Cherry Blossoms at the Tidal Basin | Washington DC
They’re here!!! And yes, I’m completely obsessed. Peak bloom, soft petals, that dreamy haze of pink—how could I not wake up at 5 AM on my day off just to catch that Tidal Basin magic? But here's the thing: you don’t need to make the trek downtown to soak in the beauty. There are so many amazing, peaceful spots closer to home. Still, something about all those blooms reflected in the water with the monuments in the background just gets me. Even without a sunrise, it felt so… DC. Here’s a peek at what I captured that early morning (and yes, I took a LOT).
They are here!!! And I love them. So much.
Do you need to go to the Tidal Basin to enjoy the cherry blossoms? Definitely not. There are so many beautiful local spots that are a little quieter and closer to home. (just ask me, I know a lot!)
But did I still wake up at 5 AM on my day off to see them in peak bloom at the Basin? Yes. And honestly—it was so worth it.
There’s something about those trees, all blooming together in one place, reflected in the water with the monuments in the background… I just love it. And it make me appreciate this great and unique city of DC. (despite, you know...)
Even without an epic sunrise (thanks, clouds), it was warm, peaceful, and somehow easy—no traffic, no parking drama. (remember, this involved getting there before sunrise!). Definitely a TON of people, but to be expected.
Here is just a sampling. (I know, I took sooooo many!!)
Neon Tomatoes | Portrait session with Diann Hammer | Silver Spring, MD
I recently had the joy of photographing Diann Hammer, a talented songwriter who creates children’s music through Neon Tomatoes. Diann's music is full of joy, wonder, and imagination—designed to inspire kids with positive messages about the world around them. We decided to take her portrait session outdoors to reflect the natural, lighthearted energy that shines through her work, and it couldn’t have been a better fit.
I recently had the joy of photographing Diann Hammer, a talented songwriter who creates children’s music through Neon Tomatoes. Diann's music is full of joy, wonder, and imagination—designed to inspire kids with positive messages about the world around them. We decided to take her portrait session outdoors to reflect the natural, lighthearted energy that shines through her work, and it couldn’t have been a better fit.
Despite a few nerves, Diann was a natural in front of the camera! She brought along her little Taylor guitar, which made the perfect prop to showcase her connection to music. We had so much fun during the session—lots of laughs, and everything just flowed effortlessly. Her laid-back spirit and love for nature really came through in the photos, making it such a joy to capture her personality.
Fun fact: Diann is actually the mother-in-law of my good friend, Valerie from Valerie Hammer Makeup Artistry, who did an amazing job with Diann’s makeup. It was so special to have these two creative forces come together for this session.
If you’re not familiar with Neon Tomatoes, Diann’s music is all about spreading positivity, creativity, and love to children through songs that celebrate life and the world around us. Her mission is to create fun, meaningful music that not only entertains but also teaches kids important lessons about kindness, curiosity, and caring for the earth. You can check out more of her work here!
This session was such a beautiful way to celebrate Diann’s passion for music and her connection to nature. I’m so grateful to have been a part of it!
Visit Kenwood, Maryland for Stunning Cherry Blossoms in the Spring
Recently, I had a photo session in the Kenwood neighborhood in Maryland during cherry blossom season, and I got there early to check out these lovely blooms!
Recently, I had a photo session in the Kenwood neighborhood in Maryland during cherry blossom season, and I got there early to check out these lovely blooms!
Cherry Blossom Season: If you’re looking for a place to see cherry blossoms and want to avoid the Tidal Basin crowds, Kenwood is a hidden gem. It’s the perfect spot for cherry blossom photography, leisurely strolls, or just to experience the beauty of spring in Maryland.
Why Visit Kenwood for Cherry Blossoms?: Kenwood’s streets are lined with over 1,200 cherry trees, transforming the area into a pink wonderland. The best part? It’s less crowded, allowing you to enjoy the cherry blossoms in peace. Whether you can’t stop taking photos of them (like me) or just want to appreciate their beauty, Kenwood during cherry blossom peak bloom is worth it.
A note on parking: The tough part is parking. Since this IS a neighborhood and these are people’s streets and houses and property, there are signs everywhere asking you not to park on the street, and I get it. The residents are trying to live there and don’t need it packed with a million cars. It would also take away from the beauty of the tree-lined streets! So it may require parking in surrounding areas and walking or getting a car ride service to drop you off!
Making the Most of Your Visit: To fully enjoy Kenwood’s cherry blossoms, I recommend visiting on a weekday morning to avoid any potential crowds. I was there in the afternoon toward the end of the season and it was not that crowded.
Looking Forward to Cherry Blossom Season: Every year, the cherry blossom festival in the area attracts visitors, but there’s something special about discovering the quiet charm of Kenwood. I’m already excited to go back next spring for more photos and peaceful walks among the blossoms.
If you’re planning on taking in the cherry blossoms, add Kenwood, Maryland, to your list. It’s a perfect place for anyone looking to experience the beauty of cherry blossoms without the crowds.
