peak bloom (blossoms and tourists)

The Cherry Blossoms are finally in peak bloom. However, so are the tourists. Jess and I showed up at the Tidal Basin at 5:30am to catch some early light for our photos and we were quite surprised to see people all over. Stand-out tourists, families, people on their way to work, TV trucks, and tripod upon tripod set up along the walks. I wasn't really able to focus as much as I wanted to, but I was still up for the challenge. Not to mention, the light/sky wasn't exactly ideal -- hazy blue-gray sky, harsh glare right after sunrise -- you know, typical DC conditions. If anything, it was nice to just absorb the sights in. Next walk I take there, it will be sans camera... Anyway, here's my fav five from this practice: