Barefoot and Happy: A Fall Garden Family Session
Golden hour, bare feet in the grass, and two kids who wanted nothing to do with standing still. This fall garden family session at UW Arboretum was exactly our kind of evening. The light was warm, the energy was big, and we just let it all unfold.
Letting Families Be Families
We’ve been doing this long enough to know the best frames don’t come from perfect posing. They come from the in-between stuff. The tickle fights that break out mid-frame, the toddler who bolts toward the flowers, the look two parents share when they realize everyone is actually laughing at the same time. That’s what we’re after.
The Arboretum gave us so much to work with. Wildflower fields, marigold beds, that incredible stone mansion in the background. We shot wide to let the landscape breathe and pulled in tight when the kids started doing their thing. Their dog got in on it too, which honestly made every group shot better.
These two kids were a photographer’s dream. She had curls and personality for days. He had the kind of grin that lights up a whole frame. We barely had to direct them. Just kept shooting while they chased each other along the fence line, kissed each other on the cheek, and sprinted barefoot across the field. That energy is something we live for.
If you’re considering UW Arboretum for your own fall garden family session, do it. The variety of backdrops within a short walk is hard to beat, and the light in that last hour before sunset is genuinely special. We’d love to show you more of our family work and help you plan something that feels like your family, not someone else’s.
When is the best time of year for family photos at UW Arboretum?
Late summer through mid-fall is our favorite window. The gardens are in full bloom, the light is golden, and the variety of backdrops (wildflower fields, stone architecture, wooded paths) gives every session a distinct look. We typically schedule for the last hour before sunset to get the warmest, softest light.
How do I book a family session with Twig & Olive?
Start by reaching out through our contact page. Tell us a little about your family, your preferred location, and the time of year you’re thinking. We’ll handle the rest, from timing to posing to making sure your kids actually have fun.
