Nothing says “spring in Texas” quite like a field of blossoming bluebonnets. Here’s how you can capture the perfect photo without putting your family or pets at risk.
- Stay away from busy roads. Spot the perfect patch of bluebonnets on your daily commute? Enjoy the beauty from the safety of your vehicle. The medians of busy roads, such as Bethany Drive in Allen, can be difficult to access, not to mention dangerous for kids and pets. Same goes for the ditches and shoulders along highways and interstates. If you wouldn’t let a child or pet play there, it’s likely not a safe place to photograph them.
- Park smart. When bluebonnets bloom, a formerly empty field can transform into a local hotspot overnight, with rarely enough parking to meet newfound demand. Resist the urge to block emergency lanes, turn lanes or other traffic in your quest for the perfect pic.
- Don’t trespass on private property. You wouldn’t love it if 2,500 prom-goers showed up in your backyard to take photos, would you? In the same spirit, make sure you receive permission before tiptoeing through the tuli—er—bluebonnets on someone else’s property.
- Watch where you walk. Bluebonnets thrive in wild, untended places – and so do a lot of other Texas wildlife! Keep an eye out for slithering, pinching and biting critters before you plop down for a photo. If you’re trekking off the beaten path, closed-toed shoes are recommended.
- Think outside the bonnet. With beauty budding across Allen’s many parks, trails and public facilities, don’t limit your family photo session to bluebonnets! Dayspring Nature Preserve, Bethany Lakes Park, Allen Civic Plaza and the Historic Water Station Trail all feature beautiful surroundings and interesting architectural features. Have a favorite spot to photograph your family in Allen? Tag your photos with your location and the hashtag #thinkoutsidethebonnet to share!