It is the evening of my dear friend’s birthday as we set out for our walk in the breathtaking sunflower fields. I had expected beauty but it is more than just beautiful. I stop in my tracks, still just long enough to grasp the awe. Fields and fields of illuminating yellow piercing through as the dusk approaches rapidly, makes a sight to cherish. The deepest of yellow in every direction.

The view of the never-ending fields is astounding, but the view of every element on each flower is equally as intriguing. The velvety textures of the stem and the array of unique colors of the bloom neatly compose a breathtaking flower reaching upward ten to twelve feet tall.

The question that repeats among the chatter, “Does the sunflower always face the sun?” I wonder how each stem turns and twists in the correct direction with its strong and sturdy sage green stalk.

The flower head of the young sunflower tracks the pattern of the sun, but the flower of the mature sunflower typically faces the east. The neck of the stem just below the bloom alters its length from side to side throughout the day, allowing the face of the flower to direct itself towards the arc of the sun.

The flower does not stop tracking the sun when it vanishes into the horizon. It continues its path to face the east, preparing itself to catch the earliest of the morning rays.

It is the gentle warmth of the evening air, the comfort of the deepest friendships, and the embrace of nature — sighting unique birds and hearing the echo of chirping crickets makes this evening one to cherish!

I love how the sunflowers prepare for the morning sunrise and have an intentional pattern and direction. Thousands and thousands of blooms filling the fields, each dancing in unison, all knowing the game plan, and following it well — a plan well executed.

Photographer: Deana Fulton
Camera: Nikon D7000
Lens: 18.0 – 105.0 f/ 3.5-5.8
Aperture: f/6.3
Speed: 1/160
ISO: 100
Flash: Did not flash
Copyrights and credits: ©2014 Deana Fulton

I shot several images and these are the ones I selected to represent my experience. Enjoy!