Sunrise in the Sunflowers
A once-a-year portrait experience when thousands of sunflowers greet the morning sun.
For a few magical weeks each August, Wooden Shoe Tulip Farm opens its sunflower fields before the crowds arrive. The air is cool, the light is golden, and your dog gets to explore one of Oregon's most joyful landscapes.
A Love Letter to the Sunflowers
Every year I tell myself I won't get quite so excited about sunflower season.
And every year, I fail spectacularly.
Maybe it's because sunflowers seem incapable of taking life too seriously. They tower overhead like cheerful giants, turning their faces toward the morning sun while dogs weave through the rows below.
Or maybe it's because these mornings feel different.
The fields are quiet. The crowds haven't arrived. The air still carries a little bit of night's coolness. For a short while, it feels like we've stepped into a secret world where it's just you, your dog, and thousands of golden blooms.
I've photographed dogs in these fields for years, and every single session feels a little like opening a present.
No two mornings are ever the same.
Sunflowers are the golden retrievers of the flower world. They're incapable of being anything other than cheerful.
The Experience
Sunrise in the Sunflowers is designed to be easy and relaxed.
You don't need a perfectly trained dog.
You don't need your dog to sit still.
You don't even need your dog to look at the camera.
My job is simply to create space for your dog to be themselves while I capture the moments that matter.
During our time together, we'll explore the fields, follow your dog's curiosity, and create portraits that celebrate everything you love about them.
Some dogs pose.
Some dogs sniff.
Some dogs make me work for every photograph.
All of them are wonderful.
Session Details
Available Dates
August 1-16, 2026
Location
Wooden Shoe Tulip Farm
Woodburn, Oregon
Session Fee
$175
Your session includes:
- Sunrise portrait session
- Up to two dogs
- Reveal and ordering appointment
- One 5x7 gift print
- Matching social media digital file
Artwork and digital collections are available separately.
Because the bloom window is short, session availability is extremely limited.
Bring the Story Home
The sunflower fields last only a few weeks.
Your artwork lasts for years.
Most families choose wall art that brings a little bit of summer into their homes long after the flowers have faded.
Popular choices include:
- Framed Canvas
- Metal Prints
- Story Collections
- Round Metal Artwork
- Edge Albums
Because the best place for your photographs isn't on a hard drive.
It's where you'll see them every day.
Not Every Dog Will Remember
Your dog won't remember the sunflower field.
They won't remember the camera.
They won't remember what day it was.
But they'll remember spending a morning with their favorite person.
And years from now, when the field is gone and another summer has come and gone, you'll still have these photographs.
That is the part that matters.
Frequently Asked Questions
What if my dog won't sit?
Perfect. Most don't.
Can my dog stay on leash?
Absolutely. Leashes are removed during editing when needed.
Can I bring more than one dog?
Yes. Up to two dogs are included.
What if it rains?
We'll simply reschedule.
Are these sessions good for senior dogs?
They're wonderful for seniors because we move at your dog's pace.
Every sunrise ends with a story worth bringing home.
Ready to Join Me in the Sunflowers?
The bloom only lasts a few short weeks, and sunrise appointments disappear quickly.
If you've been dreaming about portraits surrounded by thousands of sunflowers, now is the time.