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image by Kellye Wilson

How To Photograph Sunflowers

Across Victoria, the sunflowers are blooming. Fields of tall, large plants with daisy-like flower faces turned the sun attract photographers and tourists alike. To get the best results, plan how to photograph sunflowers before you head out to the fields.

How To Photograph Sunflowers

Sunflowers in Victoria bloom from January to March.
Gear to Use

While you can use a phone camera – your best shots will come using a DSLR or Mirrorless camera. A lens such as the 12-24mm or 24-70mm range will work for all your shots if you photograph the sunflowers themselves. If you wish to shoot portraits against the fields, then go for a focal range of 35mm-85mm. If you want to shoot close-ups of the sunflowers, then a macro works best. But unless you have rock-steady hands (I don’t), put the camera on a tripod when using the macro.

How To Photograph Sunflowers
Camera Settings

Firstly – shoot in Aperture Priority mode. If you are shooting portraits and want the narrow depth of field with background bokeh, then set your F stop at F/1.8 to F/2.8. For landscape shots, use F/16 to get as much in focus and sharp as possible. Keep your ISO as low as possible, ideally at ISO 100 or 200.

How To Photograph Sunflowers
Shooting a model

If you are photographing people in the field, colour coordination becomes important. Ask your subject to wear white or blue clothing. They will need to avoid yellows and greens, or they will vanish into the field.

How To Photograph Sunflowers
Image courtesy of Unsplash
Focus Stacking

This isn’t completely necessary – and if you do, then use the tripod again. But if what is nearest to you is out of focus and the rest in focus, focus stacking will help if you want the entire scene in focus.

Best conditions for sunflower fields

Ideally, the best time is overcast days with no harsh shadows. However, that means you miss the beautiful blue skies (unless you sky swap with Luminar). Shooting at golden hour produces the best light – but most fields don’t open to visitors that early or late. To avoid the harsh shadows on a sunny day, try to time your shots to avoid the midday to 3 pm window.

How To Photograph Sunflowers
Details

Don’t forget the back of the sunflower or the buds that haven’t bloomed yet. They are still interesting subjects.

How To Photograph Sunflowers
Sunflower buds
Perspective

Get down low or go higher. Using a wide angle, try laying on the ground and shooting up through the flowers. Bring a step ladder along and get above the flowers.

Sunflower fields

Sunflower fields are not as plentiful as canola fields. And those that allow access are even fewer. The largest sunflower field in Victoria that allows visitors is Pick Your Own Sunflowers at Navigators Road, Dunnstown near Ballarat. Entry is $5 per person.

© Bevlea Ross