When is Bluebonnet season in Austin?

It’s here now. Bluebonnet season usually starts in early spring around Mid-March and lasts at least through Mid-April or later. 

Are there Bluebonnets every year? 

Yes and no. Yes, there are probably always some bluebonnets to be found somewhere in Austin, but no — not every year is the same. Some years are really spectacular with fields of solid blue. Other years, there may be patches. And the locations are not always consistent. There’s always some scouting involved in finding a really good spot. It really depends on the amount of rain through fall and winter, temperatures in the winter season, and how quickly spring warms up, among other factors. 

When should I schedule my session?

Late March through the first two weeks of April is usually a safe bet in a good Bluebonnet season.

What if I missed peak Bluebonnet season?

Don’t worry. When the Bluebonnets start to fade, there are numerous other wildflowers that replace them. You’ll notice fields of blue will turn to fields of red and then a gorgeous mix of yellow, orange, purple and light pink. These later blooming wildflowers should last into May. The Bluebonnet portrait is quintessential and worth the effort, but the wildflower fields that follow are not to be missed. 

What should I wear?

The standard advice that we offer for all of our sessions, still holds true for Bluebonnet portraits. Avoid being overly ‘matchy.’ That said, there should be some thoughtful planning for your session and your group. Solid, neutral colors. A mix of textures. Yellow is usually a go-to for Bluebonnets if yellow is your color. 

For those of you in the earlier stages of deciding what to wear for your portrait session, we have got lots of tips to help get you started. Here’s why we think you should choose a neutral color palette and why simplicity in styling your session is our go-to best practice. 

Is it really necessary to book a photographer?  

No, of course not. Texas families have been taking pictures in Bluebonnets at least since I did it as a kid in the 80s. Whether or not you decide to book a full portrait session or a mini session with a professional photographer is up to you. How badly do you want that Bluebonnet photo? You can certainly do it on your own. But booking a professional photographer will ensure that you get a frame-worthy portrait, and can be a lot less stressful in a number of ways. A professional will guide you to a successful photo shoot by selecting the best location, directing you to the best time of day for your session and offering advice on what to wear.

Working with someone who knows where the Bluebonnets are this year — you can’t just pull over on the highway; you need a safe place for kids with safe parking available — is one of the most valuable reasons to book a session. Then all you have to do is show up. Beyond that, it’s basically impossible to be the parent and the photographer at the same time, and we certainly believe that parents should exist in photos with their kids. Let the photographer get the picture so you can be present and exist in those photos.

Booking the session can also be a little stressful; picture day is always a stressor for parents. Now you really have to think about what to wear, you have to get there on time, you’ll likely worry about which one of the kids will be sick on that day — all of this is also true. But getting that family photo in the field of Bluebonnets is worth it. 

If you’re interested in reserving your Bluebonnet mini portrait session in Northwest Austin, Texas or neighboring Cedar Park, book your Bluebonnet mini session here or contact us to reserve a one-hour complete portrait session. You can also check out our limited edition seasonal mini sessions schedule for upcoming minis session opportunities.