Joy Looks Good on You: Wildflower Sunset Session
Golden hour hit and these three kids took off running through the wildflowers. We just let our shutters fly. This wildflower sunset session at Mayslake Forest Preserve in Oak Brook was one of those evenings where everything lined up: the light, the energy, and a family that was completely themselves.
Let the Kids Run
We always tell families the same thing: don’t worry about keeping everyone still. The best frames almost never come from a posed lineup. They come from the chase, the tackle, the moment a toddler reaches up and gets scooped off the ground. That’s what happened here, over and over.
Mayslake has this incredible open meadow that fills with wildflowers in late summer. The palette alone gave us so much to work with: purple, gold, green, all backlit by a sun dropping fast. We shot wide to capture the scale of that field. Then we pulled in tight for the quieter moments between siblings.
If you’re looking for a location for family photos near Oak Brook, this preserve is hard to beat. The meadow gives you room to move. The tree lines frame everything naturally. And the light at sunset is genuinely special. It’s the kind of spot where you can let kids be kids and still walk away with a gallery worth printing.
The In-Between Is Everything
There’s a moment in every session when the family forgets we’re there. Mom cracks a joke. Dad swings someone upside down. The kids pile on top of each other laughing. That shift is what we live for. That’s when the real stuff shows up. This wildflower sunset session gave us that moment a dozen times over, and honestly, that’s when we do our best work.
The light in those final twenty minutes was a photographer’s dream. Warm, directional, turning everything it touched into something soft. We leaned into it hard, letting it rim the kids’ hair and glow through the wildflowers. Some of our favorite frames came from those last few minutes before the sun dropped below the tree line.
When is the best time of year for family photos at Mayslake Forest Preserve?
Late summer through early fall is ideal. The wildflower meadow is at its peak, and the golden hour light pairs beautifully with the natural landscape. We recommend booking a session about an hour before sunset for the best results.
How do I book a family session with Twig & Olive in the Oak Brook area?
Just reach out through our contact page and tell us a bit about your family and the kind of session you’re envisioning. We’ll help you pick the perfect time and location.
