Sunflower(s)

[ImageMogul]

For the first time (I think ever) in our area, a local farmer planted a huge field of sunflowers. I later discovered through talking with the owner that they were being grown for some sort of bio-fuel. Regardless, droves of local folk visited the field to snap the yellow flowers. I came out early on a stormy, rainy morning and took a few images. C&C appreciated.

1. As I approached, the startled alpha-flower spun 'round suddenly to defend its flock! After determining that I intended no harm, the grand flower granted a quick photo opp. ...
http://imagemogul.smugmug.com/photos/407832824_4JX7h-L-4.jpg

2. Rows & rows - as far as the eye could see... (what about composition on this one??)
http://imagemogul.smugmug.com/photos/411132315_Sct3S-L.jpg

Thanks for viewing.

Mark

[kevindar]

very nice detail. I like the first one better

[Metalstrm]

Great shot, great contrast, great pictures. Maybe just a tad oversharpened? But I love how the yellow hues contrast woith the dark greyish green.

[jessicainvt]

The 1st one is amazing. I love the colors and composition.

[robloeffel]

Love #1 with the looming sky.

[puadxe]

Yeah #1 is great. May sound weird but, it's almost like the flowers have personalities. Like you've photographed the only optimist and all the other ones are hanging their head in fear in the background. Did you pose that one? I'd think he should be bowing his head like all the others. Interesting shot, I like it.

[photoguy6405]

The first one is great, but in a way kind of the obligatory sunflower shot. Anybody and everybody who has ever shot sunflowers has one like that as their first shot, kind of thing.

The composition of #2, them all lined up in a row, is fantastic, albeit a bit more subtle than #1.

[mmishkin]

The composition in #2 is great! The one suggestion I'd make is to see how the mirror image looks (i.e. the sharpest flower on the left).

[jgrussell]

I absolutely love the first one.

[Nathan]

I dissent from the majority. I much prefer the second photo. I think the first one would have been a nice shot if it were on a different day... the sky here doesn't do it for me. The second shot is much more appealing to me.

[ImageMogul]

Thank you all for your comments and criticism. Much appreciated as always!

Yeah #1 is great. May sound weird but, it's almost like the flowers have personalities. Like you've photographed the only optimist and all the other ones are hanging their head in fear in the background. Did you pose that one? I'd think he should be bowing his head like all the others. Interesting shot, I like it.

That's why I shot it, yo! I had promised the field owner that I would not pick or damage any of the "plants" as he called them. You can see other flowers "going against the flow" in the (very) blurred background. I don't know what causes a few to look the other way (rebellion?). I got a shot of them all facing the sunrise, but blew out the sky beyond recovery (very dissapointing novice mistake). I told my wife that an ND Grad would make a great stocking stuffer....

Great shot, great contrast, great pictures. Maybe just a tad oversharpened? But I love how the yellow hues contrast woith the dark greyish green. Yep, I think you're right. Got a little unsharp mask happy. Thanks Metalstrm.

The first one is great, but in a way kind of the obligatory sunflower shot. Anybody and everybody who has ever shot sunflowers has one like that as their first shot ...

The composition of #2, them all lined up in a row, is fantastic, albeit a bit more subtle than #1.

My first obligatory shot! Yesssssssss! Seriously, thank you for the comments. I appreciate it much.

Thanks again all.

Mark

[rraman]

#1 is very sharp, but I like #2 better for its composition. Great work!

[engine3photo]

Beautiful shots and you have a very active imagination for storytelling. Good job with the pix and presentation. Have to dissent from Reign's opinion on #1. I think the sky makes it a bit different from the "standard" sunflower shot because of the contrast between a bright flower and storm cloud filled sky for the background.

[Apollo11]

Lovely shots, especially the first one. Beautiful!

[FREEZE]

Nice shot. We have lots of those photo ops up here, there are basicly a couple varieties one is grown for the oil like you mentioned and one is grown for eating.Very tasty.(sorry if you already knew this.)

[ImageMogul]

The comments are much appreciated engine3photo, Apollo11 & FREEZE. Being able to shoot Sunflowers is a rare treat in these parts. The number of local photographers and snapshooters who stopped to grab a frame was enormous - many 100's over about a 4 week period. Lots of Sunflower shots entered in the County Fair this past fall. LOL

Regards,
Mark

[jocareed]

I know that you wanted a picture of a Sunflower "protecting the rest of the pack", however, a Sunflower "follows the sun." The alpha flower is not...which brings to question the biological nature...is it real? or is someone beneath the picture twisting the flower for effect.

Neat picture. I just noticed what seemed to be a "minor" flaw.

Joe

[ImageMogul]

I know that you wanted a picture of a Sunflower "protecting the rest of the pack", however, a Sunflower "follows the sun." The alpha flower is not...which brings to question the biological nature...is it real? or is someone beneath the picture twisting the flower for effect.

Neat picture. I just noticed what seemed to be a "minor" flaw.

Joe

lol You are the second poster to ask that question. About 98% (99?) of the sunflowers did face the sunrise, but for whatever reason there were a number of the flowers that faced a different direction. You can make out a couple more of these in the blurred background to the left of the subject flower. I had promised the owner of the field that I would not pick/damage/fold/spindle or mutilate any of the flowers and I made good on that promise! No twisting was required! Thanks for viewing, jocareed.

Regards,
Mark