National Cherry Blossom Festival 2008! Come On Down, Y'all! [Archive] - Page 2

JimAskew

29th of March 2008 (Sat), 07:57

Thanks everyone for the kind feedback. The annual Cherry Blossom trek is one of my favorite events. Doing it with my fellow POTNers makes it all the more fun :)

I agree that the view I captured of the Washgington Monument is a great composure...that is one of three "must capture" shots I try for each year. The others are a) The Jefferson framed by the blossoms (take this one near the FDR Memorial) and b) the view from the bridge looking back at the Jefferson (the one I captured with the airliner overhead).

Suzy...you are welcome to the Washington Memorial photo...I'll email you the original file and you can PP as you like...if you get the blue sky into it post it back up for us all to enjoy...I agree with Jon...I wish I had brought my CP filter along :-)

For those who missed the Cherry Blossom meet...we are planning an Old Towne Alexandria, VA meet soon. Three wonderful photo ops: panoramic view of Old Towne from the steps of the George Washington Masonic Temple (you can see the entire city from there); visit to the Alexandria National Veterans Cemetery (abour 1/2 mile away); and then a trip down King Street to the waterfront and the Marina...here we can photograph the waterfront activity plus the old building architecture dating back to the 1700s; and then top it all off with a nice seafood lunch at one of the many great restaurants at the Marina area :) I'll post up an invitation as a seperate new thread.

SuzyView

29th of March 2008 (Sat), 08:00

I'm still hoping to get to DC next week, if I can negotiate the boys. Today would have been the best for sunlight, but it's cold outside. I'm glad we went yesterday.

Jim, keep us posted on the Alexandria meet. I feel like I'm so overwhelmed right now, May is out for me. Soccer starts next week, and that means my time out to shoot is limited. But I'll try.

JimAskew

29th of March 2008 (Sat), 08:10

Here is one more shot to share :) I am always intrigued by the "mutant" and random blossoms that grow off the side of the tree trunk...here is an example...I love the subtle pinks in this one...

Stefan A

29th of March 2008 (Sat), 08:24

I wimped out about getting up at 4 to make it down there. Maybe Sunday if the weather holds out.

Again, a nice shot Jim.

Stefan

SuzyView

29th of March 2008 (Sat), 08:26

I saw those beautiful little side blossoms. They are very lovely. Your shot is wonderful, Jim.

scot079

29th of March 2008 (Sat), 08:29

Just woke up, trying to get motivated.

ooo

29th of March 2008 (Sat), 08:46

Great shots, the only Cherry Blossoms I've seen here in NYC is at Macys right now.

SuzyView

29th of March 2008 (Sat), 10:16

All over gas stations, strip malls, parking lots. It's actually very nice to see, but so short, about a week and then they are gone. NYC doesn't really have the weather to sustain such delicate blossoms, I'm sorry to say. The ones in DC will all be gone by next week.

CoolToolGuy

29th of March 2008 (Sat), 10:18

I'm pleased to see that rain didn't wipe them out this year!

Maybe next year I will be able to break free during the week for this.

Have Fun,

Hinson

29th of March 2008 (Sat), 10:23

Ok, so I wimped out this year. Too cold and they closed the paddleboad lot. I'll just sit here in my warm room and enjoy the shots ya'll took <G>. Actually, I'm getting ready to head up to Gettysburg to the bike show. Just trying to decide whether to ride or drive. Beautiful outside but a bit nippy, especially when you get up to speed on the bike.

SuzyView

29th of March 2008 (Sat), 13:19

JimAskew

29th of March 2008 (Sat), 14:27

This has been a good argument for years, to go or not? I just make the plan and do it, and I never regret it. Even in bad weather years, I feel like I participated in an annual event with millions of other faithfuls and got a treat. The blossoms are truly a wonder of nature and so short in their season, it's like I got there just in time.

