Twig & Olive
CHEROKEE MARSH • MADISON, WI

Pure Joy in Every Frame: Wisconsin Family Portraits

Their little guy showed up with overalls, curly hair, and more personality than most adults we’ve photographed. These Wisconsin family portraits at Cherokee Marsh were one of those sessions where we barely had to direct anything. The three of them just played, and we kept clicking.

Family of three sitting and playing in an autumn meadow during Wisconsin family portraits

Fall Light and a Whole Lot of Laughing

Cherokee Marsh in autumn has this incredible golden quality. The tall grasses catch late afternoon light in a way that fills the frame without us needing to do much at all. We shot wide to let the landscape tell the story, then pulled in tight when the giggles started.

Mom and dad laughing with toddler son in an autumn field during a family photography session

Dad put the little one on his shoulders and took off through the meadow. Mom was cracking up. The kid was living his best life. That kind of energy is what we chase in every family session, because those are the photos that end up meaning the most ten years from now.

Dad carrying toddler on his shoulders through a fall meadow while mom laughs by Twig & Olive Photography

And then there was the flower moment. He found a little white wildflower and bent down to smell it completely unprompted. We have a thing for those unscripted seconds. No parent could have staged that. We just stayed quiet and let the frame happen.

Curly-haired toddler boy in overalls leaning down to smell a white wildflower in a grassy autumn field
Smiling toddler boy holding a wildflower in a fall meadow and a close-up of him grinning

If you’re considering Cherokee Marsh for family photography in Madison, know that the open fields and oak tree backdrops give you a lot of variety without ever changing locations. It’s one of our go-to spots, especially in early fall when the color is just starting to turn. This session reminded us exactly why.

Couple holding hands and smiling at each other in a fall meadow during Cherokee Marsh family session
Mom and dad laughing with their toddler between them in an autumn field
Frequently Asked Questions about Family Photography at Cherokee Marsh

When is the best time of year for family photos at Cherokee Marsh?

Early fall is hard to beat. The grasses turn golden, the oak trees add depth and texture, and the late afternoon light is consistently warm. We also love late spring here when everything is green and lush. Either way, we recommend booking about an hour before sunset for the best light.

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. We’ll help you pick a location, time of day, and season that works best for the photos you’re imagining.

Your Story, Our Craft

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