Fall Colors and a Growing Family: A Maternity Session at McCarthy Park
A red gown against a wall of gold leaves, a toddler who thought the whole evening was one giant game, and two parents savoring the quiet before everything doubles. This fall family maternity session at McCarthy Park reminded us why we love chasing that last hour of light with families who just let the evening unfold.
Golden Hour at McCarthy Park
We have a thing for McCarthy Park. Rolling fields, scattered fallen logs, tree-lined paths that catch the sun sideways right before it drops. We timed this session to land in that last stretch of golden hour, and the whole park turned warm and amber around us. That kind of light does half the work.
Their son set the pace for the entire session. Running ahead, getting launched into the air by dad, cracking up at absolutely everything. We pulled in tight for those moments because that is where the real stuff lives. Then we’d step back and let the three of them settle into each other, the autumn glow wrapping around them like a blanket.
Mom’s red gown against all that gold and green? A photographer’s dream. We shot wide to show the landscape stretching out behind them, then came in close for the quieter connection between her and her partner. Every fall family maternity session is different, but the ones at McCarthy Park always give us something special. If you’re considering fall pregnancy family portraits near Madison, this park offers variety without ever leaving the same stretch of trail. Take a look at more of our maternity and newborn work to get a feel for what we do.
That last image by the cattle fence might be our favorite from the whole evening. Their son spotted the cows and walked straight over without looking back. The two of them just leaned into each other behind him. Nobody posed it. Nobody planned it. That’s the kind of frame we live for, and honestly, it’s the reason we keep coming back to this park.
When is the best time of year for maternity photos at McCarthy Park?
Early to mid-October is peak color at McCarthy Park, and the golden hour light through those open fields is hard to beat. We recommend booking your session around 28 to 34 weeks so you feel comfortable and the bump photographs beautifully.
Can I include my older children in a maternity session?
We encourage it. Some of our favorite frames come from siblings interacting with their parents during a session. We plan for a mix of full-family photos and quieter moments with just the expecting couple. Reach out and we’ll build a session that works for your whole crew.
