Sunlight, Wildflowers, and a Tiny Miracle: Late Summer Newborn Session
Golden hour was doing its thing when we arrived at McCarthy Park for this late summer newborn session. The light was exactly what we’d hoped for. Warm, low, filtered through the tall grass. This little one slept through every single frame, and honestly, that’s the best compliment a newborn photographer can get.
Where the Wild Things Bloom
We love studio sessions for the control they give us. But outdoor newborn portraits in a place like McCarthy Park offer something a studio can’t touch. Rolling fields, purple wildflowers, and that late-summer light that wraps around everything. We set up the basket at the edge of a wildflower patch and let the scenery do the heavy lifting.
Shooting outdoors with a newborn takes extra planning. We time everything around golden hour, bring backup wraps, and keep it short so baby stays comfortable. When it all lines up, the results feel completely effortless. The textures alone in this set gave us frame after frame we didn’t want to stop shooting. Knit wraps against wicker. Wildflowers catching the breeze.
One of our favorite moments was pulling back to include mom and dad. They were leaning into each other just behind the chair. Mom glanced down at her baby in this completely unscripted way. That’s the kind of photo that hits different five years from now. We shot wide to capture the whole scene: golden backlight, vintage chair, the three of them together for the first time.
If you’re considering outdoor newborn photos in Cottage Grove or anywhere in the Madison area, McCarthy Park is a spot we’d happily return to. The fields give us room to work. The light is reliable. And it’s quiet enough that baby can sleep right through it. Take a look at more of our newborn and maternity work to see what we mean.
When is the best time of year for an outdoor newborn session at McCarthy Park?
Late summer through early fall is ideal. The wildflowers are still blooming, the grass is tall, and golden hour light gives us plenty of time to work. We typically schedule these sessions about two hours before sunset.
How do I book a newborn session with Twig & Olive?
The best time to reach out is during your third trimester. That way we can tentatively plan around your due date. Once baby arrives, we’ll lock in the date based on weather and how everyone is feeling. Send us a message and we’ll start the conversation.
