A Cherry Blossom Pet Photography Session with my Dog Ulu

Brooke Arseneau
Apr 9
2 min read

What Cherry Blossom Photos With Your Dog Actually Feel Like

Cherry blossom photos with your dog don’t just look beautiful… they feel like something.

When I look back at these, they feel like a scene out of an anime. Soft, glowing light. Petals floating through the air. Everything a little dreamy, a little unreal.

But at the same time they feel so real, just life, exactly as it is in that moment.

Sunny, light, happy.

Cherry blossoms only last for such a short time. A couple of weeks, if you’re lucky. And I think that’s why these photos hit differently because you feel how fleeting it all is.

It’s not just spring that passes quickly. It’s these seasons of life with them.

Why This Location Works So Well for Pet Photography

This canine photography session was photographed at Larry Berg Flight Path Park in Richmond, and it’s kind of a hidden gem for cherry blossom dog photography.

The cherry blossom trees here grow low to the ground, which makes a huge difference. Unlike photographing people, dogs naturally sit much lower, so having blossoms at their level lets you fully surround them in the scene.

You can:

Frame your dog inside the blossoms instead of shooting above them
Use the low branches to shoot through the flowers for that soft, dreamy look
Even use the picnic benches to lift your dog into the blooms for a different perspective

It gives you that immersive, almost magical feeling like they’re completely wrapped in spring.

I took photos of my dog with cherry blossom trees

How to Get That Dreamy Look

A lot of that “dreamy” feeling comes down to light.

For that soft glow: position yourself so the trees block the direct sun from hitting your lens, but still allow light to spill through the background
For bright, crisp images: face your dog toward the sun so their face is evenly lit and expressive
And always look for ways to frame using branches and blossoms to naturally draw the eye right to them

It’s simple, but when it all comes together… it feels like magic.

amazing photo of my dog with a cherry blossom tree

A Few Things to Know Before You Go

This park is beautiful, but it’s not without its challenges.

It can get very busy, especially during peak bloom. If you want a quieter, more relaxed experience (especially for nervous dogs), early morning right after sunrise is your best option and the light is better too.

Also, it’s right by the airport. Planes fly overhead frequently and can be loud, which might startle some dogs. Keeping them leashed and knowing your dog’s comfort level in noisier environments is really important here.

And because it’s a popular spot, you’ll want to be mindful of your angles, cars, buildings, and distractions can sneak into the background if you’re not paying attention.