Tips for taking Texas Bluebonnet Photos

So many folks have asked me about taking great photos in the bluebonnets.  I have no real secrets.  It’s pretty much dumb luck about 60% of the time. That percentage decreases as I hone my photography skills but when I was just a “mommy photographer” I can promise that it was ALL dumb luck.  That being said, here’s a few tips to help you this spring:

1. First and foremost be safe. I see so many families stop on the side of the highway and take photos with cars buzzing by at 70 mph! Scout out a location that will be off of the main highway. This is so important when photographing children and pets.
2. Wear solid colors-remember that the bluebonnets create a “print” or “pattern” of their own.  By wearing solid colors you will allow the bluebonnets to be showcased.
3. Wearing long pants/skirts is best.  The grass can be itchy. Make sure you have something that will cover bare legs.
4. Look out for ants, they love bluebonnet fields.
5. If a location is popular sit in the spots that are already crushed.  There’s no reason to keep mashing down the flowers. Those mashed down spots will show up in your photos and you will kill more flowers.  Also, if someone has sat there before you know there aren’t ants there.
6. Don’t let your children pick the bluebonnets—we need them to make seeds for next year!
7. Remember to look at what is behind your subjects.  Often we focus so much on finding a huge field of flowers that we forget to look at what is on the horizon. Cars, parking lots, other people, telephone poles, power lines,  port-o-potties, construction zones—they’ve all ruined great shots that I’ve taken in the past.
8. Don’t be afraid to squat or sit down to take the photo.  If your subjects are sitting you need to get low.
9. Lighting can be your friend or your enemy.  Outside photos should be shot before 10 and after 4.  If you are shooting photos mid-day you will have subjects with closed eyes or squinting.  Beware of shadows that are cast on your subjects, they will be darker on your capture than you realize.
10. Don’t forget your flash.  Shadows will show without you realizing it.  A flash will save you when your hubby keeps his baseball hat on or when your sister is standing to the side of your son.  Remember that it’s good to take photos both with and without the flash
11. Digital is your friend. I love digital photography because it doesn’t cost you a thing to take a photo. Take 2-3 photos of each pose, especially if there is more than 1 person in the shot. Closed eyes, blowing hair and subjects not looking at the camera can ruin a shot.
12. Tech stuff:  Lower your ISO to get rich colors.  Have a higher aperture to capture crisp edges and details.  For a softer look have a lower aperture, which will make the flowers look less sharp. I normally shoot my bluebonnets with f/13 or higher, you’ll thank me when you see the detail. Shoot RAW if you can to adjust for any mistake you make in exposure.
13. ZOOM! Sure the field of bluebonnets is pretty, but remember to zoom into get the faces of your subjects.  I always make sure I take my photos as close ups. The best bluebonnet shots I have ones where my girls will fill up 2/3 of the photos.
14. Play with your kids.  Think outside of the classic pose.  Let your kids run around the field, sniff the bluebonnets, play with your puppy…you get the idea.  I have a great photo of my girls playing ring around the rosie in the bluebonnets.
15. Don’t forget your tripod—you need to be in a few pictures yourself!
16. For a list of  wildflower locations call the Texas Department of Transportation at 800-452-9292 or visit their website.
17. If all else fails contact me by sending an email to susan at robinwoodphoto dot com to capture your family in the bluebonnets!