Spring Family Portrait Tips for DFW: Your Complete Guide
From what to wear to when to book, here's everything you need to know about capturing gorgeous spring family photos in North Texas.
Spring in Dallas-Fort Worth is magical—bluebonnets blooming, perfect temperatures, and that gorgeous golden light that makes everything look like a magazine cover. It's also the busiest season for family photography, which means you need to plan ahead. As a Flower Mound family photographer who's shot hundreds of spring sessions, I'm sharing my insider tips to help you nail your family portraits this year.
When to Book Your Spring Session
The short answer: Book in January or February for the best selection of dates.
The detailed breakdown:
- MarchEarly wildflowers, unpredictable weather. Great for adventurous families who don't mind rescheduling if a storm rolls through.
- AprilPeak bluebonnet season (usually first two weeks). The most requested month—book early or miss out.
- MayWarm but not hot yet. Lush green everywhere. My personal favorite for family sessions.
Pro tip: If you want bluebonnet photos specifically, I recommend booking a mini session in early April AND a full family session in May. The minis are quick and affordable, and you'll have options.
What to Wear: Spring Edition
Wardrobe is the #1 source of stress for moms booking family photos. Here's my no-fail spring formula:
Colors That Work Beautifully
The Golden Rules
- ✓Coordinate, don't match. Nobody needs to wear the same color. Pick 3-4 complementary tones and let each person choose within that palette.
- ✓Add texture. Linen, cotton, light knits—texture photographs beautifully and adds visual interest.
- ✓Dress for comfort. If your toddler hates bow ties, skip it. A happy kid in a simple outfit beats a miserable kid in a fancy one.
- ✓Mind the patterns. One patterned item per family is plenty. Small patterns photograph better than large ones.
What to Avoid
- ✗Neon colors – They cast unflattering reflections on skin
- ✗All black everything – Loses detail in outdoor light
- ✗Large logos or graphics – Distracting and dates photos quickly
- ✗Brand new shoes – Especially for kids. Blisters = meltdowns
Preparing Your Kids (Without Them Knowing)
Here's a secret: the less you talk about the photo session, the better it usually goes. Kids don't need to "practice smiling" or hear warnings about behaving. That just creates anxiety.
My Pre-Session Ritual
- Make sure they're well-rested (no skipped naps!)
- Give them a snack about 30 minutes before
- Tell them you're going to a fun park to play
- Pack their favorite small toy as a backup
- Bring snacks and water for the session
During the session, I handle the rest. My approach is play-based—we explore, we run, we look for bugs. The camera just happens to be there. Kids forget it exists within five minutes.
Best Spring Locations in DFW
Spring opens up location options that aren't available year-round. Here are my top picks:
Wildflower Fields
Various locations across Denton and Tarrant counties. Best in early-mid April. I scout new spots each year.
Murrell Park
Tall grasses turn golden-green in spring. Grapevine Lake as backdrop. My top Flower Mound location.
Arbor Hills Nature Preserve
Lush greenery, wildflowers, and those gorgeous overlook points. Located in Plano.
White Rock Lake
Dallas's beloved urban oasis. Waterfront + wildflowers = magic.
Texas Weather: Expect the Unexpected
If you've lived in Texas for more than a week, you know our weather has a mind of its own. Spring is especially unpredictable—we might have a gorgeous 75° day followed by a thunderstorm, followed by a cold front.
My weather policy: I monitor forecasts obsessively and will proactively reach out to reschedule if conditions aren't ideal. Your comfort and the quality of your images matter more than sticking to a date. Rescheduling is always free.
Ready to Book Your Spring Session?
Spring dates fill quickly, especially for April bluebonnet sessions. Let's chat about your vision and find the perfect time for your family.
Reserve Your Spring DateQuick FAQs
How far in advance should I book?
2-4 weeks minimum for spring sessions. For specific April weekend dates, 4-6 weeks is safer.
What time of day is best?
Golden hour (1-2 hours before sunset) is ideal. For spring, that's roughly 6:30-7:30 PM in March, later as we approach summer.
Can we do bluebonnets AND a regular session?
Absolutely! Many families book a quick mini session for bluebonnets and a full session later in spring at a different location.
What if my kids don't cooperate?
That's literally my specialty. Read about my approach to working with kids of all ages (and temperaments).
About the Author
Carly Gage is a Dallas family photographer based in Flower Mound, specializing in authentic, unposed portraits. With over 10 years of experience, she's photographed hundreds of DFW families across every season. Her work has been featured in various publications, and she brings the same artistic eye from her wedding photography with A Nomadic Love to every family session.