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Celebrate Summer with Your Pup: Sunflower Pet Photo Sessions & a Costume Contest!

Updated: Jul 23

Is there anything better than summer sunflowers and happy dogs? This August, I’m bringing two sunflower-filled events for you and your four-legged best friends. Perfect for making golden memories together while the blooms are at their peak!




Sunflower Pet Photography Sessions

Sunflowers don’t bloom for long, but your memories can! My sunflower pet photo sessions are the perfect chance to capture your dog among acres of golden blooms. I’ll guide you and your pup through a relaxed, fun session, so you end up with stunning portraits and sweet candid moments you’ll cherish forever.


Details:
  • When: August 2025 — limited spots available during peak bloom

  • Where: Green Barn Garden Center, Isanti, MN

  • What’s included:

    • 25-minute photo session in the sunflower field

    • Your choice of 5 images from a proofing gallery, with the option to purchase more

  • Why book now? Sunflower season is short, and sessions fill fast! If you’ve dreamed of golden hour portraits surrounded by blooms, this is your sign.




Dogs in sunflower costumes at a contest in a garden. Bright sunflowers in the background. Text: Win a Free Sunflower Session!

Sunflower-Themed Pet Costume Contest — August 7th

Love dressing up your dog? Join the fun at the Doggie Dress Up Photo Contest, presented by Green Barn Garden Center in partnership with Scruff Life Photography! This adorable contest is part of the 2025 Green Barn Sunflower Field Days; the perfect excuse to spend a summer evening surrounded by blooms and wagging tails.


How it works: Sign up for our 4th annual Doggie Dress Up Photo Contest and dress your dog up to represent the sunflower field. Registration is required! Ideas for costumed include doggie farmer, bee, butterfly, sunflower, etc. The more creative, the better! I’ll be there photographing each contestant in the sunflower field, and your pup’s photo will be their official contest entry!


Entries will be judged by an outside panel of judges, so bring your best sunflower style and have fun with it. Here's a review of last year's contestants for your research.


Details:

  • When: August 7th, 2025 (rain or shine!)

  • Where: Green Barn Garden Center, Isanti, MN

  • What to expect:

    • A fun, relaxed contest for all friendly pups

    • Each contestant will receive one professional photo taken in the sunflower field by Scruff Life Photography (that's me!)

    • The contest winner will receive a free sunflower photo session from Scruff Life Photography and a sunflower-themed gift basket from Green Barn Garden Center

    • Plenty of sweet sunflower moments with your pup to remember




Helpful Tips for Your Pup’s Sunflower Adventure

  • Bring water and a bowl — August can be warm!

  • Check your costume fit — ensure it’s comfy and safe for your dog.

  • Brush up on your dog’s sit & stay — helpful for that perfect photo.

  • Bring poop bags — you never know when you'll need one!

  • Make a day of it! Green Barn Garden Center is a lovely spot to pick up plants, shop local goods, and soak up summer. Just remember that pets aren't allowed in the garden center.


Sunflower field at sunset, vibrant yellow blooms fill the foreground. A warm, golden sky with scattered clouds creates a serene mood.

About Green Barn Garden Center & Sunflower Days

The Green Barn Sunflower Field is a local favorite for good reason. It’s a beautiful place to stroll, take photos, and soak up the sun. With several sunflower crops planted about a week apart, you’ll find fresh blooms throughout August. A circle trail winds through the fields, with rows to explore and charming photo props like painted tractors, vintage trucks, stairways for scenic overlooks, and more.


2025 Sunflower Field Days

Dates & Hours: August 1–17 (9 am – 8 pm) and August 18–September 1 (9 am – 7 pm). Last entry is at closing time. Plan ahead and check their website for updates, as bloom times can shift with the weather!


Admission: $7 per person (5 and under free). No reservations needed. Tickets are available at the field. Season passes are available for repeat visits!


Good to know:

  • Free parking in the field

  • Leashed pets are welcome in the sunflower field (but not inside the garden center)

  • Portable restrooms and picnic benches are available

  • Food trucks and music are scheduled most weekends

  • Cut sunflowers are available for purchase (from a separate field — no cutting allowed in the main field!)


Tip: Check Green Barn’s daily bloom updates before you visit so you catch the sunflowers at their best!



Join the Sunflower Fun!

Whether you’re booking a dreamy photo session or showing off your dog’s best sunflower outfit at the contest (or both!), I can’t wait to celebrate the season with you and your pup. Let’s make this August one to remember. See you among the blooms! 🌻🐾


Questions? Reach out anytime. I’m always here to help you plan the perfect experience for you and your dog.



About Scruff Life Photography:

Hi, I'm Lauren! I'm a Minnesota-based pet photographer specializing in capturing the bond between people and their pets. I understand that pets are important members of the family, and I am here to capture those special moments that you will treasure for a lifetime. Whether you just added a pet to the family or they've been there for as long as you can remember, it's never a bad time for updated professional photos! Reach out today to schedule your pet photo session with Scruff Life Photography!


Smiling person on a sofa with two small dogs and a large black dog. Bookshelf with colorful books in the background. Cozy vibe.

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Scruff Life Photography is a pet photographer for the wild and adventurous. Capturing the bond between people and their pets in Minnesota and beyond. Serving Forest Lake and the surrounding areas.

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