A photographer friend invited me out to the McKee Beshers Wildlife Management Area to capture the fields of sunflowers. They're at their peak this weekend and next.
I've been meaning for a long time to join Rena on photo shoots. I love her work, and I knew it would be helpful to see the world through her eyes. And to get some photo tips.
I'd seen her sunflower photos from other years and definitely wanted some of my own. So I met Rena and her friend Amy out at the fields in Poolesville, Maryland. At 7:30 a.m. on a Sunday. We beat the crowds but not the heat.
At McKee Beshers, they plant 30 acres of sunflowers in nine fields. The seeds sustain the wildlife, particularly Mourning Doves, according to a Washingtonian story.
As we were starting to shoot, a guy from Columbia, Maryland, wandered nearby with his camera and tripod. He heard Rena and Amy offering me tips on what and how to shoot. He piped up that he liked listening to those tips. Then he asked if it was okay for him to follow along with us down the field.
If you want company when you're traveling alone, this, solo travelers, is how to find it. Joining "the locals" can enhance any travel experience. And by locals here I mean a nearby group of people having fun or doing the same thing you're doing.
Meeting David affirmed to me how easy it is to find "friends" just about anywhere you go. Especially if you have a focus (no pun intended) on an experience or interest that you can share easily. Language lessons. Dancing. Photography.
David stayed with us for the next several hours, joining in the banter as if he'd known us for years. He and Rena exchanged cards and talked about possibly meeting for another outing to photograph an area they both like to shoot.
When you're the "David," out there alone in this Goliath world (yeah, sorry, couldn't pass that one up), and you're feeling like you want company, see if you can work your way into a group like David did. It was so easy and we were totally open to it.
Yes, yes, I know, you're shy. You could never do that. Okay, then just stand nearby and listen. Maybe, someone will notice you and make the first move. Or maybe, eventually, you'll get comfortable enough to speak up and offer a helpful tip. Things are likely to take off from there.
Meanwhile, if you happen to be in the D.C. area this week, get yourself and your camera to the sunflowers. It's a beautiful sight.
Photos: Ellen Perlman. Follow me on instagram @boldlygosolo.
Ellen,
Hi, this is David, what a wonderful article you have put together here it captures to true essence of the day we all had together. It was my great pleasure getting to know you Rena and Amy this past Sunday at McKee Beshers Sunflowers. I really love your Slol quote, "how to set out solo, but never travel alone". That's how I started out my day Solo heading out to take some pics of those beautiful Sunflowers, then I met you three beautiful ladies who welcomed me into their group. From there it was like meeting up with high school friends you haven't seen in a long time, but things picked up again like it was yesterday. As I think about it now it brings a smile to my face. Thanks for putting me in your story and giving people hope that you can meet a complete stranger, no matter where you are in the world you can enjoy their company.I posted my Sunflowers on my flickr site please check them out, enjoy!
(flickr.com/photos/dvsone
Warm regards!
David V.Starks
Posted by: David V.Starks | July 27, 2017 at 08:10 AM
David,
So fun to see you here. Rena must have sent you my blog info. Love your photos-sunflowers and otherwise. Yet another take on the sunflower scene.
And you mentioned to snap the butterfly even with me getting in the way...momentarily.
Great to meet you and hope to see you and your camera back out there!
Ellen
Posted by: Ellen | July 27, 2017 at 09:52 PM