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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.
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20 comments:

  1. La Vie QuotidienneAugust 27, 2011 at 2:40 PM

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

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  2. Kay L. DaviesAugust 27, 2011 at 3:18 PM

    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

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  3. pattyAugust 27, 2011 at 3:29 PM

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

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  4. RandyAugust 27, 2011 at 3:38 PM

    Lovely shots!

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  5. MarcieAugust 27, 2011 at 4:59 PM

    Nothing happier than August sunflowers. Perfect!

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  6. gmaAugust 27, 2011 at 5:38 PM

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

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  7. Felicia KramerAugust 27, 2011 at 5:46 PM

    Gorgeous photos!

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  8. Deborah TischAugust 27, 2011 at 6:10 PM

    These are stunning! Thanks for sharing them.

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  9. TerrieAugust 27, 2011 at 6:14 PM

    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.

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  10. GloriaAugust 27, 2011 at 6:29 PM

    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.

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  11. Lynn CohenAugust 27, 2011 at 6:38 PM

    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.

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  12. Tracey FKAugust 27, 2011 at 11:06 PM

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

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  13. ChantalAugust 27, 2011 at 11:34 PM

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

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  14. UnknownAugust 28, 2011 at 6:11 AM

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

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  15. Kim Collister StudioAugust 28, 2011 at 7:44 AM

    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

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  16. Bleubeard and ElizabethAugust 28, 2011 at 8:23 AM

    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!

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  17. artangelAugust 28, 2011 at 10:25 AM

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

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  18. Priti LisaAugust 28, 2011 at 11:57 AM

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

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  19. Christine E-EAugust 29, 2011 at 7:04 PM

    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!

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  20. punaSeptember 2, 2011 at 6:09 PM

    What a pretty and sunny photo!

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