Depending on the weather, I will probably getting there earlier than 8am.

I have a more exact address for your GPS: 16778 River Road. The maps.google.com above is right on.

Yes, the entrance is a good place to meet. There might be other groups and folks there, so I would it to be kinda crowded. Don't worry, the field is large enough...

I will have to bow out due to a last minute business trip, so John is take over leading the Meetup. Look forward to seeing the results!

A couple of notes:

- This part of MD has as many speed cameras as it does sunflowers so watch your speed and watch for sudden changes in speed limit just before the cameras.

- If you are coming from the west, River Rd is closed at the bridge just west of Willard Rd so you will need to detour around it. If you are coming from the beltway this won't be an issue.

We'll be out there sometime before 6.

One more important note: the field is -not- visible from River Rd. You are looking for a parking area on the south side of the road a short distance west of Partnership Road. There is a metal gate that prevents cars from entering and the path beyond curves back behind the trees to where the fields are located.

Thanks for the tips on how to find the place, I might be there before 7am too.

FYI, getting there at 8am the light is already harsh, to really do this you need to be there before 6am.

I agree, I will be there earlier, too. Some folks might find that the sun might be harsh. Bring a defuzer if you have one to cut the contrast. If it is over cast, this will produce softened light. Soft light is excellent for macro photography. Be sure to look for repeating patterns!

Seems like there aren't any definitive times set. Does anyone want to meet somewhere in front say 5:45?

I have a four foot ladder. If the walk is not too far I could bring that. How far is the walk from where we can park cars?

Scratch that sunrise is at 5:50 correct me if I am wrong. What about 5:30?

Yea it will be my first time there too. As I understand there are several fields? How will we know which one to meet at? Any thoughts?

I've got a bright yellow xterra that is hard to miss.

Oops sorry! I just noticed 10 posts down David posted an exact gps location to what looks like a dirt lot type situation. And the metal bar that they mentioned is visible on the google maps. Perhaps we should meet there so everyone else is on the same page? 5:30. I will have my yellow xterra.

Actually the posted time was 8am but a lot of people seem to be wanting to arrive on their own earlier.

Yes I apologize I meant that there didn't seem to be a definite time for the ones who wanted to arrive earlier.

A group of us from Manassas-Warrenton camera club are leaving Gainesville at 4 and will be there by 5:30. From the gate to the edge of the field is not very far, but there are trees along the eastern edge so we'll want to go to the west side of field to get the early golden light. I've heard the stalks are a little shorter than normal this year so I'll leave my 6' ladder in the truck til I have a look at the fields to see if it is needed. They were 3-4' tall when I was there 2 weeks ago.

Coming but running like 10 late

Raining here right now. I'm going to hold off for a while, then make a judgment. Anyone up for tomorrow morning? The weather is supposed to be beautiful tomorrow.

Well, the weather was not good this morning, but some got shots early before the rain became steady. I took no shots this morning, but I plan to go back again tomorrow mroning early. If following the GPS street address leads to an old schoolhouse, you need to continue west about 1 mile further to a parking lot on your left. Bugs are going to be an issue, with the rain, add mud to the mix. Short step ladders will be good to get an overview. Sunflowers are only about 4 feet tall.

Hi all, good to meet some of you this morning. I will be going back next weekend, if anyone is interested in joining or meeting up - pm me!

Thanks John. I thought about 'Golden Light' at pm today... but tomorrow morning is what I'm going to do too. I found a photo on the web with the sunrise behind the flowers, and it complimented the yellow in the flowers beautifully. I'll be up at '0 darker hundred' tomorrow and hope to be there before the sun rises. Thanks for the note about the GPS!

John I grabbed your shirt from the Starbucks. I'll bring it tomorrow if I am coming

I was really looking forward to it but didn't want to drive that far in the rain only to be rained out. I would like to go tomorrow and see if I can catch the sunrise. Hopefully I can meet some of you then.

John, I will actually not be able to join you in the morning. I will most likely be going sunset though. :)

I didn't take pictures last weekend due to the rain, but I'm heading out to shoot sunflowers tomorrow, if anyone is interested in joining - I'd love company. I'm aiming to be there at 6ish.

I'm sorry I wasn't able to join the group due to previous commitments, and rain, however I did get an opportunity to go this morning. I hope it's okay to post some pictures.