Cherry blossom portraits: Embracing the beauty of Korean springtime

In this article, we are going to take a look at shooting cherry blossoms in Seoul, though there will be plenty of fantastic tips and tricks that you can use in your own shots. Specifically, we will be taking a look at cherry blossom portraits, which are fantastic for framing your subject and adding interest to the overall composition. So let’s get started.

What Seoul Has to Offer

Seoul is a uniquely diverse city. One moment, you can be walking through narrow alleys that snake their way through the capital, with towering skyscrapers looming overhead, and the next, you might find yourself up a mountain with breathtaking cityscape views. Seoul, and Korea as a whole, is extremely mountainous, offering plenty of chances to escape the hustle of the city while still remaining within it.

This unique combination provides countless opportunities to capture a wide range of cherry blossom compositions that span across different genres of photography. This is especially beneficial for portrait photographers, as there are so many beautiful backdrops to choose from. You can stroll through a park, enjoying green spaces enhanced by bursts of pink from blossoming trees. Alternatively, you might find a cherry blossom tree standing outside a restaurant, creating the perfect scene for placing your subject under the neon glow of its lights alongside the blossoms.

Let’s take a look at some of the best places to capture cherry blossom portraits.

Choosing the Perfect Location

When it comes to finding the perfect location for cherry blossom portraits, Seoul has plenty to offer. For those seeking a blend of urban and natural backdrops, you'll find cherry blossom trees scattered throughout the city in random but plentiful spots. Take a walk around areas like Euljiro, Mapo, Gangnam, and Seongsu for stunning urban scenery combined with beautiful blossoms. If you're looking for areas with a higher concentration of cherry blossom trees, check out our curated list below:

• Seokchon Lake Park
  Situated near Lotte Tower, rows of cherry blossom trees line the serene waters of Seokchon Lake. This popular destination attracts countless visitors eager to capture the beauty of the blossoms. To avoid the crowds and secure a clear view of the trees, aim to head out early in the morning.

• Gyeongbokgung Palace
  Blend history with your cherry blossom portraits by shooting at this ancient royal palace. The traditional architecture offers a unique backdrop for the blossoms, creating an enchanting setting. To celebrate Korean culture, invite your model to wear a hanbok, the traditional dress of South Korea, for truly stunning and culturally rich photos.

• Namsan Mountain Park
  Escape the hustle and bustle of the city by venturing into the greenery of Namsan Mountain Park. This park offers natural backdrops and a chance to feature Seoul's most recognisable landmark, Namsan Tower, in your portraits. For a bonus, head up the tower for a 360-degree view of the city, where you can spot clusters of pink cherry blossoms amidst the urban sprawl. Namsan Mountain is also visible from many parts of the city, offering distant views of the blossoms for creative compositions.

• Seoul Forest
  It’s hard to imagine a dense forest in a sprawling metropolis like Seoul, yet Seoul Forest proves how unique the city is. Inside, you'll find winding paths and countless cherry blossom trees perfect for portraits. As with other popular locations, consider arriving early to avoid the crowds and make the most of the serene environment.

• Yeouido Park
  This stunning park is home to an abundance of cherry blossom trees lining its paths. Yeouido Park offers diverse opportunities for portrait compositions. Opt for natural backdrops featuring dense foliage or serene ponds, choose traditional settings with gazebo-like pavilions near the water, or incorporate the towering skyscrapers along the park's edge for a modern vibe. Its popularity means early mornings are your best bet to enjoy the beauty without the crowds.

While these are some of the top spots for cherry blossom photography, you’ll find blossoms scattered throughout Seoul. Wander through the streets or explore the many mountain parks, and you're bound to stumble upon plenty of gorgeous trees ready to enhance your portraits.

Best Time to Visit Seoul for Cherry Blossoms

It’s a shame that something so beautiful has to be so fleeting, but therein lies the attraction of capturing cherry blossoms. Unfortunately, it’s impossible to give an exact time when the blossoms will be in full bloom, as much depends on the weather each year. Typically, cherry blossoms in Seoul bloom between late March and early April, so planning your visit toward the end of March gives you the best chance of seeing them in all their glory.

However, there’s another factor to consider: the weather. These delicate petals are highly susceptible to rain, which can significantly shorten the bloom period. A single rainy day during their peak can cause many blossoms to fall, making timing all the more critical. If you’re traveling from abroad, this means your trip may come down to a mix of planning and luck.

That being said, if you do catch the cherry blossoms in their prime, you’ll be rewarded with an unforgettable experience. Keep an eye on cherry blossom forecasts as your travel dates approach to ensure you make the most of this fleeting yet stunning season in Seoul.

