My friend, Mike Kaplon from work took me to see this amazing sunflower field in Newbury, Massachusetts USA on 8/11/10. I have seen sunflowers but never saw a field quite like this! It was spectacular and what made it even more amazing was, above the flower heads, you could see an umbrella, as we walked along the field, we found this woman sitting behind an easel. She was capturing the beauty in her own way. Little does she know that she helped me capture the beauty of her presence among these amazing flowers! True story! :)

Dedicated to Mike Kaplon, hope he is on the mend soon!!! Miss you, buddy!

I received word from Mike’s sister yesterday that Mike passed away on 1/20/12. Mike was a gentle and kind person who I feel honored to have known and had as a friend!!! I will miss Mike very much and I pray that he is at peace now. RIP Mike and thank you for your friendship!

410 views as of 1/22/12.

Nikon D300, Photomatix and finished in Picasa (1 raw image), 200 ISO, handheld, 70×300, f/9.