Washington DC Cherry Blossom Suggestions?

I'm planning on going down to DC to photograph the Cherry Blossoms this year and was wondering if anyone who's been has any tips. The peak bloom looks like it's predicted to be around Apr. 11-14 which would be good since I'm looking to go down and stay from a Friday to Sunday however I'm not sure if I can do so that particular weekend (10th-12th) due to work. I may have to go the following week (17th-19th) and just hope that's there's still something hanging around.

If anyone has tips, suggestions on places to go, or any "must see's" or "don't see's" I'd appreciate it. It's sad that I live in NJ and have never been to DC (except for a 7th grade trip) but I'd like to make the most of my time there and just looking for some pointers. I know there's a million and one things to shoot while there and won't be able to get everything in but would just like to hear what you all recommend so I can somewhat get an agenda down. Thanks.

Kevin

The tidal basin, Jefferson Memorial is the best place for pictures I think. Try very early (sunrise).

I was there last year as a chaperone on an 8th grade field trip. The National Mall is definitely the place to be (it is the same place as Mike mentioned). Several of the most famous monuments are all right next to each other (at least within walking distance). There are tons of Cherry Trees all around. Of course with all of the beautiful trees and famous monuments there are also tons of people. Going early might get you the best light and help you avoid some of the people.

Regarding gear... There are so many monuments and so many trees that you could use a number of different focal lengths. I'd probably get something wide for the monuments. Something normal would come in handy too. If you wanted a close up of the flowers, a macro lens might come in handy. I don't think you'd need any super teles... Basically, there is a photo opportunity for every lens. Sorry to be so vague, but you almost can't go wrong. If I was going back, I would bring my 24-105 and just try to enjoy it.

A quick Google search gave me this:
The National Mall is home to the country’s most famous monuments and memorials. The Lincoln, Jefferson, Martin Luther King, Jr. and Franklin Delano Roosevelt memorials all reside here. You’ll also find the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Wall, the National World War II Memorial and the Korean War Veterans Memorial.

DC’s monuments and memorials are free and open to the public 24 hours a day. Spread out across just two miles, it’s fairly easy to see them all in a day or two (be sure and include some time to rent a paddle boat at the Tidal Basin, where the Jefferson, FDR and MLK memorials are located).

I also recommend the following, although you won't see the same concentration of cherry trees; The Jefferson Library (get a tour from one of the employees if possible), the Newseum (very cool new museum), the Holocaust museum (book in advance, I think?) , and of course the Smithsonian museums (The Air and Space, American History, and Natural History give you a little taste of everything). There are some nice Art museums in the area as well. And there is a nice panoramic view from the top of the "Old Post Office Tower". I also liked Arlington Cemetery.

The museum admission fees are cheap or free but the food is expensive.

FWIW, I didn't really care for the Capitol Building or the White House but I'm glad I got to see them. I've heard the Pentagon tour is kind of underwhelming but I didn't personally experience it. Mount Vernon was cool but really far away from everything else.

I'll try to find my itinerary...

The center of the Cherry Blossom universe is the Jefferson Memorial and the Tidal Basin. The trees ring the basin, and there is a path that goes around the entire area. Starting at the Jefferson Mem and walk west, you pass the FDR Mem., and then the MLK Mem. Ton of photography opportunities along that walk way, but the entire population of the Eastern Seaboard is there to see the blossoms at the same exact time, so don't expect much room to exercise your artistic vision.

I highly suggest going before sunrise. Bring along a tripod, thermos of coffee and a warm jacket. You'll be out amongst other photographers enjoying the best light of the day, you miss the crowds, and the harsh mid-day light isn't blowing out your blossom shots

Aside from the Tidal Basin, there are tons of little places to see outside of the Mall. I'd check out the Iwo Jima/Marine Corps Memorial and Arlington Cemetary. Union Station and Capital Hill area offers some urban DC feel. Adams Morgan area for some ethnic food and interesting bars. Old Town Alexandria is excellent too for sites and restaurants. Lastly, a little known museum to see is the National Building Museum.

Thank you all for the suggestions and tips. We're going down on Friday the 17th and by the looks of things we might be a couple of days late for the "peak bloom" but hopefully will be able to get some good shots. I know it'll be crowded and I'm planning on hitting the Tidal Basin at sunrise on Sat. the 18th. After that I think we're going to hit the Metro and visit Arlington Cemetery as well. If the weather's nice I'm not sure if we'll have too much time to hit the museums but might be able to pop in one or two. It looks like there's going to have to be a return trip at some point to do all of that.

I saw my brother, who works in DC, over Easter weekend and he gave me some tips, mostly on places to eat. We tried to plan a couple of things to do together while we're down there but since it's only going to be a couple of days and we're pretty much playing it by ear, I don't know if we'll be able to. I'm there to shoot as much as I can this time around (weather permitting).

I'm also looking into renting the 16-35 f/2.8 for the trip and checking that out since I'd like a little more real estate than my 24-105 can offer. I'm thinking about buying the 17-40 f/4 to add to my gear but I don't think that's going to happen before I leave.

Thanks again for the tips and suggestions and if you have more, I'm all ears. Hopefully I won't miss the bloom and the weather will be accommodating.

I am headed down this Sunday, via the Metro. Hopefully set up around the Basin a little before sunrise. We'll see how that works out As long as everything is running on time, I should be good. Then heading over to the Mall area.

This will be my first visit to see the cherry blossoms, although have been down several times for Rolling Thunder and other visits.

Hope there are plenty of blossoms left for you when you visit!!! Have a great trip

sharod wrote in post #17507797
I am headed down this Sunday, via the Metro. Hopefully set up around the Basin a little before sunrise. We'll see how that works out As long as everything is running on time, I should be good. Then heading over to the Mall area.

This will be my first visit to see the cherry blossoms, although have been down several times for Rolling Thunder and other visits.

Hope there are plenty of blossoms left for you when you visit!!! Have a great trip

Looks like you might be there for the full-on bloom sharod.

I've been keeping track via David Coleman's site: Have Camera Will Travel
He's got good ongoing updates with pics.

Good luck, have fun and post some pics when you can so we can what's happening there this weekend.

kv968 wrote in post #17507804
Looks like you might be there for the full-on bloom sharod.

I've been keeping track via David Coleman's site: Have Camera Will Travel
He's got good ongoing updates with pics.

Good luck, have fun and post some pics when you can so we can what's happening there this weekend.

I follow that same site. Hoping for a great day. And some great opportunities!!

sharod wrote in post #17507805
I follow that same site. Hoping for a great day. And some great opportunities!!

Cool. Again, post some pics when you get a chance and let us know how it went.

kv968 wrote in post #17507816
Cool. Again, post some pics when you get a chance and let us know how it went.

Will do!

Did you know there was a webcam?????

http://www.earthcam.co​m …herryblossoms/?​cam=washdc

No I didn't. Looks like I might be missing peak come next weekend.

Thanks for the link.

Yeah, next weekend may be too late. Heck, I hope they hang on nice and tight for the next few days!