3 Tips for the Best Bluebonnet Photos

Bluebonnet photos are a major deal here in Central Texas.  People will drive for miles just to take their family’s photos in the most perfect patch of bluebonnets.  The wildflowers usually start to spring up around mid March and will be around until the first few week of April. But that is all depending on the weather, of course.

Everyone wants the perfect photos of their children in the sprawling deep blue of the bluebonnets.  A photo that will look good in your home for years to come.  I’m going to share a few tips of how to achieve professional looking photos of your family in the bluebonnets.

Safety First!

1. Do NOT stop on the side of the highway.  Kids are notorious runners and that is a very scary thought.  Just don’t do it.  Even if everyone else it…don’t.
2. Explore the back roads. There are many roads with little to no additional traffic during the bluebonnet season, and are nearly fully bursting with bluebonnets, so get off the beaten path and explore.  Country churches and small country stores are perfect spots to pull off on the side of road.
3. Do not trespass on private property.  Trespassing is against the law in Texas and some owners will not take kindly to it.
4. Try some cowboys boots on for size. Central Texas is home to a wide variety of snakes which should be avoided at all costs.  Amp up the “Texas-ness” of your photo and have all your kids wear cute cowboy boots.  You will thank yourself later.
5. Before you place a child in a patch of bluebonnets check it out first.  Make sure there are no fire ants, spiders, snakes, bugs that bite…you know anything that could ruin your day.  Also watch for poison ivy, poison oak and sharp cacti.

Choose the Right Time of Day

Lighting is EVERYTHING when it comes to photography.  The way that you use the light will either make your photos sing, or completely destroy your attempt.  The best time of day for bluebonnet photos is dusk, or about 1 hour before sunset.  This is when the sunlight is golden and soft.

Position of your Subject (Children)

If you are shooting at dusk position your children with their backs towards the setting sun.  You will be able to see the sun sparkle through their hair and there will be no squinting eyes for the photos.  Can you see the sun behind them in the below photo?  It is sparkling at their back and peeking through their hair.  Exactly what you want for a beautiful photo.

Get Up Close

Now, I know you want to capture the largeness of the field of bluebonnets and that is great, but also take the time to get some up-close photos of your children sitting in the bluebonnets.  Get a few bluebonnets at the bottom of your frame and around the sides.  Place your subject in the middle and start shooting.  Sit down in the flowers with them and shoot from that angle…straight on.

If you interested in booking a session with Emily Crump Photography for 2022-2023 now is the time to book. Session dates book up quickly! Please email me today at emily@emilycrumpphotography.com while session dates are still available.  We are using all necessary covid precautions during our sessions to maintain the safety of our littlest clients and their families. Be sure to follow us on our Instagram page!