It is said that April showers bring May flowers. But what does one do when he needs the April flowers to stick around? Can a cute, bucktoothed, groundhog predict the lifespan of an average bluebonnet? (I feel like I’m about to segue into a really cool GEICO commercial. ) Let’s just say God was gracious and allowed these pretty flowers to live awhile longer so scheduling would permit a portrait session.

It’s Texas, y’all. We each have our own traditions. Portraits among the bluebonnets might be one of them.

Allow me to introduce you to my friend, Megan. (For my faithful readers, you will recognize Megan from her Sneak Peek.)

I love how the color turned out on this shoot. (Just FYI – I only made a very minor increase in saturation. Other than that, no color adjustments were made. Her hair is totally natural.) I developed a new toned black & white appliqué for my digital arsenal. I’m quite happy with the results.

For my photographer friends: don’t you just love when a client is versatile? Attitude. Dignity. Innocence. Joy. What about a good smolder? Check out these next two shots:

Megan is such a fun person to be around. The “fun factor” is definitely in my top 5 qualities I desire in a client. I also appreciate it when clients are adventurous and totally willing to try new things. For example, Megan fearlessly imitated my goofy, embarrassing laugh pose. (Thank you, Megan!)

This was Megan’s first official shoot in a patch of bluebonnets. She didn’t have to make her debut alone, however. Check out this cameo:

Yes. Snuffy was bound to show up in one of my shoots. He’s so fluffy. I mean, c’mon. Totally irresistible. (I grew up on Sesame Street. Don’t judge.)

The weather was near perfect, just a little too humid. Overcast skies means natural softbox. I was thanking the Lord for shielding us from direct sunlight. Rain was in the forecast. So…we brought along an umbrella. Who said props can’t be dual-purpose? I don’t believe in chance, but somehow I felt this movie quote was appropriate: “Well, I’m sure I don’t know, darling. Luck favors the prepared.” (Name that movie.)

I love headshots. I really like the intentional focus on the eyes.

The next shot is the black & white version of the sneak peek. I like both. So you get both.

If I had to pick a favorite from the shoot, it would be this one:

Near the end of the shoot, I went through my mental checklist of shots & poses. I then looked up at the sky and totally had a “lightbulb” moment. High key…without actual studio lighting. Genius.

I had so much fun on this shoot!

Thank you, Megan, for braving the steep hill, mud, bugs, humidity, and my crazy posing techniques!

To the reader: please leave a comment – for Megan, compliments; for me, thoughts or questions; for Snuffy…..a virtual pat on the head.