Cherry Blossoms at Sunrise - 6:15 - 8:30am

If you don't mind getting up REAL early and tromping around the Tidal Basin on a COLD spring morning, this photo Safari's for you! The early sun filtering through the blossoms gives them a lovely, golden light, much nicer than the harsh white light of mid-day. We meet at 6:15 am (sorry!), and then the sun comes up at about 6:45 am on the Tidal Basin.

After an initial orientation near the paddleboat rental station on Maine Ave SW, we begin our trek clockwise around the Tidal Basin, with the morning sun behind us shining on the blossoms across the water. Guided by professional architectural photographer E. David Luria, we photograph our way around the entire Tidal Basin, capturing the Jefferson Memorial, the FDR Memorial and the Washington Monument, all framed by blossoms in the early morning sun. And our clients are also the ONLY people to take an EXCLUSIVE photo at a secret spot on the Tidal Basin: the "Lady of the Blossoms Cherry Tree!".

The National Cherry Blossom Festival is DC's signature springtime event. The 2010 Festival is March 27 - April 11, and features daily cultural performances, sporting events, arts & crafts, demonstrations and other special events. The National Cherry Blossom Festival celebrates the 98th anniversary of the gift of the cherry blossom trees and the enduring friendship between the citizens of the United States and Japan. For schedules and information visit nationalcherryblossomfestival.org or call the Festival hotline at (877) 44BLOOM.

Offered March 29 and 30, April 1, 3, 4 , 5 , 6, 8, 10, and 11. Open to photographers at any skill level with any kind of camera, film or digital.