Last Friday, I drove two hours northwest of Baltimore to Jarrettsville to shoot a large field of sunflowers at sunrise. I left the house at 0415. I had never been to Jarretsville before so I was not sure where the sunflowers were located. Therefore, I left early enough to allow time to explore around to find the sunflowers. I had a good idea from researching the Web, but did not have an address–just a general location.

As I arrived in Jarretsville, the sun was beginning to rise. As the sun rose and it got lighter, I could see the yellow flowers becoming slightly visible in the dark. I was in the right location at the right time!  I quickly parked the car, grabbed my gear and went into the field. I wanted to photograph the sunflowers as they were lit by the first light from the sun.

It was definitely better than the average morning as I walked through the field of sunflowers photographing them as they seemed to be welcoming the sunlight. And, I had them all to myself. I was the only person in sight.

They all generally faced east toward the sun. The following are some of the many images from that morning.  More sunflower photos can be seen on my website at:  http://stabone.com/p330403191

It was a very large field of sunflowers.

It was a cool morning, around 55 degrees, perfect weather. The only thing that would have made it better would have been a hot cup of coffee.

The full moon, although small, can be seen in the sky.

There is always one that stands out in the crowd.

They looked beautiful against the blue sky.

Up close and personal.

Soaking up the rays.

A little detail.

Also pretty from the rear with the light of the sun illuminating the petals of the flower.

Before blooming.

Early stage of a sunflower bud.

Stretching out for the morning light.

That was Friday’s photography adventure and well worth the drive and early morning. Saturday, I also got up well before sunrise in order to be on top of Skyline Drive to shoot the sunrise from the mountains. I will post those photos this week.