Texas bluebonnet photos with the family is a nearly annual event. I force the entire family out the door, somewhat dressed to capture photos of the kids together.
In case you aren’t from Texas, family bluebonnet photos are a thing. Yes, you will see crazy people on the side of the road in a patch of bluebonnets, snapping pics. We try to be safe and find out of the way places, but yes – file us under the Texas crazies.
This past weekend we headed out take some pics, in hopes of actually having all of the kids in 1 photo. 4 kids together at the ages they are at – are NOT easy to photograph!
Bluebonnets From Dallas to the Hill Country
Beautiful Texas bluebonnet flowers bloom all along the highways March thru April. Here in North Texas there are a few spots and hidden gems – but the real deal is down south in the hill country.
The roads are lined with these gorgeous flowers. (Side note: the bluebonnet is our state flower.) 2 years ago, we planted a nice patch of bluebonnets, hoping that this year is the year that they bloom!
On any given spring weekend that the flowers are in bloom, you can see lines of cars surrounding these patches (or fields) with people taking bluebonnet photos.
This past weekend, the bluebonnets were perfect. They will soon be dying out, so if you haven’t shot you pics – you have probably 1 more weekend before they start dying.
If you are headed out, I’ve rounded up a few tips I learned while shooting the kids the last few years. These aren’t photography tips – but real life mom of 4 taking family photo tips.
5 Tips for Taking Texas Bluebonnet Photos With Kids
1. Clothes
We went with 3 different colors, mixed and matched that would work well with the color of the bluebonnets and the greenery for the photos.
Looking back, I’d put our oldest boy in a different shirt – but we headed out last minute and the fact we could even find clothes is amazing.
Also, make sure the clothes fit right. Poor Zeke, the overalls just didn’t fit him right. Mom fail, but whatever – the kids are all together in the blue bonnet pic and aren’t screaming.
2. Boredom
Kids WILL get bored. Let them run around, don’t worry so much on the smiling face (that would be way to easy!). Capture a few photos of them in the moment, whatever they are doing.
3. Get Individual Photos
Make sure to capture individual photos. It’s fun to look back thru the years of Texas bluebonnet photos to see how much the kids change.
4. Make it an Event
Every year we do this, it’s like the pumpkin patch. The kids expect it (hence the yelling anytime we drive by any Texas bluebonnets) and we try to make it fun. Let the kids play. That being said, make sure they are fed, have gone to the potty and nap if needed.
We missed 2 of those 3 and due to that couldn’t stay as long as I would of liked. We are also NOT above bribing the kids. One year we brought M&M’s but uhm that made for messy photos. This year, we promised ice cream – and delivered.
5. Bring a Blanket or Quilt
I can never remember this little ditty. While you maybe able to capture a few shots here are there, the truth is the ground is rough and totally uncomfortable.
Watch out for ant beds, I may have found the perfect spot – sat my kid in it to only have my husband start yelling ANTS! While we haven’t (thankfully) encountered snakes – they apparently love Texas Bluebonnet fields as much as I do.
Where is Your Favorite Place to Shoot Texas Bluebonnet Photos?
Updated: original bluebonnet post: April 2012
If you enjoyed Texas Bluebonnet Photos With Kids by Digital Mom Blog – check out these photography posts:
Driving Directions
Monday 27th of March 2017
The pictures are beautiful, Thanks for the tips, it's useful!
Json Basics Tutorial
Sunday 26th of March 2017
Nice photos. And thanks for sharing
Happy Room
Monday 20th of March 2017
By the way, amazing photos. :)
Digital Mom
Friday 26th of April 2013
Hey Carla - we are in Dallas. I've heard great things about the hill country this time of year, but haven't made it down around this time of year for photos (maybe next spring)