I'm with Suzy here...I have photos of the Cherry Blossoms going back the past ten years at least :) Every trip I see something new and different.

LeesaB

29th of March 2008 (Sat), 14:29

Jim that last shot is WONDERFUL!

JimAskew

29th of March 2008 (Sat), 14:43

Jim that last shot is WONDERFUL!

Lisa,

Thank you :)

Jim

JimAskew

29th of March 2008 (Sat), 14:45

... Jim, keep us posted on the Alexandria meet. I feel like I'm so overwhelmed right now, May is out for me. Soccer starts next week, and that means my time out to shoot is limited. But I'll try.

Suzy,

I just started a new Thread on the Old Towne Meet...I asked for folks to pick their best Saturday in late April or early May...be sure and let me know what works for you best :)

SuzyView

29th of March 2008 (Sat), 16:58

I will see. My sons start soccer next Sat., and I'm traveling quite a bit in May. So, I will let others pick the date and I'll try to make it. It's been a killer to work these things out.

scot079

29th of March 2008 (Sat), 20:58

Whew, what a day! Very crowded downtown (as expected) but the trees were beautiful and the weather was nice...here's my contribution :-)

It was kite day on the lawns
http://i170.photobucket.com/albums/u264/scot079/7S8F0935.jpg

This didn't happen where I just moved from, it's cool to watch squirrels up close
http://i170.photobucket.com/albums/u264/scot079/7S8F0976.jpg

I'm not sure what tree blossom this is. Maybe someone can enlighten me
http://i170.photobucket.com/albums/u264/scot079/7S8F0991.jpg

I love my polarizer
http://i170.photobucket.com/albums/u264/scot079/7S8F0998.jpg

A little flash on the cherry blossoms
http://i170.photobucket.com/albums/u264/scot079/7S8F1016.jpg

As close as I could get w/ the 70-200
http://i170.photobucket.com/albums/u264/scot079/7S8F1018.jpg

Thanks for looking!

kvt

29th of March 2008 (Sat), 21:13

You all got some great shots, especially given that the skies haven't been too blue lately. I am going to try and see the blossoms sometime next week. Do you think the blossoms will hold out till Thursday? I've only lived here for 1.5 years, so I'm still not too familiar with the length of cherry blossom season. :)

scot079

29th of March 2008 (Sat), 21:14

Well I just got here a week ago, but I would suggest going as soon as you can and on a week day because the crowds were INSANE

SuzyView

29th of March 2008 (Sat), 21:16

Tim, very nice! I can't believe you made it there. It's extremely crowded the first day. Any wonderful kite shots? Last year I really enjoyed that.

scot079

29th of March 2008 (Sat), 21:25

No I didn't try any kite shots, I was fascinated by the friendly bushy-tailed rodents:-)

http://i170.photobucket.com/albums/u264/scot079/7S8F0952.jpg

JimAskew

29th of March 2008 (Sat), 22:43

Tim,

Wonderful shots :) You made some great captures!

The CP really adds to the quality of the sky shots...I so regret forgetting mine last Friday!

Thanks for sharing these :)

scot079

30th of March 2008 (Sun), 09:56

Thanks Jim, hope to meet with you folks soon:-)

SuzyView

30th of March 2008 (Sun), 13:17

Did anyone get there today? It was so cold!

grissomchick23

30th of March 2008 (Sun), 21:40

well we got 7 crazy photographers to come out at 6:30 am on Saturday and I think everybody got some great shots. Here's one of my favorites.
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3151/2373950880_c4fd5bc13b.jpg?v=0 (http://www.flickr.com/photos/sarahandsean/2373950880/)

I hope next year I can make it to get some more of the monument shots (sans tourists). Sarah

monokrome

31st of March 2008 (Mon), 00:28

Wasn't able to go until today...