Planning Your Cherry Blossom Portrait

Due to the fleeting nature of cherry blossoms, you won’t get too many opportunities to reshoot until next year. Therefore, careful planning is essential to ensure your shoot is a success. Take a look at our guide to preparing for a cherry blossom portrait session, wherever you may be shooting.

Outfits:

The choice of outfit your model wears will help tie the cherry blossom theme together. Opt for complementary colour palettes like pastel tones, white, or soft neutral hues. These colours enhance the blossoms without overwhelming the composition. Contrasting colours might draw attention away from the cherry blossoms, diminishing their impact.

While the model should still stand out through composition, the intention is to create harmony with the setting. For a more traditional approach, consider the Korean hanbok. The traditional hanbok colour palette pairs beautifully with cherry blossoms, making it a popular choice for locals and travellers celebrating spring.

Props:

Incorporating props can add an extra layer of interest and creativity to your shoot. For traditional portraits, decorative umbrellas or fans can enhance the cultural and thematic elements. Alternatively, modern props like handheld mirrors can create unique reflections of the blossoms, adding a fresh perspective. Including floral or decorative props also complements the natural beauty of cherry blossoms and strengthens your overall composition.

Timing Tips:

Avoiding crowds is crucial for capturing portraits without distractions. Aim to shoot during early morning hours when the light is soft and warm, which flatters both your scene and your model’s skin. Golden hour in the evening is another excellent time for flattering light, but it may still attract crowds.

Midday should generally be avoided due to harsh lighting conditions and peak visitor times. Planning your session during off-peak hours allows for greater access to the most beautiful trees and lighting without the hassle of unwanted background distractions.

Final Tips:

Meticulous planning ensures you won’t waste precious moments during this brief season. Research locations in advance to find areas that suit your themes, and communicate your plans with your model so they know exactly what to expect on the day. Proper preparation will make your cherry blossom portrait session efficient, enjoyable, and rewarding.

Cherry Blossom Portraits Tips and Tricks

Getting the balance right between your model and the beauty of cherry blossoms can be a challenge. However, when done correctly, cherry blossom portraits are breathtaking, instantly recognisable, and characterised by soft, harmonious colour palettes. Let’s explore some compositional ideas you can incorporate into your shoot:

Framing:

Use the hanging branches of cherry blossom trees to naturally frame your model and direct attention toward them. Have your model stand among the branches for a medium close-up shot. This approach ensures your model remains the focal point while their outfit and the blossoms create a visually pleasing, complementary scene.

Leading Lines:

Cherry blossom-lined paths offer an excellent opportunity to use leading lines in your composition. For full-body shots, position your model in the center of the path, allowing the trees and path to guide the viewer’s eye directly to them. This method not only highlights your model but also showcases their entire outfit in harmony with the surrounding blossoms.

Movement:

Incorporating movement into your portraits can add a dynamic and enchanting touch. On a cherry blossom path, ask your model to twirl, particularly effective if they are wearing a traditional hanbok with flowing fabric. For closer shots, introduce subtle movement by capturing falling petals or guiding your model to flick their hair. These small actions can add life and energy to your images without distracting from the overall composition.

Wide Shots:

Wide-angle portraits can be tricky, as your subject risks getting lost in the frame. If your goal is to highlight the surrounding environment along with your model, careful planning is key. Position your model in the center or at a key point using the golden ratio (also known as the Fibonacci sequence) to ensure they remain a focal point. This technique allows the viewer’s eye to explore the scene, appreciating the blossoms before landing on your model.

Balancing Blossoms and the Subject:

While standard composition rules apply, cherry blossom portraits require an extra focus on integrating the blossoms effectively. Ensure your images convey the theme of the shoot rather than appearing as a photo of either just a model or just the flowers. Essentially, you are taking portrait photos complemented and enhanced by cherry blossoms. 

Pro Tip:

Regularly review your images during the shoot to confirm that you’re achieving this balance. Adjust framing, posing, and angles as needed to ensure both your subject and the blossoms are working together harmoniously.

By combining these techniques and keeping your focus on balancing your subject with the cherry blossoms, you’ll create captivating portraits that beautifully capture the essence of springtime.

The Bottom Line

Seoul is a magical city all year round, but spring is when it truly shines. With its unique variety of locations such as mountains with breathtaking views, serene parks, and dense urban streets you’re bound to capture captivating cherry blossom portraits.

While including cherry blossoms in your composition is important, make sure they don’t take too much attention away from the model. Aim for balance, with the blossoms complementing the themes of your portrait rather than overpowering them. Using complementary color palettes, like pastel and soft tones, can enhance the overall composition; especially when paired with the traditional Korean hanbok.

If you’re lucky enough to be in Seoul during peak cherry blossom season, you’re guaranteed a fantastic time exploring the city and finding these beautiful petals. Good luck, and enjoy the experience!