Saturday, August 27, 2011

Sunflowers

Inspiration Avenue's challenge this week: Sunflowers


I love to take pictures of sunflowers, but find them often a challenge - they can turn out way to bright or the sun just burns them out or the colors are duller than I hoped etc. Perhaps I'm over critical. Anyway, this one on top I bought at the farmer's market and put it in a vase on my deck. The photo was taken early in the morning, when the sun had just peeked over the trees - you can even see the dew drops.


This one I took last year at a pumpkin patch - I was drawn to it because of the bee, but I also love how only a part of the flower had opened by then.

I still haven't seen a sunflower field in our area - I would love to photograph those.
.


20 comments:

La Vie Quotidienne said...

Oh my...great! Did you use a micro lens with these? I would love to get one. You caught such wonderful details.

Kay L. Davies said...

So beautiful, Carola. You're right. Lighting makes a big difference with sunflowers because they seem to carry their own light with them, as per their name.
— K

Kay, Alberta, Canada
An Unfittie's Guide to Adventurous Travel

patty said...

Carola, these are amazing - especially that 2nd one with its variations in color!!

Randy said...

Lovely shots!

Marcie said...

Nothing happier than August sunflowers. Perfect!

gma said...

OMG Both photographs are stellar!
Love the colors and compositions. They speak to me heart some way.

Felicia Kramer said...

Gorgeous photos!

Deborah Tisch said...

These are stunning! Thanks for sharing them.

Terrie said...

Absolutely FAB-U-LOUS sunflowers! I know what you mean about the sun blowing out the color, but you captured both of these beautifully! This was a fun IA challenge (not so challenging - everyone loves a sunflower) and it's been great to see all the depictions of this friendly flower.

Gloria said...

Gorgeous- with the fuzzy spines on the green and the half opened flower- it looks amazing and so does the first photo. Nature is inspiring.

Lynn Cohen said...

Your sunflower photos are stellar!
I was shooting them today too; found a row of them at a house having a yard sale. I go to yard sales with camera in hand, one never knows what photo opts await one.

Tracey FK said...

These photos have taken my breath away. Just stunning and congratulations on such beautiful work xx

Chantal said...

I like both, but the second one best. Have a SUNNY Sunday

Unknown said...

Oh so gorgeous, my favorite is the half open one with all the limes mixed in- beautiful!

Kim Collister Studio said...

Both of these are wonderful. At first glance your first one almost looks like a under the sea photo and your second one is my favorite..it reminds me of early morning, the bee getting his nectar and the sunflower just waking up..

XO
Kim

Bleubeard and Elizabeth said...

As always, your photos are above reproach. You are NOT too critical, you are particular. As a person who loves sunflowers, I have never seen a partially opened sunflower before. That one should win a prize!

artangel said...

Your photographs are stunning! Capturing the bee was wonderful, and the yellow petals against the blue sky is the epitome of summer for me :)

Priti Lisa said...

I have never seen more beautiful photographs, Carolla...you are a master, I am completely floored!
♥♥♥

Christine E-E said...

Carola... I too was wondering what lens you're using? both pictures are exceptional! I think I need to get my Farmer's Market this weekend for my own sunflower!

puna said...

What a pretty and sunny photo!