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2396/2376629600_c133258085.jpg http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3179/2375793889_73ce413ffc.jpg

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3126/2376630516_4c84a57c49_b.jpg

SuzyView

31st of March 2008 (Mon), 06:44

Oh, that's just beautiful! Peak for sure! congrats. I wish I could have been there on Sunday, but I was too busy. Was it awful crowded?

SuzyView

31st of March 2008 (Mon), 06:45

monokrome

31st of March 2008 (Mon), 08:37

Oh, that's just beautiful! Peak for sure! congrats. I wish I could have been there on Sunday, but I was too busy. Was it awful crowded?

It was very crowded, it got there before 8am and couldn't find a place to park. I had to drive back into Va. and catch the Metro back to DC. :oops:

slimninj4

31st of March 2008 (Mon), 09:19

Could not make it out since it was too cold for the baby to be out. Next year. Nontether your pics are great but look a little too blue. Need some WB to correct. That pink should really stand out.

SuzyView

31st of March 2008 (Mon), 09:21

monokrome

31st of March 2008 (Mon), 10:09

Could not make it out since it was too cold for the baby to be out. Next year. Nontether your pics are great but look a little too blue. Need some WB to correct. That pink should really stand out.

Setting WB on these have been the hardest I ever done, anything below 5200 or above 5800 was way out of line. Using a CP and the sun ducking in and out of the clouds all morning, then going to just clouds later. It just had me :roll:.

The blossoms are not as pink as you think they are, they mixed the varieties. I walked the Tidal Basin area, the are mostly white blossoms. I'm hoping to go back Wednesday and walk East Potomac Park.

slimninj4

31st of March 2008 (Mon), 12:28

Okay, I need help. I have a B&G that want to go into DC on Saturday for pre-wedding shots with gown and all. I told them they were crazy. Where else around here can they go? I live outside of Woodbridge.

Can go downtown try early early morning around sunrise and it will not be crowded.

On the weekends on the campus I work at there is a small park between buildings that wedding photographers bring B&G to photo near the fountains. Try to find a place like that near you. Or how about the National Arboretum http://www.usna.usda.gov/
They have some nice places for photos there and does not get too crowded.

grissomchick23

31st of March 2008 (Mon), 13:20

Sarah, looked at your site, nice shots! I wish I could have gone on Sat. I had commitments all weekend and now that soccer is starting tomorrow, I'll be too scheduled out to do anything for about 4 months. Oh, I miss my life. . . .

hahaha. Well I hope soccer season goes well and maybe I'll see you at the next POTN meet up.
re: your B&G question...we saw lots of couples (even some in the gown & tux) getting shots. Although there is a lot of madness, it seems that the early morning/ evening wouldn't be too bad. And for what it's worth, the tourists seemed to be really respectful about letting people get the shots they wanted.

Jon

31st of March 2008 (Mon), 13:29

Okay, I need help. I have a B&G that want to go into DC on Saturday for pre-wedding shots with gown and all. I told them they were crazy. Where else around here can they go? I live outside of Woodbridge.Kenwood area of Bethesda, just off Bradley Blvd. (5200-5300 block area), older residential (single family homes) area, might do. Lots of cherry trees there as well.

grissomchick23

31st of March 2008 (Mon), 15:17

i should have also added that you can go to Hains Point, get tons of pics...but really don't have to suffer the crowds.

jdaly

1st of April 2008 (Tue), 09:53

Anyone heading to DC tomorrow (Wed)? I'm considering a day trip as I have the day off. I'll be driving down from the Harrisburg, Pa area. Let me know, would like to hook up with others.

If I was going to bring just two lenses with me, which would you take?

-john

GoHokiesGo

1st of April 2008 (Tue), 10:35

Okay, I need help. I have a B&G that want to go into DC on Saturday for pre-wedding shots with gown and all. I told them they were crazy. Where else around here can they go? I live outside of Woodbridge.

