Twig & Olive
OLBRICH BOTANICAL GARDENS • MADISON, WI

Olbrich Gardens Senior Session: Summer in Full Bloom

Sunflowers taller than your head, roses spilling over garden walls, and late afternoon light that practically does our job for us. This Olbrich Gardens senior session was one of those evenings where every turn gave us something new. We never wanted to stop shooting.

Young woman in yellow dress smiling beside tall sunflowers during Olbrich Gardens senior session

A Different Look Around Every Corner

What makes Olbrich Botanical Gardens such a great senior location is the variety packed into one place. We started near the sunflower beds, moved through rose-lined paths, ducked into vine-covered archways, and finished by a stone fountain. All without leaving the grounds. Each pocket of the gardens gave us a completely different color palette. We barely had to direct anything. The setting did the heavy lifting.

Young woman in pink dress smiling near a vine-covered garden arch with pink roses
Young woman in a white t-shirt leaning in to smell white cosmos flowers in a lush garden
Young woman in a yellow floral dress laughing while tossing white confetti with a sunflower in her hair

She brought multiple outfits and we loved every single one. The yellow sundress against the sunflowers was a photographer’s dream. Then she switched to this soft pink number near the roses and it felt like a completely different session. That kind of range is exactly why we encourage outfit changes. If you’re considering Olbrich senior portraits, plan on at least two or three looks. The gardens will match all of them.

Three portraits of a young woman in a yellow sundress in a wildflower field and beside an ivy-covered brick building
Senior portrait panels of a young woman inside a white arched walkway and among garden shrubs by Twig and Olive Photography
Young woman in a gold maxi dress posing near a stone building, hydrangea bushes, and a garden fountain

The summer light at Olbrich in late afternoon is something we genuinely look forward to. It filters sideways through the tree canopy and wraps around everything it touches. We shot wide to showcase the Thai Pavilion architecture and pulled in tight near the flower beds. The blooms framed her face naturally. This is the kind of Madison garden senior session where the location tells half the story. Our job is just making sure we don’t miss it.

Frequently Asked Questions about Senior Sessions at Olbrich Botanical Gardens

When is the best time of year for senior photos at Olbrich Botanical Gardens?

Summer is peak bloom at Olbrich, which means the most color and variety in your backgrounds. Late June through August gives you sunflowers, roses, and lush greenery everywhere you turn. We typically book these sessions for late afternoon when the light is warm and angled.

How do I book a senior portrait session with Twig & Olive?

Head over to our contact page and tell us about yourself, your timeline, and any locations you love. We’ll help you find the best spot and time of day for the look you’re going for.

Your Story, Our Craft

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