I moved to Texas in the summer of 2007 so I experienced bluebonnets for the first time in the spring of 2008. I was amazed at how beautiful all the highways became as purple flowers bloomed and lined the highways for all to enjoy. Surprisingly, this was the first year that I offered Bluebonnet Limited Edition Sessions. I just assumed that people just took these photos very quickly on their cell phones and moved on down the road, but I quickly realized that this was not the case. So many people want professional photographs of their loved ones in the bluebonnets! They want WALL ART of their loved ones in the bluebonnets!
After three years of clients asking me if I offered Bluebonnet Sessions and me telling them that I did not, I finally decided to give it a try and I must say, I was impressed. I only offered four sessions and they filled up quickly! I'm in love with each of the sessions and I'm going to give you some tips to taking your own bluebonnet photos that you can use now while we still have some as their season is coming to an end.
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.
Loewen Family at the abundant bluebonnet field at Spring Valley Elementary in Hewitt, Texas.
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.
Johnson Family at a fresh bluebonnet patch on private property in Limestone County.
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!
Baby Caleb enjoying a wagon ride in the bluebonnets.
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.
Schmedthorst Family in a patch of bluebonnets at eye level.
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.
Due to the great success and demand of this year's Bluebonnet Limited Edition Sessions, we will offer them again next spring. Mark your calendars because we will begin booking them in February of 2018. The best way to be notified of special sessions is by subscribing to our newsletter. You'll receive our monthly e-newsletter, blog articles, special deals, and be notified of bookings before I post them on my page. If you'd like to subscribe, just fill out this quick form.