5 Tips for GREAT Bluebonnet pictures | College Station Family Photographer

Springtime in Texas and especially in College Station means warmer, beautiful weather and BLUEBONNETS!!  And every good Texas knows that you MUST take a picture of your babies at least once in their little lives in the Texas bluebonnets.  It is virtually a rite of passage that we rank up there with their first pair of boots and first bite of Bluebell ice cream.  It’s serious business.  So much so, that when I found this little meme the other day, I thought it was very apropos.  😉

At any rate, having met with many families for many years in the bluebonnets, I wanted to provide some tips that would be helpful when taking pictures.

• SCOUT YOUR PATCH – I have a few criteria when looking for a great patch for my clients:  ~safe and open place to play and run //  ~plenty of places to park // ~sun sets behind the patch and not in front (read: no squinting) // ~public areas without a “no trespassing sign” //  I am aware that ants and even snakes are an issue with bluebonnets (and really all outdoor photography), so I make sure to look for them as we walk around the patch.

• PREPARE YOUR PEOPLE – Soooooo there is nothing worse  than having tired, hungry little people (and even big people) when you’re wanting to take pictures.  My strong encouragement is to feed those people before you come.  If at all possible, aim to have a low-key day on the day you want to take pictures in the bluebonnets.  You don’t want to add your bluebonnet photo shoot onto the end of a big weekend trip or having lots of friends over.  A tired, hungry child does not appreciate a photoshoot.  😉

• PREPARE YOUR CLOTHES –  Traditionally, people choose white clothes and jeans when taking bluebonnet pictures.  That can look nice.  Also, consider light blue, yellow, and even green photograph. These colors photograph well because they compliment the dark blue of the flowers. The main thing is to avoid of lots of patterns or stripes as either one of these will detract from the faces and the bluebonnets.  🙂  Take a peek here for clothing inspiration: bluebonnet photography in college station.

• TIME YOUR SHOOT – The sun is the most flattering about 30 minutes after sunrise and about an hour or so before sunset.  You’ll love the way the people, flowers, and foliage look when you time your photoshoot around the sunrise/sunset.  Just be sure you’re not keeping your little people up too late.  And mind the time change.  It’s a sneaky little guy!!

• CAPTURE THE LOVE – Once you get there, enjoy the time.  You’re capturing memories, and that is priceless!!  Be sure to get those pictures printed as soon as you can.  The joy you’ll get from seeing them printed and displayed in your home will last a lifetime!