Wesley Wells Farm Photography Guide

About Wesley Wells Farm

Wesley Wells Farm is a family-owned North Florida farm located in the Elkton area, about 15-20 minutes southwest of downtown St. Augustine. Wesley Wells is a third-generation St. Johns County farmer who runs the operation with his wife Amanda. The property is dedicated to agricultural education and seasonal experiences for local families — and has become one of the most sought-after photography locations in the region.

The farm operates two locations: the U-Pick fields at 2680 Ada Arnold Road and the corn pickup location at 7200 County Road 208. The you-pick season runs from September through June, with fields typically open to the public on Saturdays from 9:00 AM to noon (weather permitting). This is a working farm, so hours and availability change with the seasons and weather.

Seasonal Attractions

Sunflower Season (Late Summer/Spring): The property's claim to fame is its spectacular sunflower fields — rows upon rows of bright yellow blooms stretching toward the horizon. The spring Sunflower & Tomato Festival (typically in May) draws crowds for u-pick sunflowers, tomato harvesting, a salsa-tasting contest, kids' activities, live entertainment, food trucks, and handmade craft vendors.

Fall Season: The property transforms for autumn with their "Crop Maze & Fall Daze" event. Families come for u-pick pumpkins, the corn maze, flower and veggie fields, farm animals, photo ops, and fall festival atmosphere. This runs September through November and offers some of the best fall photography backdrops in the St. Augustine area.

Corn Season: The farmer also grows high-quality field corn for hunters, ranchers, and grain mills, typically available late July through November depending on the year's yield.

Photography Access, Rates, and Timing

The property welcomes photographers and offers access to their sunflower fields, sprawling corn rows, pastures, and wildflower fields. The current rate is $75/hour with a 2-hour minimum for up to 4 groups/families — making it a viable option for both client sessions and mini-session events. Professional sessions need to be coordinated in advance; call ahead to confirm policies, blackout dates, and any seasonal-event blackouts when the property is closed to private photography.

The sunflowers face east, so morning sessions capture the flowers at their most photogenic with soft, warm light. Late afternoon brings golden backlight that makes the yellow petals glow. Weekday mornings offer the best chance for uncrowded shots, as weekends — especially during peak bloom — can get busy.

Florida summer heat is real. Bring water, plan for breaks, and consider rescheduling above 90°F. The open fields have little shade. Bug spray is a must during bloom season; bees are present around the sunflowers and mosquitoes are present basically anywhere on Florida farmland in summer.

What Makes This Location Special

Unlike St. Augustine's historic locations, this property offers something completely different: wide-open agricultural landscapes, vibrant seasonal color, and a rustic aesthetic that's impossible to find downtown. The sunflower fields create unforgettable engagement and family portraits — walls of yellow blooms that photograph beautifully and feel like a world away from everyday life.

The seasonal nature is both a limitation and an asset. These aren't year-round photo ops, which makes sessions here feel special and time-limited. Clients often plan their engagement sessions or family sessions specifically around sunflower bloom schedules, creating a sense of urgency and exclusivity that adds meaning to the photos.