I’ve been looking forward to the Texas Bluebonnet season since 2020 began. I even watched a weather forecaster talk about how amazing the blooms would be this year due to our recent weather. I was beyond excited and couldn’t wait to photograph some of my amazing clients in the abundant fields of purple flowers. I kept my eye on the roadways for the blooms so I could begin offering these sessions. Finally I saw blooms! And then almost just at the same time, COVID 19 swept the United States. I feared many families would miss out on the Texas tradition of bluebonnet portraits due to social distancing. Some families scheduled sessions and I am incredibly happy that they aren’t missing out on the once a year opportunity. Other families are choosing to pass this year. I’d like to share five tips with those that are choosing to skip professional bluebonnet portrait sessions this year.
Tip Number One. Photograph in the early morning or late evening hours. I know these hours aren't ideal, but once you experience the light at these times of the day you will never go back to noon bluebonnet photos. I've had a number of clients that are amazed at the difference this makes! This portrait of the Loewen Family was taken around 9:00 am on a Monday morning. Dad JUST got off work and their baby normally naps around this time, but they are very happy they adjusted their schedule for one day to make this happen.
This bluebonnet photograph was taken in the late afternoon about a half hour before sunset.
Tip Number Two. Take your bluebonnet photographs when they first bloom before they get trampled down. I prefer to take them at my husband's family ranch in Limestone County for a few reasons - the patch is on private property so I'm the only photographer that uses this area for photographs and it's safe. It's away from roads so little ones are not going to run around accidentally run into traffic. I encourage kiddos to have fun at their sessions and this is the perfect place because there is an abundance of area to run around and enjoy themselves to let loose some energy between poses. This portrait was the first bluebonnet session of the season. Notice how full and tall the flowers are! It makes a difference, trust me.
Tip Number Three. Always bring a blanket or stool to sit on. Some people do not like to sit in the flowers. It can be overwhelming when they are almost as tall as you when you're sitting down and they are completely surrounding you. I always bring several different things to sit on - a blanket, a metal bucket, and a wooden crate. Sometimes I also bring a red wagon. Baby Caleb loved the red wagon!
Tip Number Four. Get on their level. Often times people stand above the person/people being photographed and just snap a quick photo. That works for a quick snapshot, but if you're wanting something a little more posed try bending down and getting on their level. During sessions I squat, kneel, even lay on the ground to get different angles. For a group portrait such as this one of the Schmedthorst Family, I wanted all of them looking directly at me so I could see their faces. This meant I had to sit down and get on their level. Since mom was in the middle, I needed to be level with her.
Tip Number Five. HAVE FUN!! AND STAY SAFE!! Before sitting little ones down, do a quick check for ants, snakes, and other creatures. You can't see them all, but you can check the immediate area you are going to use. I've learned this lesson the hard way...and continue to learn this lesson the hard way (I'm pretty stubborn apparently). I always check for my clients, but obviously never check where I'm standing or sitting. More than a few times I have stood in a fire ant pile to get that "perfect" shot. One time, I even SAT in a fire ant pile! So be mindful when entering a patch of bluebonnets and remember that insects and creatures call that patch home.
If you’re interested in a Bluebonnet Session this season, we still have some availability on Saturday, March 28th in the afternoon in Waco, Texas.
