Visiting D.C.'s cherry blossoms is an annual tradition in the Huseman-Starkey household. Cliff and I love talking around the tidal basin, taking in the sights and sounds of of springtime in the nation's capital. Usually, we make a full day of it. This year, though, we were short on time. So, our full day at the tidal basin turned into about two hours. Still, I'm so glad we made it. 

Here are a few snapshots from this year's visit.

I'm so excited to show off these photos of fellow Silver Springer and entrepreneur, Melanie Powers! Like most folks I know in Silver Spring, Melanie and I met through Twitter! She's a writer and copy editor extraordinaire who launched her own freelance business about two years ago.

What I love about working with Melanie is her creative spirit. When she came to me asking for headshots, she already knew what she wanted: something artsy that reflected who she is as a person, as well as her Silver Spring pride. 

Instead of selecting a location, taking some photos, and calling it a day, I met Melanie in Downtown Silver Spring and we walked around the neighborhood, picking out the best spots for photos as we went. I absolutely love this strategy for headshots. By keeping our options and lines of communication open, we were able to work together to produce photos that have a laid-back, yet sophisticated feel. If that doesn't describe Melanie's style, I don't know what does!

Every year, Cliff and I make it a point to venture down to the tidal basin to check out D.C.’s beloved cherry blossoms. I am always pleasantly surprised by how happy they make me. There’s just something magical about walking through a powder-puff pink forest, smack dab in the middle of a city! 

This year, to celebrate this uniquely D.C. tradition, I thought I’d share some photography tips for capturing these fleeting works of nature. These tips are ideal for any photographer at any level, using any kind of camera.

1. Follow basic photography principals.
Following the basic rules of photography can make your cherry blossom photos--or any photos--really stand out. When photographing cherry blossoms, make sure to:

• Follow the rule of thirds;
• Include diagonal lines in the frame;
• Look for contrasting colors and interesting textures.