10 Tips for a Sunflower Photo Shoot with your Dog

Today I’m sharing 10 tips for a successful sunflower photo shoot with your dog! Are you planning a sunflower photo shoot with your dog? Check out these 10 tips for your sunflower photo shoot with your dog! If you follow these 10 tips you and yoru dog will be sure to have a successful sunflower photo shoot!

1. Time of day is critical.

Plan your photoshoot for as early in the morning as possible or one hour before sunset. This is for two reasons: 1) you will have the best lighting for photo opportunities and 2) the temperature is likely to be cooler. Sunflowers bloom during hotter months. Pro tip: if you go earlier in the morning it will likely be less crowded than during the evening.

2. Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate!

Don’t forget to bring an ice-cold water bottle for yourself and a water dish for your fur baby. Obviously the sunflowers don’t thrive in shade so it’s likely to be pretty sunny while posing amongst the sunflowers. Also consider a wet wrap around your dog’s neck to keep cool.

3. Bring Props.

 Props can bring your photoshoot to the next level and will add personality to your images. Consider bringing signs, bandanas, hats, or blankets. Check out Darla the Hippo who has her prop game on point! You can follow Darla’s Instagram account HERE.

4. BEEware of bees!

Sunflowers attract a lot of bees. In my experience the bees will most likely leave you alone. They are more interested in the sunflowers! However if you or your pooch are allergic to bees you may want to steer clear. Perhaps you can get images with the sunflowers far in the background, away from the bees.

5. Don’t pick the sunflowers.

It’s always a good idea to respect park’s rules. Many sunflower fields have rules posted on signs near the sunflowers. You can also check the parks’ website ahead of time to see their rules. Visitors are usually discouraged from picking the sunflowers or stepping on the sunflowers. Obeying these guidelines helps the flowers last longer so more people can enjoy them!

6. Wear rain boots.

You guys, trust me on this one. Especially if it has recently rained. The ground can remain muddy even a few days after a strong rain. If you’ve ever gotten your shoe stuck momentarily in a mud puddle then you’ll immediately regret not wearing boots!

7. Bring an old towel.

Since it can be quite muddy at times it’s always a good idea to have an old towel so you can wipe off your doggo’s muddy paws before you get back in your car.

8. Bring treats.

Is your dog food or toy motivated? Bring along their favorite snacks or toys to get them to look at the camera. If hiring a pet photographer they should direct you about when and where to hold the treats or toy.

9. Plan your wardrobe.

Wondering what to wear during your sunflower session? There are several options when deciding on a wardrobe for your sunflower photo shoot. Neutral color palettes look great and will help the sunflowers really stand out. Also, bold solid colors such as cobalt blue, orange, or purple will contrast nicely with the sunflowers. Solid colors will look better than busy prints. See the picture of myself below that my husband took!

10. Consider flower height.

Choose spots that have different heights of sunflowers. If your dog is on the ground it’s best that he or she is in front of smaller sunflowers so you can be sure you can get the flowers in the picture. However, if your dog is small enough you can pick him or her up to be near the blooms.

Quick note: many sunflower fields that were open to the public last year may not be operating this year due to covid-19 pandemic concerns. Please be sure to check out the status of your preferred location before you go!