When the Sky Cracked Open: A New England Sunflower Photography Story

When the Sky Cracked Open

Like many mid-summer days in New England, the forecast was a coin toss — sunshine with a side of thunder. But as a New England landscape photographer drawn to dramatic skies, I grabbed my camera and headed out to Buttonwood Farm… — home to some of the most breathtaking fields of sunflower photography in New England.

Over ten acres of golden blooms sway there each summer, like a crowd of yellow heads waiting for their cue from the sun. No matter how many times I visit, I always find something new — sweeping landscapes that stretch to the horizon, intimate close-ups of petals and pollen, and everything in between. It’s the kind of place you can happily lose yourself in for hours.

When the Storm Rolled In

That evening started like any other — hot, humid, and full of potential. But soon after arriving, the skies began to darken. Not your average dusk — these clouds rolled in like a villain in a western. Within minutes, the heavens opened and let loose. Sheets of rain slammed the windshield as I ran for cover in the car.

For forty-five long minutes, we sat there, watching the storm throw its tantrum. We debated heading home. You know the drill — soggy shoes, foggy lenses, dreams dashed. But just as we were about to call it a night, a sliver of golden light cracked through the clouds.

That was all I needed.

The Moment the Light Returned

I bolted from the car like a sunflower-chasing maniac and sprinted to the edge of the field. I chose a wide-angle lens to capture as much drama as possible — that glorious field of yellow set against a sky still buzzing with the storm’s energy. Framed the shot, fired off a few quick exposures… and then it was gone.

Just like that, the drama disappeared, the light faded, and the skies settled down like a toddler after a tantrum.

But I got it — one of my favorite shots of the day.

The Beauty in the Aftermath

What I love most about this image isn’t just the light or the sky — it’s the sunflowers themselves. The way they’re bowed, almost like they’re hiding their faces, weather-weary and humble beneath that wild sky. It’s as if they, too, had been caught off guard by the storm.

And somehow… that made them even more beautiful.


Explore more New England sunflower photography and fine art prints in my Landscape Gallery.