Sunflower Sessions are coming
Sunflower sessions in Mississippi and Alabama are some of the most requested summer portrait sessions, especially for families, seniors, and best friends.
Why Do I Love Sunflowers?
Sunflowers look like sunshine that you can actually touch and feel. They're deeply tied to memories of my childhood, where I remember seeing them constantly in prints and artwork. Specifically in that very 90s style on blankets and clothes. Also, that sun and moon decor (now we call it Cottage-core, you know that loving-caring- whimsical vibe Miss Honey had in Matilda?) Yellow was my first favorite color, and the first, and honestly only, thing I think I can "draw" is some version of a sunflower. It's still my go to if you pass me a pencil and paper, or chalk.
The idea of a huge sunflower field has always felt like a fantasy to me, like something not quite allowed in our world, and yet they exist all over all over Mississippi and Alabama. I even love eating sunflower seeds and always have. When I see sunflowers, my mood brightens and my smile is always genuine.
I love all sizes of sunflowers. Whether they're towering over me or just beginning to bloom, they evoke that same feeling. I love all of their shades, and I love how enormous yet unpretentious they are. To me, they've always felt like the perfect flower.
I've been photographing people in sunflower fields for as long as I've been a photographer. Time after time, people seem to shine beside them. The golden tones are flattering on every skin tone, body type, and age. They're romantic, playful, nostalgic, and timeless all at once. Whether I'm photographing a family, couple, senior, best friends, or an individual portrait session, sunflowers always seem to bring something extra to the experience.
The first time I got to photograph a sunflower session, it was in a U-pick field in Lucedale, MS. A very artistic and wonderful friend of mine came up with the idea to do mostly sunflowers but incorporate a picnic vibe to the photos, I didn't know then but that started a yearning in me to find sunflowers at every opportunity I had.
Why Sunflowers work for everyone
every skin tone, every body, every age
Over the years, I've photographed sunflower sessions in nearly every way imaginable while searching for the best sunflower fields in Mississippi and Alabama (and honestly, they've all been memorable). I've photographed every type of person, too.
I wish I could tell you sunflower sessions are more perfect for one specific type of session, but they're not. They're surprisingly versatile.
They're wonderful for families because they encourage play and movement. They're romantic for couples because they have that golden, dreamy summer portrait vibe. They're carefree for best friends, which encourages laughter. They're bold and memorable for seniors. They're even perfect for milestone sessions, maternity portraits, and pets.
I've never walked away from a sunflower photography session without thinking, "That was incredible. These are beautiful photos."
One of the things I love most about sunflower photography is how naturally people seem to relax in the field. Maybe it's the color, maybe it's the atmosphere, or maybe it's just being surrounded by something so cheerful and rare. Whatever it is, it works.
I've also found that sunflowers photograph beautifully with every skin tone. The rich greens, warm golds, and bright yellows complement such a wide range of complexions, which is part of what makes sunflower sessions so versatile for families, seniors, and couples (especially for sunflower photography sessions in Mississippi and Alabama).
One of the most memorable maternity sessions I ever photographed was in a sunflower field in South Mississippi. She wore a gorgeous white skirt and top that accentuated her baby bump in such a spectacular way. I still think she may have actually been glowing.
A year later, we returned to the same sunflower field to document her baby's first year, which made the entire experience feel incredibly full circle and meaningful.
What Makes This Sunflower Field Special
Other than the gorgeous sunflowers
I've photographed many sunflower fields throughout Mississippi and Alabama, and this field is one of the absolute best I've ever seen for sunflower photography sessions in Mississippi and Alabama.
It's accessible, private, well-maintained, and visually striking from every angle. The rows of sunflowers stretch across the property, while towering trees create a beautiful backdrop in the distance. In the evening, sunlight filters through the field in a way that feels almost magical.
What truly sets this sunflower field apart, though, is the care behind it.
You couldn't ask for kinder people than the two who own this field. You can feel the attention and effort that goes into maintaining it. The field doesn't just look beautiful, it feels welcoming. There are countless rows of Centerfield sunflowers that reach up to 5 feet tall.
This location near Wilmer, Alabama has become one of my favorite places for sunflower photography because of those trees, the privacy, and the atmosphere it creates. It's ideal for families, couples, best friends, seniors, and anyone wanting sunflower photos near Hurley, Mississippi, Mobile, Alabama or the Mississippi Gulf Coast
Yes, it's hot. Yes, there are bugs.
But my goodness, is it worth it.
The scenery is unforgettable, and once you're standing in the middle of the blooms, it's easy to forget about everything else.
Cesaley & Peyton
Best Friend Session
If I had to pick a favorite sunflower session to talk about.. I couldn't. But for this blog, I wanted to talk about this best friend session because we got a little creative. Cesaley and Payton have been best friends for most of their lives, they laughed LOUDLY and frequently, they were down for any prompts and poses and working with them was a dream. At one point they were laughing so hard they couldn't hold a pose for more than a few seconds, I still laugh when I look at the pictures because of how much fun it was. The sunflowers heightened everything that was already beautiful about them individually and about their friendship. They both love sunflowers and Sonic - so naturally we had to bring Sonic with them and incorporate that into their session and one of my all time favorite photos is of them splitting a mozzarella stick.
Sessions should become memories
What to wear for sunflower sessions
Don't let choosing an outfit stress you out
What TO wear
- Denim & Navy–Softens with a beautiful contrast
- Whites & Creams–Clean and bright
- Burgundy–Deep, rich tones
- Sage–Earthy and natural
- Burnt Orange–Warm, and adds depth
- Muted Mustard-Deep and elegant
- Charcoal Gray–Neutral
what not to wear
- Busy prints or bold prints that may clash with the natural tones of the sunflowers and pull attention away from you and the setting
- Anything uncomfortable, too tight, or hard to move in
- Outfits that you’re constantly adjusting or thinking about during your session
- Shoes that aren’t practical for walking through uneven or grassy ground
- Anything that feels too heavy or hot for outdoor summer sessions
REMINDER - Wear what feels like you
Choosing your timeslot
Both options result in gorgeous photos with slightly different feels
Sunset
warm
nostalgic
golden
Sunrise
calm
quiet
cooler tones
fewer people
