Cherry Blossom Magic

 “The significance of the cherry blossom tree in Japanese culture goes back hundreds of years. 

In their country, the cherry blossom represents the fragility and the beauty of life. 

It’s a reminder that life is almost overwhelmingly beautiful but that it is also tragically short.” 

Homaro Cantu

We are quite fortunate to have a garden in our building complex with many lovely plants including cherry blossom trees. I like spend time there talking walks or hanging out with friends when the weather is nice. I try to make sure to enjoy cherry blossom season and sometimes I'll do a photo study. They really do make such a marvelous photography subject.  I captured these a few weeks ago when they were in peak bloom. These are Kwanzan cherry trees which are characterized by dramatic, pink double-blossoms.

Pro tip: I like to photograph cherry blossoms with a macro lens using a shallow depth of field to emphasize their ethereal, dreamy quality and delicate beauty.  Depending on whether the composition is backlit, I will either overexpose or underexpose by a quarter to half stop to compensate for the brightness and preserve the details. More cherry blossom photography - in DC, covered in snow, spring beauty, and a love story.

Photos: Through My Lens