Springtime in DC is a total wonderland of blooming flowers. Of course there are the iconic Tidal Basin cherry blossoms, but did you know that our area basically has a million different varieties of blooms to consider as a backdrop for your spring family photos? 😉 With the National Park Service announcing an early peak bloom date this year and Groundhog Phil’s 2024 prediction, I thought it was time to put together a little updated spring family photo guide for the DC area. As a DC family photographer for over 13 years, I have spent many spring seasons scouting the best spots and collecting the best tips for your outdoor family photo session. Ready to start planning?
Choosing a Location
Are you looking for trees filled with cotton candy pink blossoms? Maybe an orchard of white apple blossoms? Or maybe a garden filled with daffodils and azaleas are more your style. What about a farm with rows and rows of tulips? If you have a vision in mind, it is always my goal to work to make it happen 🙂 Collaborating with my clients to find a dream location for their family photos is one of my favorite parts of being a DC photographer. With my many years of experience under my belt, I’ve had time to find many hidden (and not so hidden) gems for your photo session. Tulips, cherry blossoms, apple blossoms, azaleas, daffodils, roses and magnolias – what is your favorite bloom?
Spring blooms start to peak out in mid-March and can last through May. I usually recommend waiting until at least April for an outdoor session (if we aren’t aiming for the Tidal Basin) so that temperatures are a little warmer and surrounding grass and trees have a chance to get a little greener. In March I’ve found it can still be a little too cold for my smallest clients to feel comfortable. But please remember to schedule at least a few weeks in advance so that I have room to fit you in my calendar!
Scheduling your session time
Outdoor sessions take place either at sunrise or an hour or so before sunset. This gets us outside during that gorgeous time of day when the sun is lower in the sky, creating perfect golden light for your photos. These start times can vary throughout the season as the sun changes, but don’t worry! I keep an eye on all these details and will update you along the way 🙂
PS the photo series above was taken at sunset 😉
What to Wear – Spring Family Photo Edition
I would describe springtime in the DC area with one word – unpredictable! What does this mean for your session? Layers! It could be a warm 80 degrees one day and a brisk 50 the next. I always advise my clients, especially families with small ones, to plan an extra layer that can be taken off if not needed but will be greatly appreciated if a chill rolls in. Planning for rain dates and watching the weather forecast is probably just as much a part of my job as taking the actual photos! If we run into a less than stellar forecast for your session date, don’t stress! I plan lots of wiggle room in my calendar and flexibility is part of the job.
For extra wardrobe advise with many pretty outfits to see, check out this post: What to Wear Guide
….and last but not least – my final tip
Customize Your Session for YOU
As a DC family photographer since 2010, I have found that the key to making photos memorable is making them fun! Let’s discuss how I can best serve your family and create your favorite photos together!
Do you want to plan a magical DC spring photo session for your family? Let’s chat! Click HERE to schedule a session. I can’t wait to hear from you! xo Tonya
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