
LikeLike
Thanks, Katie, glad you enjoyed the post. Yes, the early morning can bring some some great light, even when there are clouds. But I think it is pretty well over at the Tidal Basin; I was down this morning and the rain from yesterday appears to have knocked off a significant percentage of the petals.
LikeLike
Beautiful photos!
LikeLike
Thanks!
LikeLike
Very interesting and lively post Robin 🙂 I totally enjoyed the photos and descriptions. Looks so fun!
LikeLike
Thanks, Faqeeha. I’m glad you enjoyed the post.
LikeLike
Oh so many people were there !! It’s crazy, but I understand, the views are gorgeous and what a beautiful weather 🙂
LikeLike
Yes, the weather was perfect on both days of the weekend. Even the temperature was relatively moderate. Thanks for visiting.
LikeLike