Spring is a season of new beginnings, and what better way to celebrate than by capturing the beauty of cherry blossoms through photography? With their delicate pink and white petals, these trees provide a stunning backdrop for photoshoots of all kinds. In addition, their ephemeral nature adds a unique, whimsical feel to the photos. If you’re planning a cherry blossom photoshoot, here are some tips to help you capture the best shots possible.
When is the Best Time for Cherry Blossom Photos?
The best time to take cherry blossom photos depends on several factors, including location, weather conditions, and the specific variety of cherry blossom tree. In general, cherry blossoms bloom for a short period of time, usually just a few weeks, typically between late March and mid-April in many regions.
It’s important to monitor weather forecasts and bloom reports to determine the best time to plan your photoshoot. Generally, it’s recommended to aim for peak bloom, when the flowers are at their fullest and most vibrant. This can vary depending on the location, with some areas experiencing peak bloom earlier or later in the season. Additionally, the time of day can also affect the quality of light and overall mood of the photos, with many photographers preferring to shoot during the “golden hours” of sunrise or sunset when the light is softer and warmer.
Cherry Blossom Photoshoot Locations
Once you’ve determined the best time to photograph cherry blossoms, the next step is to find the right location. Ideal locations for cherry blossom photoshoots include parks, gardens, and other outdoor areas where cherry blossom trees are planted. Scout out different locations ahead of time to find the best spots for your shoot. Be sure to obtain any necessary permits or permissions before setting up your equipment.
Here are some beautiful cherry blossom locations in the United States.
- The National Mall, Washington, DC
- Missouri Botanical Garden, St Louis, Missouri
- Balboa Park’s Japanese Friendship Garden, San Diego, California
- Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden, Dallas, Texas
- Brooklyn Botanic Garden, Brooklyn, New York
- Japanese Garden at Delaware Park, Buffalo, New York
- Tom McCall Waterfront Park and the Portland Japanese Garden
- San Francisco, California: Golden Gate Park Japanese Tea Garden
- Seattle, Washington: University of Washington Quad
- Philadelphia, Pennsylvania: Fairmount Park
- Boston, Massachusetts: Charles River Esplanade
- Los Angeles, California: Descanso Gardens
- Utah State Capitol
For your inspiration, here are some examples from some of the most popular cherry blossom photoshoot locations in the US.
The National Mall, Washington, DC
Portland Waterfront Park
Golden Gate Park in San Francisco
Cherry Blossom Photoshoot Compositions
To create stunning cherry blossom photos, it’s important to pay attention to composition and lighting. Look for interesting angles and perspectives, such as shooting from a low angle to capture the flowers against the sky or a high angle to capture the color in the foreground. Here are a few creative compositions to try on your next cherry blossom photoshoot.
Shoot from below
To capture the colors in the trees, you may have to shoot at a slight angle. If you do this, consider having the couple or model lean a bit towards the camera in order to avoid or minimize unflattering angles. See this perfect example of shooting from a slight “bottom-up” angle while keeping the pose flattering.
Shoot from above
If you have a drone, consider aerial photography for your cherry blossom photoshoot. With the right composition and framing, you can create incredible images, such as the one you see here.
Include the Cherry Blossoms in the Background
Of course a beautiful way to capture cherry blossoms is to have them in bokeh in the background of your images. When you use this composition, consider having the subjects backlit to add a dreamy effect to the cherry blossoms in the background.
Include the Cherry Blossoms in the Foreground
Incorporating cherry blossoms in the foreground of your photo is also a great way to add interest and color to your photography. The presence of foreground elements can add an organic, candid feel to the image, as if you’re capturing a private moment in a more photojournalistic style.
Use the Cherry Blossoms for Framing
The trees, branches and cherry blossoms can create interesting opportunities to frame your subjects during your cherry blossom photoshoot. Look for curves in the trees and branches that create natural frames to place your subject in.
Lighting For Cherry Blossom Photoshoots
Each photographer will have his or her unique approach and style when it comes to lighting. In general, a photographer will choose between two general types of lighting, either natural light or flash.
Natural Light Cherry Blossom Photos
Soft, natural light can create a gentle and serene mood in the portrait with a natural and organic look. This can help the photographer capture more authentic and natural images.
Flashed Cherry Blossom Photos
Flash photography can help bring out vibrant colors in your cherry blossom photoshoot. It can also create directional lighting and help control the quality and quantity of the light. By using flash effectively, photographers can create stunning portraits with colors that pop and capture the essence of the subject.
Photo Editing Styles
After your cherry blossom photoshoot is over, it’s time to edit your photos. Basic editing techniques like adjusting exposure, contrast, and color balance can help enhance your images. However, be careful not to over-edit your photos, as this can result in an unnatural and overly-processed look. The goal should be to maintain the natural beauty and delicate colors of the cherry blossoms. Here are a few popular editing styles to consider.
Light and Airy
A light and airy style of editing in photography is a post-processing technique that enhances the brightness, highlights, and pastel colors of an image to create a soft, dreamy, and romantic look. This can create a gentle and ethereal atmosphere that feels natural, effortless, and whimsical for your cherry blossom photoshoot.
Dark and Moody
A dark and moody style of editing in photography is a post-processing technique that emphasizes deep shadows, rich textures, and muted tones to create a dramatic, emotional, and cinematic look. It can be particularly effective in conveying themes such as nostalgia or emotion and can be used to create a distinctive and memorable aesthetic.
Bold and Vibrant
A bold and vibrant style of editing in photography is a post-processing technique that enhances the colors, contrast, and saturation of an image to create a lively, energetic, and dynamic look. This can create a bold and dynamic atmosphere that feels modern, exciting, and eye-catching.
Advanced Techniques in Cherry Blossom Photography
Of course, don’t forget your advanced and creative techniques in your cherry blossom photography! This can be anything from creative compositions, HDR techniques, Free Lensing, and more. See some examples below.
Double Exposure
A double exposure is a technique where two different images are combined into a single photograph. This technique can be used to create a variety of artistic effects, such as merging two different scenes or adding texture to a photograph.
Flares in Cherry Blossom Photoshoots
Flares in photography can add a unique and artistic quality to an image, making it appear more visually interesting and appealing to the viewer. This effect can produce an ethereal and dreamlike quality, as well as a sense of warmth and brightness. Flares can also create a sense of depth in an image, as they can add layers of interest and texture to an otherwise flat composition.
Conclusion
In conclusion, a cherry blossom photoshoot can provide a beautiful and memorable way to celebrate spring. By following these tips for timing, location, equipment, composition, and editing, you can capture stunning photos that you’ll cherish for years to come. So, get out there and start snapping away!