If they are local to Woodbridge (I'm from Woodbridge also when not at school), maybe try down in old town Occoquan?? I know there are some really pretty spots right down there near the water and all. Also, Belmont Bay, a few miles down from Occoquan on the river, has a few nice spots in the marina. Maybe that would work ???

I went to the Cherry Blossom festival on saturday afternoon. Man, what a zoo!! I took a few shots while there, but there were so many people that we didnt end up staying long. I don't have the dedication that some of you guys have to be there at 6am, whew, that's hardcore! :lol:

FlyingPhotog

1st of April 2008 (Tue), 10:39

Interesting that DC does the "National Cherry Blossom Festival" but...

Traverse City, Michigan get the moniker "Cherry Capitol" and hosts the "National Cherry Festival..."

Go Figure

Elphaba

1st of April 2008 (Tue), 10:56

Interesting that DC does the "National Cherry Blossom Festival" but...

Traverse City, Michigan get the moniker "Cherry Capitol" and hosts the "National Cherry Festival..."

Go Figure

Just like everything else in DC, our cherry trees are all about putting on a show and producing nothing. We get the blossoms... but no fruit. LoL

FlyingPhotog

1st of April 2008 (Tue), 11:09

Just like everything else in DC, our cherry trees are all about putting on a show and producing nothing. We get the blossoms... but no fruit. LoL

Beautiful...

Although I hope the iced tea will come out of my keyboard...

ROFLMAO...

SuzyView

1st of April 2008 (Tue), 13:20

Thanks for the help, everyone. I will talk to the B&G today.

Jon

1st of April 2008 (Tue), 14:00

Just like everything else in DC, our cherry trees are all about putting on a show and producing nothing. We get the blossoms... but no fruit. LoL
Hardly need any - the rest of the country sends us ample fruitcakes . . .

FlyingPhotog

1st of April 2008 (Tue), 14:04

Hardly need any - the rest of the country sends us ample fruitcakes . . .

One of the few times I wish people would "re-gift" and send them right along somewhere else...

;)

JimAskew

1st of April 2008 (Tue), 14:58

Thanks for the help, everyone. I will talk to the B&G today.
Suzie,

Here is a great place to shoot B&G photos...Meadowlark Gardens. Only issue is that they don't open until 1000 on Saturdays :(

http://www.nvrpa.org/parks/meadowlark/

CoolToolGuy

1st of April 2008 (Tue), 15:19

Interesting that DC does the "National Cherry Blossom Festival" but...

Traverse City, Michigan get the moniker "Cherry Capitol" and hosts the "National Cherry Festival..."

Go Figure

The setting in DC is much more scenic with the monuments and the tidal basin, but if You catch Traverse City or especially the Old Mission Peninsula during the blossoms it is way more impressive (like the whole side of a hill in white, 20x over.) Some individual orchards up there have more cherry trees than all of DC.

And of course, the National Cherry Festival is all about the fruit, and plenty to go around - try taking an armful of DC's cherry blossoms home with you. . .

Have Fun,

SuzyView

1st of April 2008 (Tue), 16:40

I am thinking meeting at 7 a.m. just as the sun is up and park at the FDR. What do you think? Just for 1 hour there and then somewhere else.

SuzyView

4th of April 2008 (Fri), 15:52

Here's another thread that started today.

http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?t=480551

elader

4th of April 2008 (Fri), 17:30

careful on sunday, there is that 10K run happening..

SuzyView

4th of April 2008 (Fri), 18:57

We decided to go to the Botanic Gardens on Sunday. I don't want the bride's dress to get dirty.

SuzyView

4th of April 2008 (Fri), 21:54

Here's another thread put up today.

http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?t=479668

All are very nice. I may have to go there on Sunday if the weather holds up.

tobagos

5th of April 2008 (Sat), 23:37

Did this group meet already...I am here in Washington DC and would love to join in

SuzyView

6th of April 2008 (Sun), 08:44

I will be in DC on Thursday to shoot, but if you PM Jon or Jim, they may come out to see you earlier. If you would like to meet Jim and me at the Temple on Saturday, we'll be there around 11.

tobagos

6th of April 2008 (Sun), 13:54

What temple?

