Take Gorgeous Pics of Cherry Blossoms on a Vancouver Photowalk

Spring and fall are my favourite seasons in Vancouver since I love the vibrancy of the natural colours from the changing environment. I’ve been waiting (not too patiently) for the explosion of cherry blossoms and, finally, was rewarded this month.

In this Instagram age, the first thing I want to do is reach for my camera or my cell phone, but I often find I’m not doing enough justice to the blossomy scene. If you’re like me, Vancouver Photowalks has a roaming cherry blossom workshop that just might be the thing for you!

With the warmer weather here, it’s a perfect time to check out Vancouver Photowalks. My boyfriend and I have been hibernating this past winter and are now in the mood for more interactive, outdoor activities. Vancouver Photowalks offers roughly two hour photo workshops (some during the day, some at night) through various iconic and photogenic neighbourhoods/areas of the city, such as Strathcona, Gastown, Canada Place, Granville Island, and Stanley Park. You’ll walk around the area, taking in the sights, as well as receiving expert photography instruction. It’s an excellent way to get visually acquainted with the city, or see it anew through a different lens.

This month, the company is offering three cherry blossom photowalks, taking place the next three Sundays (April 16, 23, and 30) from 10am to 12pm. Groups of 6-8 people will meet at the Starbucks at Denman and Robson Street and then wander around the West End of Vancouver. “We’ll go where the blossoms are,” explains founder Suzanne Rushton during a phone chat. She says that there are a lot of lovely blossoms to be found on Georgia Street, as well as in Stanley Park. Participants can also make special requests (someone attending this weekend spied some blossoms on Denman Street worth taking). She adds that “there might a magnolia” along the way for photo-taking as well.

The photoguide for this walk will be Ricardo Seah, a landscape photographer who Rushton says has “very technical” expertise. The tour will teach the three Cs (colour, contrast, and composition), as well as give tips on creativity with blossoms. You’ll also learn how to capture cherry blossoms moving in the breeze (how do you stop the motion with your camera).

The class is open to all skill levels, from beginners who’ll learn a lot, to advanced photographers, who will have tons of fun during the walk. Rushton says one participant this weekend has been on 7 or 8 photowalks, attesting to how enjoyable it can be.

Just bring yourself, your openness to learn and be inspired by the sakura blossoms, as well as your digital or smart phone. DSLR rentals are also available with advanced notice.

The Cherry Blossoms Photowalk is $99 per person or $89 with a purchase of two or more. You can book on-line or by calling 604-670-0709.