This August, I visited Hitchin Farm and its lavender and sunflower fields for a colourful family session. This family of 3 were real stars in front of the camera!
I thought I would write a blog post with everything you need to know if you wish to use this gorgeous location for your family photos this summer.
When can we do photos at Hitchin Lavender and Sunflower field?
The lavender is in bloom from mid-June to mid-August, and the sunflower field from mid-August to early September, depending on the weather.
The farm is open from late June to early September, depending on when the flowers are in bloom. The farm is open 7 days a week, from 9 to 6 pm.
As the farm isn’t open during sunrise or sundown, the best time to do your photos is on a cloudy day, in the morning from 9 to 10 am or in the late afternoon from 5 to 6 pm.
To recap, the ideal dates to take photos in the lavender field are from the end of June to the end of July and in the sunflower field from mid-August to early September.
Sunflower field in mid-August – full bloom
Same day: Lavender field in mid-August – not many flowers
How much does it cost? Do we need a photo permit?
If you wish to have your family photographed with me in the field, you will have to pay the usual session fee (£399 + digitals/prints), your ticket entry (roughly £5 per adult or £3 for children between 4 to 16 years old + transaction fee) and a £50 photo permit to the farm at the entry.
If you don’t have a vehicle and you are a family of 4 maximum, I can pick you up from Bounds Green station so you don’t need to pay for travel. It will take us between 45 to 55 minutes drive to get there, there is free parking on the premises.
Bees
You need to be aware that if there are flowers, there are bees! These little workers will keep busy collecting the pollen while we focus on taking gorgeous photos of your family. The risk of being stung is very low, but you need to be aware that this is a possibility. This photo shoot might not be for you if you have allergies or if you are afraid of bees and insects.
I will take some sting relief cream with me just in case!
A busy bee
A ladybug!
Did you know?
The sunflowers face the direction of the sun when they are immature. They are gifted with a circadian internal clock that regulates their growth. So just like us, they have a biological clock that tells them what time it is during the day.
So when the sun comes up, the flower turns to the east and follows the sun until it goes down to the west, it will then shift back to the east and start again the next day. This shifting happens because the sunflower stem grows more on the side facing the sun, which means it gets heavier and leans towards the sun, so then follows it! Isn’t it wonderful?
But sunflowers stop turning once they’ve reached a mature age as their stem growth stabilises. The stem becomes harder and straighter. They will then face east as the flower is warmer in this direction and attracts 5 times more insects than if they would face west. The insects like warm comfy flowers. How clever!
See below 2 examples facing east or west done during my last session in the sunflower field. I believe the sunflowers were mature as they were constantly faced east.
Camera Facing East
Camera Facing West – Photographing against the sun
What do I need to bring? What do I wear?
I will bring a picnic blanket to help us with the sitting shots but you are welcome to also bring your own. I love large linen or cotton blankets with simple patterns. See inspiration on the mood board below.
Bring some water and a snack. We will follow your children’s rhythm and have a 5-minute break during the session if needed.
Wear casual yet pretty clothes with comfortable shoes. No high stilettos heels or you will be uncomfortable. The fields are a few minutes walk from the parking.
I have made a Pinterest mood board to help you pick the best outfit. I love long flowy dresses and a hat on mums. If that’s your thing: bring it along, we will take some photos with and without. Feel free to reach out via What’s App or email if you need some further advice on what to wear. I’m always happy to help.
And if you are interested to know more, I have made an entire blog post on how to prepare for your family photoshoot, you can read it here.
Bring your dog! If your dog is well-behaved, we can include him/her in your family photos. Dogs are welcomed at the farm as long as they are kept on a lead. We can hide the lead on the photos or I can take it away in Photoshop.
Fancy a souvenir?
Hitchin farm allows you to pick the flowers to take home! All you need is to bring a pair of scissors so you don’t have to rent them. You can pay for your hand-picked bouquet on your way out. The lavender is £3 per bag and the sunflowers around £1 per stem.
I am not scared of bees!! How do I book?
That’s wonderful, I am so excited to meet you! You can book by sending me an email here. I will send you a welcome pack with information and will require a £200 deposit the book the session.
Want to know more about the farm?
You can find more information about Hitchin Lavender Farm here.
