Sunflowers are annuals with showy, daisy like flower heads that are usually 2-4 inches across and bright yellow (though occasionally red). Tall and course, the plants have creeping or tuberous roots and large, bristly leaves. Today, varieties have even been developed for small spaces and containers.
Usually every August, the Agricenter here in Memphis plants rows of sunflowers. Once they start popping out, the hordes of people descend upon them to photograph. Some just want to photograph them, some want to bring couples, families, kids, grand kids out to capture this once a year event. The sunflowers usually last a couple of weeks and are gone until the next year.
I prefer to photograph the sunflowers by themselves. There is something about getting out and decompressing as time stands still. The challenge is getting the right lighting (early morning, late afternoon) and composition. Hey, how many different ways can you photograph a sunflower?
I’ll sometimes use a macro lens, other times I’ll actually use a 300mm lens, to get up close for butterfly’s, other times a wide angle lens.
SUNFLOWER SERIES
This photo was taken at dusk after the rain came through earlier. I took a wide angle lens and go up close to the sunflower you see in the foreground.
This image was taken with a 300mm lens, had to keep my distance from the butterfly. Typically they don’t stay on the flower for very long.
This image was processed in post using a unique blend of filters to give this effect. Although not for everyone it does lend a different sense of depth and dimension to the sunflower image.
If you want to learn how to photograph and how to process images. My two upcoming workshops would be the ideal learning environment for you.
Digital Photography “101”
Register: http://digitalphotography101workshop.eventbrite.com
For More Information: https://www.memphisprofessionalphotographer.com/digital-photography-101/
Adobe Lightroom
Register: http://lightroomtraining.eventbrite.com
For More Information:
https://www.memphisprofessionalphotographer.com/workshops-2/adobe-lightroom-post-processing
