Cherry Blossom Heaven

The Cherry Blossoms have finally bloomed in Washington DC <3  I was able to go to the Tidal Basin before sunrise on Tuesday morning with a friend and photograph these magnificently beautiful trees.  When I went last year for the Cherry Blossom Festival, I used "P" (program) mode the entire time.  I had a general knowledge of manual photography, but I did not feel confident yet and felt "safer" staying in "P" mode.  While I had a lot of compositionally good photographs, many were lacking in the technical area.

This year, I was ready technically speaking!  But due to the later than anticipated Peak Blooming period, my schedule was already very busy.  Basically the only day I was able to go into DC (without kids) was Tuesday.  It was kind of a ready or not, here I come sort of thing.  The trees were blooming and there was plenty of color, but there were many branches that were not completely open yet.  The only thing I missed out on was the blanket of cherry blossom petals that cover the ground.  That of course happens a little later in the blooming period.

Cherry Blossoms at the Tidal Basin

Washington, DC

ISO 100 ~ 60mm ~ f/2.8 ~ 1/320 sec

© Corrie M Avila

Last year I took the family there for an evening and we just sat under the trees and watched as the blossom petals fell like a soft fragrant rain all around us.  It was heavenly <3  I have plans to go twice more this week.  Once with my boys and once again at sunrise over the weekend.  As you can see here from the live webcam, the trees are still nice and pink.  I'm hoping they make it through tomorrows rain and last throughout this next weekend.  I took the photo below last year.

Benches Blanketed in Cherry Blossom Petals

Tidal Basin, Washington DC

ISO 100 ~ 44mm ~ f/4.6 ~ 1/80 sec

© Corrie M Avila

If you area looking for something to do this weekend, the Cherry Blossom Parade is on Saturday, April 13th, at 10am.  I went with my boys and a friend last year and had a great time, but be prepared to be there a while.  There are a lot of people that go and the parade stops and starts quite a bit.  We purchased grandstand seats so that my boys had a place to sit, but there is plenty of seating along the parade route. Just bring chairs if you aren't purchasing tickets.

I am apologizing in advance as my posts will likely be sporadic and almost definitely scatter brained over the next few months.  We are trying to finalize a lot of things prepping for our move this summer.  My husband is finishing his Masters Degree and will be graduating next month (woo hoo!!), we have to prep our house to be listed to rent, find renters, find a house on the other end of our move, and keep up with the kids and all their activities... But this is life and we are here to live, right?!

Jefferson Memorial Framed by Cherry Blossoms at Sunrise

Tidal Basin, Washington DC

ISO 100 ~ 60mm ~ f/2.8 ~ 1/2000 sec

© Corrie M Avila

I am still editing the photos I took on Tuesday and will be posting them here (Traveling Hearts Photography Facebook).  If you aren't a fan yet, click "like" that way you will be kept up do date!  I will be hosting another giveaway once the Facebook page reaches 100 likes!

All the photos you see here and on Facebook are for sale.  You can send me an email, a message, or use ETSY if you are interested in purchasing any.  The Cherry Blossom photos aren't up on ETSY yet, but will be soon.

Take care and make the most of your Spring!

Capturing the Moment,

Corrie <3