Photographer Documents Washington D.C. Cherry Blossoms Through 17-Year Visual Chronicle

Drew Geraci, an award-winning photographer and Sony Artisan of Imagery, has dedicated 17 years to photographing cherry blossom season in Washington, D.C. His ongoing project captures the annual bloom's fleeting nature while documenting changes in the city's atmosphere, light, and human activity. Geraci returns each spring to specific locations like the Jefferson Memorial and Tidal Basin, but adapts his approach annually to avoid repetition. Initially focused on technical precision with methods like HDR bracketing, his work has evolved toward conveying emotion and narrative. The project requires intensive planning due to the unpredictable 7-10 day bloom window, with peak conditions lasting only 2-3 days. Geraci notes the bloom period has shifted earlier over the years, from late April to mid-March, which he attributes to climate patterns. He now embraces unpredictable elements like crowds and weather as integral to the story. The photographer describes his archive as a time capsule recording urban evolution alongside seasonal beauty. His process involves shooting at sunrise, mid-morning, and sunset during peak bloom, with continuous adaptation to conditions. Geraci seeks to make familiar scenes feel new through experimental angles while maintaining classic compositions. He measures success by whether viewers feel immersed in the transient moment of peak bloom. The project remains open-ended, with each year presenting unique challenges that prevent routine.