Twig & Olive
CHEROKEE MARSH CONSERVATION PARK • MADISON, WI

Wild, Playful, and Perfect: A Fall Sunset Session

Golden hour hit and this family just went for it. The kids were running, laughing, flopping into wildflowers, and we were right there with them for every second of this fall sunset session at Cherokee Marsh Conservation Park. Warm light, wild energy, and honestly, that combination is where we thrive.

Dad holds baby girl while mom and big brother kiss her cheeks at golden hour by Twig & Olive Photography

The Kind of Chaos We Love

Cherokee Marsh has this beautiful open meadow that catches late light perfectly. We shot wide to pull in the full landscape, then came in close for the quiet stuff: a toddler reaching up, a big brother planting a kiss on his baby sister’s cheek. Those are the frames that stop parents in their tracks months later.

Young boy with brown hair and blue eyes smiling up at camera during outdoor family photos

This little guy stole the show more than once. Big, blue eyes looking straight into the lens with zero hesitation. Kids like that make our job easy. We don’t need them to sit still. We just need them to be themselves, and he delivered.

Family of four walking through a sunlit meadow during their Cherokee Marsh family session

If you’re looking for a spot in Madison that feels open and a little untamed, Cherokee Marsh is it. Tall grasses, wildflowers, and a sun that drops low and paints everything gold. It’s the kind of setting where families can spread out and just exist together. That’s when we do our best work, when nobody is thinking about the camera.

Family of four smiling together on a daisy blanket in a wildflower meadow at golden hour

By the end of the session the baby was asleep, the toddler was covered in grass, and the parents were grinning. That’s a win. Check out more of our family photography work to see what a session with us looks like.

Frequently Asked Questions about Family Sessions at Cherokee Marsh

When is the best time for family photos at Cherokee Marsh Conservation Park?

Late spring through early fall gives you the best wildflower coverage and golden hour light. We typically recommend scheduling about an hour before sunset so the light is soft and warm the entire time.

How do I book a family session with Twig & Olive?

Just reach out through our contact page and tell us a little about your family and when you’re hoping to shoot. We’ll handle the location details and timing from there.

Your Story, Our Craft

Want Family Photos You’ll Actually Want to Hang Up?

Let’s plan a session that actually looks like your life.

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