Spring in the Texas Hill Country provides many remarkable opportunities to capture both portrait and landscape photographs. Texas wildflowers line the roadways, fill the fields and populate the yards of family homes and ranches. In March and April photographers, flower and nature enthusiasts and families take to the road to enjoy the beauty that colors the state.
The Bluebonnet House north of Marble Falls, Texas | New Braunfels Photographer
There are iconic locations such as the much loved "Bluebonnet House," in Burnet County just north of Marble Falls on Highway 281. This 2017 season the bluebonnets surrounding the landmark were reportedly the best bloom in the past 5 years. There are also more intimate locations tucked away in neighborhoods and off ranch roads that provide a beautiful background for portraits and family photos.
Clothing choice is very important for portraits.| New Braunfels Portrait Photography
On March 7, 1901, the twenty seventh Texas legislature adopted the bluebonnet, flower of the annual legume, Lupinus subcarnosus, as the state flower. The history of the flower goes back to Native American legend. More recently former First Lady of the United States Ladybird Johnson was responsible for populating the roadways of Texas with remarkable wildflowers of all kinds. She made the Texas bluebonnets and the state of Texas stand out with the roadway beautification program
As a portrait photographer, the bluebonnets of Texas make a wonderful backdrop for client sessions. It is important to choose unique and colorful backgrounds that also offer clean simplicity for the ultimate portrait success.
Young sisters in an early springtime bluebonnet field. | Texas Hill Country Portrait Photographer
The flowers are a special part of Texas history and heritage, and it is important to remember good wildflower etiquette. First and foremost don't stop and set up a photography session along a busy highway. It is important to find a public field that is open to personal photography. If in doubt, always ask permission because many bluebonnet fields are on private property. After you decide on an area for your photographs always check carefully to make sure there are no snakes or fire ants in the bluebonnet patch that you are photographing. It is not illegal to pick bluebonnets, but is never necessary to pick the blooms and often the flowers grow in natural patches that allow for stepping and sitting around the delicate flowers.
Delicate and beautiful, and a Texas treasure. | Texas Nature Photography
The 2017 bluebonnets have gone to seed as we head into May. However there are Indian Blanket, White Prickly Poppy. Brown Eyed Susan, and Pink Evening Primrose that grace the roadways and fields during late spring. Texans and visitors to the Lone Star State are fortunate to enjoy the beautiful Spring. There are many wonderful places to visit and photograph each spring in the Texas Hill Country.
It is not too early to plan for photographs in the bluebonnets. This time of year is a great time to visit and tour the state. If you would like to be placed on the calendar for photographs next year email me at marcia@faces-places-photography.com to be placed on the calendar for bluebonnet photographs or photo workshop in the spring of 2018.