Unique family photography locations – Sunflower Photo Sessions around Bloomington Normal, IL and Champaign, IL

It’s Sunflower Season! 🌻 Let’s Make Some Summer Magic

It’s finally that time of year again—Sunflower Field Sessions are back! And oh my heart, I love these sessions. As a family and childhood photographer, these moments are some of my favorites to capture. Between the golden light, warm breeze, and the wide-open space of a sunflower field in full bloom, it’s the perfect setting for families to slow down and just be together.

There’s something almost magical about standing in the middle of thousands of sunflowers. It’s like summer is wrapping you in a hug. These heliotropic flowers follow the sun, always turning toward the light—how beautiful is that? They remind me so much of childhood: full of wonder, movement, and joy.

And if you’re looking for a unique family photography location in Central Illinois, these sunflower fields are absolutely one-of-a-kind.

A Few Fun Sunflower Facts 🌻

• The common sunflower is actually an annual herb and can grow up to 15 feet tall!
• What we see as one big bloom is actually made up of thousands of tiny flowers, and each head can produce up to 2,000 seeds.
• In French, sunflower is tournesol, meaning “turns with the sun.” Buds follow the sun from east to west—until they bloom and fix their faces toward the morning light.
• Sunflowers are native to the Americas and are used for everything from oil and birdseed to natural dye and decoration.

But the bloom is fleeting—typically only about two weeks—so these seasonal flower field photography sessions are truly limited-time magic.

This Year’s Locations ✨

Here are your choices for this year’s outdoor family photography sunflower sessions. Each one is beautiful in its own way:

🌻 Mackinaw, IL

Two large fields tucked into rural Central Illinois. These fields are peaceful and quiet—just sunflowers, open skies, and your family. It’s an ideal place for summer family portraits with no crowds and plenty of room for kids to explore. There’s a parking lot right next to the field, making it easy for little legs and strollers.

🌻 Clearview Farms – Champaign, IL

Think acres of sunflowers and blue skies for days. Clearview features a beautiful sunflower maze, which creates natural paths through the field—perfect for candid shots and easy movement. With easy access and parking, it’s a favorite for families who love to explore and play.

🌻 Rader Family Farms – Normal, IL

Right on the edge of town, Rader’s sunflower field is full of charm. It’s the perfect mix of nature-inspired photo shootand styled scenery, with props like an old truck and a wooden swing. You may already know the farm from their pumpkin patch or animal days. This location does require a $75 reservation fee, but it offers a truly special experience close to home.

Whether your kids are just learning to walk, in that wiggly, wild stage, or you’re savoring the last summer before high school, sunflower sessions are a beautiful way to mark time. These golden fields give us the chance to capture real connection, movement, laughter—and maybe even a few sticky popsicle kisses.

Summer doesn’t last forever—but the memories can.
I hope you get the chance to run barefoot, chase fireflies, and maybe stand in a sea of sunflowers with the people you love. If a sunflower field sounds like the perfect backdrop for your story this summer, I’d be honored to capture it for you.

💛🌻💛 Have a favorite sunflower quote, memory, or fun fact? Share it in the comments—I’d love to hear what these cheerful blooms mean to you.