Cherry Blossom Photoshoots at Branch Brook Park, NJ

Where To Plan Your Cherry Blossom Photoshoot?

Spring time is such a beautiful time of the year and cherry blossom photoshoots at Branch Brook Park in Newark, NJ are one of my favorites. (View portraits of this session below!) I am literally obsessed with cherry blossoms so much so, that it is part of my business logo. My background is Japanese and cherry blossoms (sakura) are symbolic of renewal and optimism. There is a small, approximate two week window for these photoshoots to take place, so make sure to keep in touch with your favorite photographer!

When Do We Shoot?

I only book cherry blossom photoshoots or any outdoor portrait sessions for that matter, during golden hour. Golden hour is within two hours of sunrise or sunset times. It is such a beautiful time with amazing light as it is soft, directional, diffused and full of color. Sunrise times here in NJ are usually around 6:00 am so it is not the most popular time. However, sunrise times can be ideal as most locations are empty. You’re able to move and shoot freely with little disturbance or wait times.

How To Schedule Your Cherry Blossom Portrait Session:

I got to photograph couples, owners with their pets, families and solo portraits this year. In this blog, I share photos of this beautiful mother with her son. The cherry blossoms at Branch Brook Park were in full bloom and the weather was perfect in the mid 60’s.

Before each portrait session I perform a location scout. Location scouts allow me to find areas in advance where I’d like to photograph and ensure trees are still blooming. I then guide my clients and capture both posed and candid moments. Whether in color or black and white, don’t cherry blossom trees create the most beautiful backdrop?

I’m not able to book cherry blossom photoshoots too early in advance as we never know when they’re going to bloom until February or March. However, once they start budding, I blast an email to my contacts and share on my instagram stories to let everyone know that I’ve started booking, first come first served. (If you’re not on my contact list, make sure to join here). This year, they bloomed a little later at the beginning of April and with a few unexpected days of 80 degree weather, they wilted quickly. Cherry blossoms generally bloom for approximately two weeks, but this year the ‘main trees’ bloomed for just one week.

Keep In Touch!

If you would like more information on outdoor portrait sessions please feel free to contact me at info@celestinaando.com. If you would like to know when I book photo sessions with the cherry blossoms again next spring or would like to be informed of any special sessions or events etc. keep in touch via instagram. Thanks for joining me here and hope you all enjoy the rest of this beautiful spring time!