What to know about Cherry Blossom Season in New York City - from a Family Photographer

WHEN WINTER THAWS

When the city finally shakes off winter, Spring feels like a deep breath—it's almost hard to believe how much beauty can bloom after months of cold and gray. This year in particular I know will be a major relief for New Yorkers, tired of the long cold winter and mountains of snow that fell this year.

While I don't live in the city anymore (I moved to North Carolina in 2021), I still look forward to visiting for a few weeks each year, to not only capture the beauty of cherry blossom season, but to see so many families that I've gotten to know over the years, and marveling on how much their children have grown. It's truly one of the best parts of my job

When do cherry blossoms bloom in NYC?

After many years of tracking the timing, I feel I have a pretty good handle on when things will bloom each year. Even while I don't live full time in the city anymore, I can predict the blooms with excellent accuracy at this point!

The blooms come in many different varieties, and depending on the type, you'll find gorgeous blossoms from late March all the way to mid-May. Some families love the early small pink and white blooms of the Yoshino cherry trees and gorgeous tulip trees. These start in late March and often peak between April 4th and April 13th.

Others prefer the big cotton candy blooms of the Kwanzan trees which bloom in late April to early May.

What are the best locations for a photo-session during cherry blossom season?

In Manhattan, my favorite locations are almost all in Central Park. The reservoir has the most stunning display in my opinion, but it can get very crowded during the afternoons and weekends. Cherry Hill (aptly named) is near the bow bridge and a gorgeous spot to see the white Yoshino cherry trees in early April. Pilgrim hill is another popular spot in early Spring.

Riverside Park also has lovely cherry blossoms and is a bit less crowded than Central Park.

Don't sleep on Washington Square park! Though the park itself is small, the arch paired with the tulip trees is absolutely beautiful. Just be sure to get there early in the morning to avoid the crowds.

Across the river, Roosevelt Island is a hidden gem and a wonderful spot for a relaxing stroll with your family. You'll also get views of the manhattan skyline from here, though it's difficult to capture both the blossoms and the skyline in one shot.

Across the river

A wonderful spot to capture the Yoshino cherry blossoms and a stunning view of the manhattan skyline, is across the East River, at Gantry Plaza State Park in Long Island City. 

Roosevelt Island is a hidden gem and a wonderful spot for a relaxing stroll with your family. You'll also get views of the manhattan skyline from here, though it's difficult to capture both the blossoms and the skyline in one shot.

Prospect Park in Brooklyn hosts many cherry trees and is less crowded on most days, but you won't get the iconic views here.

Brooklyn Botanical Garden is stunning, but I recommend going as a family outing just to enjoy the park, as they require a permit for photographers.

WHat if my children are wild?

Spring sessions are relaxed, freeing, and built around letting kids be kids. I always tell families this: you don’t need to wait until life feels calmer or more “put together.” These years are busy and messy and sweet all at once.

While I always strive to capture that one 'everyone looking and smiling' photo, some of my favorite images have come from in-between moments: a parent fixing a stray hair, siblings racing down a path, or a toddler insisting on holding a stick or a flower they just found.

We only have a few short years to capture these moments while our kids are this little. Cherry blossom season just happens to be a really lovely backdrop for remembering exactly what this fleeting stage of life felt like. 🌸

I can't wait to see you under the blooms.