Darcy Johnson
July 2025 - Native Sunflower
About the Image(s)
Colorado boasts at least five native wild sunflowers. The common sunflower (Helianthus annuus) is a prominent and highly adaptable specimen - easily reproducing itself from seed which is spread by birds, wind, etc. The entire plant is edible. This particular wild sunflower was found in open space along a fence bordering our property. I could have easily captured it elsewhere as it is a familiar sight along roadways and in fallow fields throughout the western part of the country.
Nothing special in post - After finding a suitable crop and typical processing in LR, a vignette was added which was chosen over masking the background to bring more attention to the bloom.
ISO 320, 29mm, f6.3, 1/50 sec
7 comments posted
Nice job, Darcy. The proportion of the main flower to the background creates a striking image. The depth of field works well, together with the detail in the subject, adding to the strength of the image. However, the bright detail in the bottom right of the flower is somewhat distracting, but I realise that's a minor issue and a bit picky on my part. Posted: 07/11/2025 00:50:08
Hi Tom - Adjusting the vignette some should take care of that bright spot although I do like that the background isn't evenly saturated. Thanks for your input! Posted: 07/16/2025 02:30:12
I love it! The color of the sunflower really pops against that beautiful blue sky. You selected a great depth of field to bring the focus on that lovely bloom.
Great job!
Karen
P.S. I am currently in Boulder - admiring the beauty of Colorado - from my sister-in-law's balcony! Posted: 07/18/2025 19:00:48
Great job!
Karen
P.S. I am currently in Boulder - admiring the beauty of Colorado - from my sister-in-law's balcony! Posted: 07/18/2025 19:00:48
Hi Darcy. Your wonderful image of this sunflower definitely makes me sorry to be missing this time in Colorado. We have lots of flowers here in Michigan, but nothing as wild and colorful as this. I love the sharpness of the flower against the slightly blurred, but still defined, background flowers. My only suggestion would be to try removing the flowerless stem rising from the top of the main flower and leading the viewer's eye out of the frame. If you picked a bouquet of these, would they last in a vase of water? Posted: 07/19/2025 22:42:20
Hi Darcy,
Greetings my friend.
What an amazing capture and post processing. I love the way you treated the flower. Nothing to add.
Thank you for sharing.
Cheers.
Kamal.
Posted: 07/21/2025 12:00:33
Greetings my friend.
What an amazing capture and post processing. I love the way you treated the flower. Nothing to add.
Thank you for sharing.
Cheers.
Kamal.
Posted: 07/21/2025 12:00:33
Hi Darcy-
We have sunflowers near us and I love going out to capture them they're so bright and cheerful- I need to go out this week and see if our local college field is in bloom yet! I was debating the long stem in the middle with no flower, but then decided I like it, as it shows just how tall some of the flower are and adds some depth to the photo. Well captured Posted: 07/21/2025 14:54:51
We have sunflowers near us and I love going out to capture them they're so bright and cheerful- I need to go out this week and see if our local college field is in bloom yet! I was debating the long stem in the middle with no flower, but then decided I like it, as it shows just how tall some of the flower are and adds some depth to the photo. Well captured Posted: 07/21/2025 14:54:51
Hi Darcy,
Avery nice capture. The yellow sunflower works well against the blue sky. Your shallow depth of field works well to bring out the details in the sunflower. Well captured and processed.
Best regards,
Greg Posted: 07/22/2025 19:27:26
Avery nice capture. The yellow sunflower works well against the blue sky. Your shallow depth of field works well to bring out the details in the sunflower. Well captured and processed.
Best regards,
Greg Posted: 07/22/2025 19:27:26