Sunflowers are just so full of hope and positive energy!

Claudia was reprimanded on some other strange site for having the nerve to post this genus Helianthus!  But that's another story.....

After our fantastic weekend in Winterthur and Zurich, and after a wonderful, very yummy and sunny breakfast at Barbara's house, it was time to head home.

We decided to visit Stein am Rhein, since it was on our way home.  Driving through wonderfully lush hills and valleys, we discovered a very romantic old castle, situated on a hill beyond fruitful vineyards.  We passed it, but decided to turn around.

I have some nice shots of the castle - which, sorry - I have no idea what the name of is.

Having been busy with shooting the landscape, I suddenly realized that there was something even more beautiful right next to me... Claudia and Mark, of course! But also this sunflower.

I chose the category "mood" here for two reasons: 1st - it wasn't just the flower that I wanted to show, but also the sky and the fields and the fact that this flower stands so strong...

2nd - it's so full of positive energy!

Beautiful composition and presentation here Linda. Vibrant and deep colours for the main subject of the compo with the gently blurred bg to frame the whole lot..very well done, I like it!!
Ciao,
Igor

Hi Sis,

How did I have the nerve to post such an annoying, uninteresting subject on that other site?! ;o)
Hmmm, this shot reminds me of why I like to shoot sunflowers. They do have such a wonderful positive energy, a bit like waterfalls probably. That castle on the hill was just an added bonus here - and by the way, special thanks to your hubby for stopping and turning around so that we were able to take some shots here!
I really like this shot which shows some of the surroundings (btw, what's that blueish thingy in the bottom left corner? ;o) ) and focuses on the important part at the same time, and your choice of category.

Big hug
Claudia

Howdy LindaCosmos,

I feel better already, I'm Positive!

Your sunny, upclose and personal image means I am still in Kansas with Toto....

Hope you all are having a fine weekend, cheers,
Ray

Hello Linda! Auf jeden Fall "Mood"! Die Sonnenblume verstroemt den endlosen Sommer, laue Abende, wunderbare Sonnenuntergaenge. Ich finde es immer nett, wenn sie die Koepfe drehen, sich nach der Sonne richten. Schon wieder eine Woche her seit unserem Treffen, viel Regen, viele graue Wolken in der Zwischenzeit ... aber seit gestern le grand bleu, der Sommer ist zurueck, auf jeden Fall bis heute Nacht, dann kommt ein neuer Regenguss :))) So ist der Sommer in der Schweiz, eigentlich war es schon immer so! Ahh, Vineyards, auch von hier kommen nette Tropfen her ... sollte man probieren, unbedingt!!! Oh well, next time ... aber zuerst New York City ... oder aber einfach nur Lindau um die Ecke. Tolles Bild, Linda, vollgeladen mit Sommer ... und was dazugehoert. Wegen dem Breakfast, ich hatte die Yogurts vergessen. Als ich in den Kuehlschrank schaute, hatte ich mindestens 10 Jogis dort drin ... wir essen immer noch davon. LOL. Mit Gruss vom Berg, auch an die Deine Maenner ... Barbara.

Hi Linda
A nice shallow DOF to blur the BG and really make the sunflower stand out as if the brilliant yellow wasn't enough.
Phil

Hello Linda,  One of the more outstanding flowers that one sees all over the world.  I am told they originated in Mexico and other countries of Cental America.  You have captured one of the big boys and the fact that it is in alone makes it prominent to the scene.  OC that is why you did it.  These plants are very plentiful along the Donau not far from the wine country of the Wachau.  I like the use of "mood" for the category this bloom picture embraces.  And yes,  the whole environment here is one of pleasantness for sure.  Look forward to your shots of Schweiz.  I love Lucerne, but have been to the Zurich Airport over a dozen times but never have seen the city. Show some of the city please. Regards, Roger

Hello Linda,
Beautiful sun shines in your frame. I love these plants. I once worked at the giant blooming sunflower fields. It's amazing feeling - anywhere large yellow disc flowers like a million suns.
Beautiful picture Linda. Wonderful depth of field. Sharp is the only flower with seeds inside. Beautifully blurred background to truly exposes this wonderful flower.
Excellent work, a symbol of summer in full!
Have a nice Sunday my friend,
Jurek

Hallo Linda,

auch mit Abstand betrachtet sind diese Blumen einfach immer wieder toll anzusehen, und logischerweise auch sehr fotogen.. die Halbperspektive passt hier hervorragend und die Blume befindet sich am rechten Fleck im Bild..
tolle Aufnahme

schönes WE, Grüße Bernd

Hallo Linda!
Ja, der Titel passt! Du hast diese Blüte in einem wunderschönen Licht "erwischt", das sie noch zusätzlich aufleuchten lässt. Ein Foto, das man sich an einem grauen, kalten und nassen Novembertag anschauen sollte ...
Grüße aus dem sonnigen "hohen Norden" - und ein schönes Wochenende!
Frank