13 Sunflower Photoshoot Ideas

August is the month of sunflowers here in the Midwest (and often into September too)! Large fields of giant happy yellow sunflower heads stretch toward the sky after growing all summer long. If you’re looking for sunflower photo inspiration, this blog post has 15 sunflower photoshoot ideas for you!

The sunflower is big and bold and stands tall. They invite you to pause at look at them with wonder.

This summer, if you love sunflowers like I do, try to get out and do a photoshoot! Whether it’s a selfie or with a significant other, there are so many ways to capture the beauty of these lovely flowers.

Tips before you go into a field

• bring shoes that you don’t mind getting dirty (especially if it rained recently)
• wear sunscreen!
• visit early in the morning or during golden hour for the best lighting
• avoid wearing colors that compete with the sunflowers
  • wear simple patterns, neutrals, or earthy tones
• respect the fields and don’t trample the flowers
• check the farm before visiting to see where the flowers are in the growing process before you visit

My #1 tip for a sunflower photoshoot

Go to a farm or field that let’s you cut stems! Adding a sunflower bouquet into your photos adds a nice touch and it’s the perfect prop to pose with. Of course after you’re done, you can take the home to enjoy.

If you’re looking for more flower photoshoot ideas and photography tips, check out this blog post! It features tulips, lavender fields, blooming spring trees, and plenty more!

Sunflower photoshoot ideas

1. Hide your face

A little shy? Not to worry! I find that hiding your face poses actually make for great photos. Turning your face away adds a touch of mystery.

Tip: Hide your face with the bouquet of sunflowers!

2. Get an action shot

When we pose for photos we often stand still and smile into the camera (which is lovely!). Try to take an action shot. Walk through the rows and take multiple shots at once (easier if you have something taking your photos!). There might be some awkward photos but there should be a good one in there!

3. show off your sunflowers

Did you read my #1 tip above about getting a great sunflower photoshoot photo? Go to a farm or field that lets you cut stems so you can show off your sunflowers! If the farm doesn’t offer cut flowers, or it’s just a random field (check that it’s not private land), bring your own from the grocery store.

4. shoot in landscape view

We take so many vertical photos because of our phones, but landscape photos are nice to have too! You can shoot a wide angle and capture the whole scene behind you.

5. Use the scenery around you

Some farms have tables, swings, hay bails, etc and you can use them in your photos. Take advantage of the “props” around you when posing.

6. Use your dress or skirt to strike a pose

I always suggest wearing a skirt or dress when taking photos with flowers! A skirt is flowy and will move with you to create some fun pictures. If you don’t want to wear a dress, try flowy linen pants or other soft pants, jeans are a bit stiff (although overalls would be so cute!).

7. Hold a straw hat

Hold a straw hat when posing. Not only is a hat perfect to elevate your outfit, but it will give you added protection from the sun. If you’re out in a sunflower field there probably won’t be much shade. A big straw hat adds a whimsical touch to your sunflower photoshoot.

8. Show off a bouquet

Hold out your sunflower bouquet long in front of you to show it off. You can also use the bouquet to hide your face if you’re feeling shy!

9. wander in-between the rows

One of the reasons why we love sunflowers is because they’re so tall. They’re giant green leaves and yellow sunflower heads make you want to walk between the long rows. Stand in the middle and throw up your hands, hold your hat, hold your skirt, or look to the sky.

10. Look over your shoulder

Capture a photo that focuses on you by looking over your shoulder. This is a playful pose and adds some fun to a photo.

11. gently pose with the sunflowers

Reach up and lightly grab a sunflower or bend slightly to examine the beautiful bold yellow petals. The viewer will get a sense of how tall the sunflowers really are when you’re standing right next to them.

12. Take close ups

Don’t forget to take some lovely pictures of the sunflowers too! There will probably be a lot of bees, busy going about their day. I think the bees really add to the beauty of the photo and how amazing mother nature is!

13. Take photos of the fields

Try snapping some vertical and landscape photos of the fields. Capture the vastness of the fields by shooting slightly lower with your camera. This will make it seem like you’re the only one in that sea of yellow.

14. Hold sunflowers near your face

To highlight both you and the flowers, hold the sunflowers near your face. If you’re not sure what to do with your hands, try holding the bouquet with both hands, or place one hand on your hat.

15. Throw your hands in the air

If you’re like me and love being surrounded by flowers then throw your hands up in the air. You can pose with or without a bouquet, it’s just about embracing all the beauty!

I hope you enjoyed this sunflower photoshoot idea blog post! I hope to continue to update this post as I explore more sunflower fields.