When you see sunflowers for sale in a flower shop they look so pristine - long stalk, strikingly large flower... Very simple and very dramatic.
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In the field?
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Not quite so much. What you don't see are all those gargantuan (and strikingly unattractive) dull green leaves. Perhaps they blend together from further away but from up close they are stunningly ugly and really detract from the beauty of the sunflowers, especially if like me you show up late enough that they're already looking a bit ragged and pointing a bit too far down towards the ground and not nearly enough up towards that beautiful blue sky.
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So what's a girl to do if not get a bit creative?
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Visit Skywatch Friday for more skies (and things below them) from around the world.
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My photography is now available for purchase - visit Around the Island Photography and bring home something beautiful today!
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If the photo you're wishing for is something you've seen here on the blog which isn't in my etsy shop yet just let me know and I'll happily list it for you.
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I love sunflowers. Love the picture :)
ReplyDeleteWas it Van Gogh that was so big on sunflowers? Somebody did a famous painting of them anyway. Or maybe more than one. That's what this reminds me of. Excellent work!
ReplyDeleteIt was indeed. I nearly titled this one "Not Van Gogh", but I wasn't sure who'd get the reference.
ReplyDeleteVery interesting effect you coaxed out of this flower.
ReplyDeleteI love the effect! Making the sunflower stand out from the background! Another way I deal with sunflowers is to get more under the flower, and use the sky for a background. Try that one!!
ReplyDeleteI love sunflowers, too. :) This is beautiful. The background looks like it's underwater.
ReplyDeleteHow pretty! Love the sunflower.
ReplyDeleteHappy SWF Robin.
Very breathtaking effect.
ReplyDeleteThanks Judy, I actually was pretty low to the ground looking up when I shot this one. If the field lasts long enough I may have another go at it.
ReplyDeleteFantastic, Robin! Love the sunflowers, the color and your composition is terrific! Have a super weekend!
ReplyDeleteSylvia
Yup I wonder that too. Your photo is beautiful the background is awesome! Happy weekend.
ReplyDeleteSkywatchFriday
Hey this looks like one really awesome painting! Wonderful work of photography!
ReplyDeletePixellicious Photos
Very pretty! I like the perspective and the light and shadows.
ReplyDeleteThis is pretty and I like the textures.
ReplyDeletethat's my kind of creative. how pretty you made it to be.
ReplyDeleteLove sunflowers and you have done a masterful job with the art and textures.
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing!
Great pick. Didn't Van Gogh prepare you for the leaves? ;)
ReplyDeleteI love sunflower and your picture is so beautiful. Very nicely done! Love it.
ReplyDeleteVery nicely done Robin!
ReplyDeleteI see this one as an image for a set of notecards. :)
Vincent Van Gogh painted sunflowers. Oddly enough this week I just finished reading a historical novel written by the art historian Sheramy Bundrick. The book's title is SUNFLOWERS. It covers the last couple years of Van Gogh's life. He cut off his ear and gave it to a prostitute by the name of Rachel. (true fact) Van Gogh may have done what he did because he was bi-polar or because he suffered from syphilis.
ReplyDeleteAnyway I like you photo. Thanks for posting it.
Sunflowers are also one of my favorite flowers. I love your photo!
ReplyDeleteA great pic and some cool effects and no sunflower shot can help but channel Van Gogh, so you're in good company.
ReplyDeleteDramatic! Looks like a painting.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful painting.
ReplyDeleteIt really does look like a painting...just beautiful!
ReplyDeleteBoy, that flower looks familiar! : ) Nice work. I like the affect. Did you ever frame the piece I sent?
ReplyDeletealoha,
ReplyDeletei loved seeing your corner of the world today,
very interesting manipulation, thanks for sharing
I haven't yet actually, but please don't take it personally - it's in the same batch as several of my own, I hadn't had a chance to bring them all in yet so I decided to wait for the grand opening of a new framing store right on my street that's advertising great opening prices. I've got the spot for yours all picked out though, it's going to look GREAT :).
ReplyDeleteWhat a great photo, Robin, very creative. I agree...the leaves are ungainly and not overly beautiful.
ReplyDeleteShabbat Shalom!
creative *and* striking! well done, lady! i adore sunflowers and you truly did them justice. ugly leaves and all! :)
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