Taking photos in beautiful bluebonnet patches has been a Texas tradition forever and if you want to act like a true Texan… well, do as the Texans do! I’m not originally from Texas but this is one of the first things I learned during my first year in Austin, over 20 years ago.

My son, Deacon, turned SEVEN today so we took our traditional birthday photos in a patch of bluebonnets that we found during one of our social distancing adventures earlier this week.

I know many families had bluebonnet sessions scheduled that had to be canceled because of the quarantine restrictions.  As devastating as it is, photography is considered a non-essential business and photographers worldwide had to completely put their businesses on hold, indefinitely. But just because we can’t take pictures of your kids in the gorgeous display of flowers all around us, doesn’t mean that YOU can’t take them.

A few tips for better bluebonnet photos:

• Take the photos at sunrise or sunset.  I personally like to do them within the first hour after the sun comes up or within the hour before sunset.  This is called “golden hour” for a reason and is how you can get that good, golden glow behind your kiddos.
• Keep the sun behind your subject. YES behind them.  There is still plenty of light around and their faces won’t be dark.  Your kids are going to be miserable and their faces are going to be all squinty and probably super bright if you have them facing the sun.  So… make errbody happy and put their backs facing the sun.
• Bring a stool, a small chair, or a blanket and PLEASE check the area before you plop your kiddos down- you want to make sure there aren’t any fire ant beds (there are TONS right now), snakes, or other critters hiding amongst the flowers.
• Don’t step on the flowers! They die if you smoosh them so please minimize the foot traffic so other people can enjoy them.

Bluebonnet Locations:

So, if you’re up for a social distancing adventure and want to get outside for a bit and enjoy the sunshine, here are a few spots to find some incredible bluebonnets where you can take your kids for some epic photos…

Brushy Creek Sports Park

This place is a Cedar Park, Texas gem! When you enter the park you’re going to turn right and park on the far side of the park by the skate park area.  The area behind the skate park is my favorite spot for bluebonnets.  Actually, this is one of my favorite places for family sessions in general- the evening light is incredible! Another area at this park to check out is on the south end of the fields right by the parking lot- there’s always a pretty good-sized patch on the other side of the fence!

Brushy Creek Lake Park

If you adventure anywhere along the Brushy Creek Trail it’s pretty safe to say that you’re going to find some bluebonnets! But if you want an epic field of bluebonnets in Cedar Park, Texas- this is probably going to be your best bet.  I’ll be honest and tell you that I avoid this location because it’s just so darn crowded all the time.  If I did decide to do a session here, I would opt for a sunrise session.

Twin Lakes YMCA

Another Cedar Park, Texas location. Park your car at the back of the parking lot. You’ll see a structure with some picnic tables and a bathroom area.  Behind that is the entrance to the Brushy Creek Trail. Look to your left before you go over the bridge and you’ll spy a pretty epic waterfall. Does it look familiar? Anyways, I’m a huge fan of multitasking so adventuring and picture taking has always been a great combo to get my son to cooperate. Bring a backpack and some snacks because it’s about a mile walk to get to the really good patches of bluebonnets but I promise you they are SO PRETTY!

Reed Elementary

This school is located in…. you guessed it- Cedar Park, Texas! If you’re only up for a grab and go photo session this bluebonnet patch will be perfect for you.  When you’re looking at the school from Little Elm Trail there is a giant patch of bluebonnets in the front left corner.  You cannot miss it! I bet there are some other great spots around the school but I’ve never checked it out.

Highland Lakes Bluebonnet Trail

If you’re feeling the blues and just need to get out of the house and go for a drive, the Texas hill country won’t disappoint you.   Pack a lunch and have a nice family picnic together. It is recommended that you start in Burnet – after all, it’s known as the Bluebonnet Capital of Texas! There is a bluebonnet festival there the second week of April so mark your calendars for next year!

Burnet, Texas

Burnet, Texas is known as the Bluebonnet Capital of Texas.  It’s a great place to start the Highland Lakes Bluebonnet Trail.  Typically there is a bluebonnet festival there the second week of April so mark your calendars for next year!

Tag me in those photos!

I would LOVE to see what you guys come up with! Please tag @hellophotographyaustin in your Facebook photos so I can take a look!!  And if you’ve got questions, please feel free to reach out to me anytime! jen@hellophotographyaustin.com

Jen Rizy from Hello Photography is a maternity, newborn, and wedding photographer based in the Austin, Texas Area. You can reach me HERE!