Spring in Full Bloom
Photo of Cherry Blossoms in Washington DC taken by Lance Long of LongShots Media LLC
Each year, Washington D.C. transforms into a living canvas painted with soft pinks and delicate whites as cherry blossoms bloom across the National Mall.
Photo of Cherry Blossoms in Washington DC taken by Lance Long of LongShots Media LLC
This spring, I made my way to the capital to experience this stunning natural event. With camera in hand, I planned to photo walk the iconic landmarks among the cherry blossom trees.
Photo of Cherry Blossoms in Washington DC taken by Lance Long of LongShots Media LLC
A Photographer’s Seasonal Playground
For any photographer, visiting D.C. during cherry blossom season is bucket-list worthy. The timing of the bloom is unpredictable, usually peaking around late March or early April.
Photo of Cherry Blossoms in Washington DC taken by Lance Long of LongShots Media LLC
When it does finally arrive, it creates a vibrant yet peaceful backdrop that invites thousands of creatives and nature lovers to gather and capture the fleeting beauty.
Photo of Cherry Blossoms in Washington DC taken by Lance Long of LongShots Media LLC
I started my photo walk at the Lincoln Memorial, where the cherry blossoms hadn’t bloomed just yet. Instead of focusing on the trees, I shifted my attention to the interior of the memorial—capturing detailed shots of the Lincoln statue and the flow of visitors inside.
Photo of Cherry Blossoms in Washington DC taken by Lance Long of LongShots Media LLC
One of my favorite images from this stop features the crowd in the foreground, helping to show the massive scale of the monument. The textures of the historic stone paired with subtle natural elements gave the composition a timeless and balanced feel.
Photo of Cherry Blossoms in Washington DC taken by Lance Long of LongShots Media LLC
Walking Among Icons: The Monuments
From there, I made my way to the Washington Monument, where cherry trees lined the perimeter in perfect symmetry. I switched to a wide-angle lens to fully capture the scale and grandeur of the scene.
Photo of Cherry Blossoms in Washington DC taken by Lance Long of LongShots Media LLC
Using leading lines formed by the rows of trees and visitors’ paths, I was able to create compositions that naturally guided the viewer’s eye toward the towering obelisk in the distance.
Photo of Cherry Blossoms in Washington DC taken by Lance Long of LongShots Media LLC
The Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial was perhaps the most powerful visual experience of the walk. Not only was the monument a bold and meaningful centerpiece, but during my visit, it was also the site of the National Cherry Blossom Festival.
Photo of Cherry Blossoms in Washington DC taken by Lance Long of LongShots Media LLC
Photo of Cherry Blossoms in Washington DC taken by Lance Long of LongShots Media LLC
The energy was electric—live music, cultural performances, and groups of visitors made for great candid and environmental portrait opportunities.
Photo of Cherry Blossoms in Washington DC taken by Lance Long of LongShots Media LLC
Capturing Cherry Blossoms in the Crowd
Photographing the cherry blossoms in Washington D.C. during peak hours can be a challenge due to the sheer number of visitors, but it’s still possible to capture stunning images with a bit of creativity and patience.
Photo of Cherry Blossoms in Washington DC taken by Lance Long of LongShots Media LLC
Instead of avoiding the crowds, I use them to my advantage—incorporating people into the frame to add scale, energy, and a storytelling element.
Photo of Cherry Blossoms in Washington DC taken by Lance Long of LongShots Media LLC
Framing your shots tightly around the blossoms, using a wide aperture to blur out distractions, or finding a higher or lower angle can help isolate your subject.
Photo of Cherry Blossoms in Washington DC taken by Lance Long of LongShots Media LLC
Early morning light or golden hour can also soften the scene and make even busy areas feel calm and inviting. With the right mindset and a bit of flexibility, crowded moments can still lead to beautifully composed, memorable shots.
Photo of Cherry Blossoms in Washington DC taken by Lance Long of LongShots Media LLC
Final Thoughts: A Must-Shoot Experience
If you’re a photographer and you haven’t yet visited Washington D.C. during cherry blossom season, add it to your list.
Photo of Cherry Blossoms in Washington DC taken by Lance Long of LongShots Media LLC
Whether you’re into street photography, landscapes, portraits, or simply love the thrill of seasonal color, this annual bloom offers something for everyone. I walked away from the trip with images that will hold a proud place in my portfolio.
Photo of Cherry Blossoms in Washington DC taken by Lance Long of LongShots Media LLC
