Since wildflowers, including the state flower the bluebonnet, are back in Texas landscapes and on roadsides across the state, many people will want to take this opportunity to get some pictures of their color displays.
Texas A&M Agrilife Extension Service Experts remind those who like to capture wildflowers to beware of traffic and respect private property and nature in their quest for that perfect shot.
spot picking wildflowers
The Texas Department of Public SafetyDPS encourages motorists not to obstruct traffic and to be careful when slowing down or stopping to enjoy the sight of roadside wildflowers, said Bev Kellner, AgriLife Extension Traffic Safety Program Manager, Bryan-College Station.
“If you decide to stop on the side of the road to enjoy the flowers or take pictures, choose an area with enough space and light traffic conditions,” she said.
Kellner and Texas DPS also had the following security tips:
- Sign before exiting or entering the road.
- Park your vehicle off the shoulders of the improved road and parallel to the road in the direction of traffic.
- Don't cross the traffic lanes on foot to get to your preferred location for a flower photo.
- Observe signs that prohibit parking on a certain stretch of road.
“Failure to follow the rules of the road at any time of the year may result in a traffic violation,” Kellner said. "For your safety and the safety of others, be aware of your surroundings and be careful when in and out of the vehicle."
Legal considerations for wildflower season
While there is no longer a law against picking wildflowers in Texas, including the most popular one - Bluebonnet - there are still laws against trespassing and damaging or destroying rights of way and government property. Additionally, collecting plants, animals, or rocks from state parks is a Class C misdemeanor.
“People who admire flowers or take pictures of them should consider laws against civil and criminal trespassing,” said Tiffany Lachmidt, agricultural law specialist AgriLife Extension, Amarillo. "Individuals should also be aware of snakes, fire ants, and other potential dangers while observing or photographing wildflowers."
Lachmet said that those who want to take pictures must first find out if the property they want to be privately owned.
"If it's private property, you need to get permission before proceeding," she said. “Otherwise, you may be guilty of trespassing. But do not take it personally if some landlords do not allow you on their property because they may have legitimate reasons for denying you permission.”
Lachmet also noted that while picking a few wildflowers in areas open to the public or on private property with the permission of the landowner, it may be legal, and people should not dig up large patches of flowers or drive their cars into the fields.
"People should treat other people's property with the same respect they treat their own," she said.
Get perspective on wildflower pictures
“People often trample wildflowers to get to what they consider to be that perfect setting for their image,” Sam Craft said. Texas A&M Agrilife Multimedia Project Coordinator and Longtime Photographer, Brian College Station.
However, Kraft said, it is usually possible to find open areas or a path around or among wildflowers so that minimal damage can be done when a favorite spot is reached.
"Because blue monkeys typically grow in or around tall grasses, those taking pictures should also be aware of the potential presence of snakes and insects, especially fire ants, which are particularly prevalent in the state," he said.
Kraft said the best time to take wildflower photos is what photographers call the "golden hour" — the time just after dawn or just before dusk, when colors are the brightest.
"But realistically, most people have to take their photos whenever their personal or family schedule gives them a chance, so those times of the day aren't always an option," he said.
To the extent possible, those who take pictures of wildflowers should leave everything the way they found it, Kraft said.
“Be careful not to damage the plants or trees,” he said. “And if you are using props for a shoot, remember to take them yourself. And if you are shooting at a popular place and there are others around, try to get out of the way while taking their photos.”
Craft also cautioned against taking risks to get a different angle of the picture.
“Some people may want to climb a tree or stand on top of something unstable to get a picture, but that can be really dangerous,” he said. "Just remember to be vigilant and use common sense when getting your photos."
Kraft also noted that it is important for adults who want to photograph their children in a field of wildflowers to take the time to explain why it is important to respect nature and property.
"Another thing to keep in mind for flower protection is that your subject doesn't have to be live in the flowers in order to get a great photo," he said. “The subject can be in front of the flowers or behind them and appear as if they are already in them. You just have to use a little perspective.”
He also noted that this spring, in particular, those who take photos of wildflowers should take extra precautions due to the often dry and windy conditions.
“These are prerequisites for the potential for a wildfire, so people should be extra careful not to use or do anything that might cause a fire, including leaving the vehicle in a place where the heat from underneath could ignite the dry grass,” she said. .
Texas Highways magazine has two online articles, "Wildflowers of Texas" And Everything you need to know about wildflower season in Texas. To assist wildflower aficionados in identifying and identifying the abundance of wildflowers throughout the state.
Written by Paul Schattenberg with AgriLife today.
#Photography
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