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Posts Tagged ‘Tidal Basin’

Photography, Travel | 0 comment

2016 Cherry Blossoms

2016 Cherry Blossoms and the Washington Monument ©TimeLine Media
2016 Cherry Blossoms and the Washington Monument ©TimeLine Media

Washington, DC

Late March 2016 – the cherry blossoms around the Tidal Basin were in full bloom. Since this is a regular occurrence, it is an annual event for me to arrange. As can be seen in the photos, I am not the only one with that idea!

2016 Cherry Blossoms and the Jefferson Memorial ©TimeLine Media
2016 Cherry Blossoms and the Jefferson Memorial ©TimeLine Media

I am a sucker for these beautiful blooms. For one thing, they are highly publicized when they are ready to flower, so everyone has plenty of time to plan. Although the crowds get larger every year, they are still worth going through the hardship to see.

Washington, DC Tidal Basin cherry blossoms full bloom ©TimeLine Media
Washington, DC Tidal Basin cherry blossoms full bloom ©TimeLine Media

They also signal the end of a long winter in the light of springtime popping up in the gardens around the blossoms. Undeniably, they add so much to the urban photo made of our nation’s capital. Moreover they signify a peace between the USA and Japan that is rekindled every Spring.

Washington, DC Tidal Basin cherry blossoms ©TimeLine Media

You can easily spend hours at the Tidal Basin in order to see the blossoms in different light. As the sun dips in the horizon, the colors will change for the most part. With the easy walk in the city, it is worth taking the time.

Washington, DC Tidal Basin cherry blossoms in the early evening ©TimeLine Media
Washington, DC Tidal Basin cherry blossoms in the early evening ©TimeLine Media
Washington, DC Tidal Basin cherry blossoms in the early evening ©TimeLine Media

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Personal, Photography, Travel | 0 comment

Washington Monument

Updating Wall Art

Washington Monument from Tidal Basin ©TimeLine Media
Washington Monument from Tidal Basin ©TimeLine Media

Last May, I went to downtown Washington, DC to get photos of the Washington Monument. We are updating a wall art collection in one room. For that reason, I thought about grouping photos of DC monuments would fit nicely.

Now that I had an idea of what I wanted to create, I set out to make the photos on a clear evening. This time of day is ideal for what I was looking for. I did not want a late evening, or nighttime shot, but the middle of the day would not have the dimension I was looking to have on the monument. When the sun gets lower in the horizon, the shadows will be a little less harsh overall.

Sunset photo of Washington Monument ©TimeLine Media
Sunset photo of Washington Monument ©TimeLine Media

For these photos, I used the 24mm PC-E F/3.5D tilt shift lens. This is one of the sharpest lenses I have in my bag. Secondly, the shift function of the lens helped to correct the ‘falling away’ look of the very tall Washington Monument. As can be seen in the comparison photos, the straightened version is more accurate, and a different perspective than from the ground vantage point that you see.

uncorrected monument 24mm lens ©TimeLine Media
uncorrected monument 24mm lens ©TimeLine Media
shift corrected monument 24mm lens ©TimeLine Media
shift corrected monument 24mm lens ©TimeLine Media

Washington Monument Print

Once I had the settings of the camera dialed in, I moved around the base of the monument. Sometimes the placement of the trees at the bottom surrounding park was distracting. In another case, the construction cranes from a museum going up near the monument was distracting. Finally, I just decided to shoot, and remove the crane out of the print in software for my final selection. It was a successful exercise to gain experience with a lens, and to shoot for a specific purpose.

final black and white wall print ©TimeLine Media
final black and white wall print ©TimeLine Media

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703-864-8208

Personal, Photography, Travel | 0 comment

Cherry Blossoms Part 2

Washington, DC Sunrise Cherry Blossoms - ©TimeLine Media

Tidal Basin

The time for the cherry blossoms decorating our streets has now passed. I had a note to go back and post more from this time since I made a lot of images by the Tidal Basin in downtown DC. It was the latest that the blossoms reached their peak with the extended winter that we had in this area. Luckily, we were treated to a great display that was perfect for photographers from sunrise to sunset.

Peak Cherry Blossoms - ©TimeLine Media
Peak Cherry Blossoms – ©TimeLine Media

These images were from sunrise by the Jefferson Memorial. There were many other photographers right around me, but everyone was very careful to stay out of everyone’s shots. I staked out a place high on the hill in between some cherry trees to attempt the often-done Memorials through blossoms. This is the first time I had attempted it so early in the morning. I will be making an effort to do this every year from now on!

Washington, DC Cherry Blossoms - ©TimeLine Media
Washington, DC Cherry Blossoms – ©TimeLine Media

Washington, DC

The golden light just before sunrise was especially strong in this area. With the height restrictions on buildings in Washington, DC, it allows for sunlight to reach the monuments and memorials without being obstructed. This particular morning, the clouds were kind to stay away for a little while after the sun broke through the horizon so everyone that was there this morning had perfect light. The strong orange sky was complimentary to the pink blooms making for a different color combination.

Washington, DC Sunrise Cherry Blossoms - ©TimeLine Media
Washington, DC Sunrise Cherry Blossoms – ©TimeLine Media

Later in the day, the blooms are against a bright blue sky background. Most cherry blossoms images have this combination – classic and very good on film!

Fisheye Cherry Blossoms - ©TimeLine Media
Fisheye Cherry Blossoms – ©TimeLine Media

Now different flowers are starting to bloom in the area. Azaleas, dogwoods, and soon the roses will start to bud. I’ll be sure to have my camera lenses cleaned and ready for them!

Macro Cherry Blossoms - ©TimeLine Media
Macro Cherry Blossoms – ©TimeLine Media

TimeLine Media – www.timelinedc.com
703-864-8208

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