Here are 15 tips for taking beautiful family portraits at a sunflower festiva.

1. Timing is key

Schedule your shoot during the early morning or late afternoon when the sun is low and its lighting is soft and warm.

2. Consider which direction the sunflowers face

Sunflowers typically face east. Young sunflower heads track the sun as it moves from east to west throughout the day, but once the sunflower matures and blooms, it generally stops moving and remains facing east. This positioning helps maximize sunlight exposure in the morning, which is important for attracting pollinators like bees.

So, the sun will be shining directly on your family’s faces in the morning. If you want to shoot with the sun behind your family to avoid harsh shadows and get a nice backlit glow, evening is the best time to schedule your shoot.

3. Dress to complement the sunflowers

Choose colors that complement the bright yellow sunflowers. Earth tones, whites, and soft pastels work well to contrast with the vibrant flowers. Here are some suggestions:

• White: Clean, fresh, and classic, white contrasts beautifully with the vibrant yellow of sunflowers and gives a light, airy feel to the photos.
• Earth tones: Colors like tan, beige, olive green, and brown blend well with the natural setting, adding a rustic and grounded aesthetic.
• Denim: Light or dark blue denim offers a timeless, casual look and pairs well with sunflowers without overpowering them.
• Soft pastels: Light pink, baby blue, mint green, and lavender can add a soft, romantic touch to the photos, balancing the boldness of the sunflowers.
• Navy blue: This darker shade provides a nice contrast against the bright yellow flowers while keeping the look elegant.
• Coral or peach: These warm tones complement the yellow of sunflowers without clashing, adding a pop of color to the portraits.
• Rust or mustard: Earthy shades like rust or mustard can create a harmonious look with the sunflower backdrop, particularly in late summer and early autumn.
• Light gray: A neutral color like light gray works well in the background of a sunflower field, keeping the focus on the faces and the vibrant surroundings.

These color options can help create beautiful, balanced photos while making the family stand out against the sunflower backdrop.

4. Incorporate the sunflowers

Have family members interact with the flowers—touching them, standing among them, or holding them—to create a sense of connection with the environment.

Experiment with different angles. Shoot from a lower perspective to have the sunflowers towering above or from above to capture family faces framed by the flowers.

Zoom in on small details like hands holding flowers, children’s feet running through the sunflower field, or close-ups of faces with the sunflower background.

5. Consider the planting geometry

Use the rows of sunflowers as natural leading lines to draw attention to your family in the frame. You can also use sunflowers in the foreground to create a natural frame around the family, adding depth to the photos.

6. Use props sparingly

Consider simple props like a blanket for sitting in the field or a basket to create a rustic vibe, but avoid overdoing it so the focus stays on the family and the sunflowers. Here are some understated prop ideas:

Here are 10 understated props you could consider bringing to your sunflower festival family photo shoot:

• Handheld bouquet: A small bouquet of sunflowers, perhaps wrapped with a ribbon, is a lovely, subtle prop that blends well with the setting.
• Woven picnic blanket: A simple blanket can be great for sitting or lying on the ground, adding a cozy, natural element to the shots.
• Basket of sunflowers: Bringing a small basket filled with sunflowers or other wildflowers adds a charming, rustic touch.
• Straw hat: A wide-brimmed straw hat or two can create a summery feel and can be used creatively in the photos.
• Wooden crate or stool: A simple wooden crate or small stool adds layers and texture, and can be useful for posing or sitting.
• Vintage bicycle: If you have access to a vintage or simple bicycle, it can add a fun, nostalgic element to the photos.
• Red wagon: For shots with kids, a vintage style red wagon can be a sweet and useful prop.
• Tote bag: A simple, neutral-colored tote bag can be used to hold flowers or other small items, keeping the look light and natural.

These props can enhance your photos while keeping the focus on the family and the beautiful sunflower field.

7. Capture candid moments

Let the family move, play, and enjoy the festival. Candid shots often bring out the best natural expressions.

Stay playful, especially with kids. Bring out their personalities by encouraging laughter, silly faces, and games in the sunflower field.

8. Capture movement

Ask kids to run through the sunflower rows or have the whole family walk hand in hand for dynamic, joyful photos.

9. Be mindful of the crowd

If the festival is busy, look for quieter areas or positions where the sunflowers can block other people from appearing in the background.

10. Remember you’re in a farmer’s field

There are practical realities when taking family portraits in a dusty farm field with lumpy paths and prickly sunflowers. Here are a few tips:

• Footwear: Encourage everyone to wear comfortable, sturdy shoes, especially for walking across lumpy paths or uneven ground. If you want photos with bare feet, consider slipping shoes off only during stationary shots to avoid discomfort from prickly stems or debris.
• Seating: Bring a thick blanket or even a portable stool to provide a clean, soft surface to sit on. A sturdy woven blanket works well on uneven ground and provides a layer of protection from dirt or prickly sunflower stalks.
• Clothing: Dress in practical clothes that allow for ease of movement while still looking good for photos. Avoid delicate fabrics that could snag on sunflower plants or dust easily.
• Brush off dirt: Bring a small towel or brush to wipe off any dust or dirt from clothing or hands. A lint roller can also be handy for a quick clean-up between shots.
• Avoid prickles: Be mindful of the sunflowers themselves. The leaves and stalks can be a bit rough or prickly, so avoid brushing up against them if possible. You can also use longer stems for any flower-holding poses to minimize contact with the rough parts of the plant.
• Watch for stubs: After sunflowers are cut, they often leave behind stubby stems that can be uncomfortable or trip hazards. Watch your step, especially if you’re positioning kids in areas where the flowers have been harvested.
• Choose smooth areas for standing: When scouting the area, look for smoother, more stable spots for standing or posing.