SuzyView

6th of April 2008 (Sun), 15:09

The one in Kensington, MD.

tobagos

6th of April 2008 (Sun), 15:31

I was checking out your gear and after seeing your list I really feel intimated to even show up with my "consumer product"...400D with ONLY my kit lens LoL

Maybe I can come along to just watch...hahaha
AND LEARN SOMETHING

SuzyView

6th of April 2008 (Sun), 15:39

Really, I should take that gear list off. I'm just showing off. I started here with a 10D and 28-135, so please, don't feel intimidated. Your pictures will probably be better than mine. So, if you want to come by, just dress neat. The temple grounds are not for sloppy dress, but other than that, the best way to learn is by doing. You can ask Jim. I'm not very intimidating, just chatty. :)

tobagos

6th of April 2008 (Sun), 15:49

Dress neat...I can do that. So, unless there is some major rain/snow storm I will be there. Where should I meet you and Jim?

Really looking forward to this, my first outing.

SuzyView

6th of April 2008 (Sun), 15:51

It's on Stoneybrook Dr. and park your car, meet us under the entrance cover area. Jim will be there around 11:15. I will be inside. I will probably be out by 11:30 and shooting almost immediately.

tobagos

6th of April 2008 (Sun), 16:12

Great...if any unexpected change of plans I will let you know. Thanks for the invite.

SuzyView

6th of April 2008 (Sun), 16:35

I just wish we could have gotten together for the blossoms. They were beautiful this year.

tobagos

6th of April 2008 (Sun), 17:06

I usually run around the tidal basin but did not take my camera. I did last year and did OK. By the way, I posted three PICs in the critique thread. Please tell me what you think. Thanks

fire34fighter

7th of April 2008 (Mon), 20:42

Anybody have any idea if it'd be worth going to shoot Saturday? Or will they all be 'past their prime'? I'd like to go shoot, providing the weather lets me...

SuzyView

8th of April 2008 (Tue), 08:10

Lukipooh

8th of April 2008 (Tue), 18:18

First post from a noob.

http://i180.photobucket.com/albums/x6/Lukipooh/IMG_1801.jpg

http://i180.photobucket.com/albums/x6/Lukipooh/IMG_1802.jpg

SuzyView

8th of April 2008 (Tue), 20:41

Beautiful. Looks like someone had a good time.

tobagos

9th of April 2008 (Wed), 15:21

Nice blooms...Your little one's smile says it all.
I am at the tidal basin with laptop and lens. The clouds went away, the sun came out and there are still good blooms to shoot. So grab that camera bag and head on down. I will post some of my Pics from today in the critique section later this evening. I am having too much fun to go back indoor just yet.

fire34fighter

11th of April 2008 (Fri), 14:54

The blossoms are already going, unfortunately, but it's always a good thing to shoot around the Capitol on a bright sunny day. Unfortunately, rain is forecast for Sat., I have a wedding to shoot, of course. GR! It looks like I'll go down Saturday regardless...I want to check out the new frog exhibit in the national geographic museum...Hopefully the rain will hold off for a while, and I can still get a decent shot of them.

SuzyView

11th of April 2008 (Fri), 16:04

I went on Thursday and there were still some, but not many. The red blossoms are coming out now. The willows are all in bloom, so that's definitely worth seeing. Park along the allowed areas and take the shuttle, it's free. And the parking areas are lined with blossoms. Very nice.

SuzyView

13th of April 2008 (Sun), 13:33

Tobagos, Antoinette, is a doll! So glad to meet you! I hope you come out to play with us more often. The temple was beautiful. The flowers and trees were lovely. I may head to DC next week to the gardens just to see the flowers. Jim, I may need to borrow that 100 macro. :)