Photo Tips: How to Shoot the Cherry Blossoms

Photographers, charge your batteries and clear your memory cards! The cherry blossoms are nearing peak bloom along the Tidal Basin in Washington, D.C., and we know you’re dying to get that perfect shot.

The National Cherry Blossom Festival kicked off on March 20, but due to a belated spring, the capital city’s famous trees are finally beginning to pop this week. Though the festivities will continue until the middle of April (the parade is on Saturday, April 11th), the delicate blossoms aren’t likely to last that long.

So, don’t rest on your laurels—check out our photo tips, and get yourself down to the Tidal Basin before they’re all gone.

Krista Rossow is a freelance travel photographer and educator who recently served as a photo editor at National Geographic Traveler magazine. Follow her story on Twitter @KristaRossow.

> Related: 

• Know Before You Go: Washington, D.C.
• I Heart My City: Nat Geo’s Washington, D.C.
• Nat Geo Travel’s Washington, D.C. City Guide