Why Sunflower Field Sessions Are Some of My Favorite Family Photos in Minnesota

Sunflower fields in Minnesota holds are one of my list of favorite things to photograph every year. There’s something about that golden light, those towering yellow blooms, and the way a whole field seems to glow right before sunset that makes every session feel a little bit magic. ✨

But before I offered Sunflower Mini Sessions to my clients, this field was somewhere I brought my own family. So today I wanted to share why this spot means so much to me — and show you a few of my favorite frames along the way.

A Family Session of My Own

Every year, I try to carve out time to bring my camera into the sunflowers just for us — my daughter, my husband, and me. No client schedule, no timeline, just our little family soaking up one of my favorite Minnesota summer traditions.

Some of my favorite portraits of my daughter, have come from this exact field. There’s something about watching her dance between the rows, completely unposed, her true silly nature that I don’t want to forget.

When Family Visits: My Niece and Nephew’s Turn

Last summer, my niece and nephew were in town visiting right when the sunflowers were blooming, and of course I couldn’t resist bringing them out to the field too. There’s nothing quite like watching cousins run wild through sunflowers taller than they are — laughing, getting a little dirty, and giving me some of the most genuine expressions I’ve captured all year.

It’s not just about the finished portrait — it’s about the memory of that evening, the light, and the people you got to share it with.

Why Sunflower Fields Make Such Beautiful Portraits

If you’ve never done a session in a sunflower field, here’s why I think it’s worth it:

The light is unmatched. Sunflower fields are typically wide open, which means golden hour light has nowhere to hide. It wraps around everyone in the frame in the warmest, most flattering way.

The color palette does the work for you. Warm yellows and greens against soft evening light create a naturally rich, cohesive look — no heavy editing required to make it feel cohesive and warm.

It photographs everyone differently, and beautifully. Toddlers, teenagers, grandparents, newborns — the scale of the field and the softness of the light are flattering at every age and stage.

It doesn’t feel like a “photoshoot.” Kids can run. Cousins can chase each other. Parents can actually relax. Some of the best images happen in between the posed ones.

Book Your Own Sunflower Mini Session

This year I opened up a small number of Sunflower Mini Sessions at Autumn Acres near Janesville, MN — the very field my own family and I love so much. It’s a quick, joyful session designed to capture your family (or your kiddos, or even just the two of you) exactly as you are this season, surrounded by one of my favorite Minnesota backdrops.

Spots are limited – so if this is calling your name, I’d love for you to join me on Tuesday, August 11th or Friday, August 14th! Here’s the link to book your session: https://book.usesession.com/s/N55-xzO1Oy

This field has given my family some of our most treasured photos. I would be honored to give your family the same.