Planning Your Cherry Blossom Photo Session in Madison: Everything You Need to Know

Thinking about cherry blossom photos in Madison? As someone who photographs these magical blooms every spring, let me tell you - timing is everything! Here's what you really need to know before booking your session.

When Should You Schedule?

Here's the tricky thing about cherry blossoms in Madison - Mother Nature loves to keep us guessing. While blooms typically appear in late April to early May, each year is different depending on our Wisconsin spring temperatures. Sometimes an early warm spell brings them out sooner, or a cold snap might delay them. What we do know is that once they start blooming, we've got about 7-10 days of pure pink magic before they start to fade.

Here's my best advice as a local photographer: book a flexible date in late April, but be ready to adjust. I always keep in close contact with my cherry blossom clients as we get closer to bloom time, watching the trees and weather patterns. Weekend spots during peak bloom fill up incredibly fast, so booking early with a photographer who understands the need for flexibility is key. Trust me, being able to catch these blooms at their peak is absolutely worth the planning!

Want to know my secret? I check the UW Arboretum's bloom reports daily during spring and can help time your session perfectly.

What to Expect

Cherry blossom sessions have their own special kind of magic, but they also come with unique considerations that make them different from your typical photo session. First, flexibility is key - we might need to reschedule based on when those blooms decide to pop! And here's something to keep in mind: these gorgeous trees draw crowds, especially at popular spots like the UW campus. That's why I love scheduling sessions for early morning or sunset. Not only do we get that dreamy golden light, but we also avoid the busiest times. Weather plays a huge role too - a spring storm can scatter petals everywhere, and wind can be tricky (though sometimes those falling petals make for the most magical photos!). Some locations, particularly around campus or public gardens, might require permits for professional photography. But don't worry - I'll handle all those details and help guide you through planning the perfect blossom session. The extra planning is absolutely worth it when you see those stunning photos of your family surrounded by pink blooms!

What to Wear

Let's talk about creating the perfect look for your cherry blossom photos! With any photographs you always want to think about complementing what we are using as the background. So in this case it's those delicate pink and white blooms. White and cream outfits might seem like they'd fade into the background, but they actually create pure magic during blossom sessions! These soft, neutral tones work beautifully to create a gentle look that lets the blossoms frame you perfectly without competing for attention. The result? Photos that feel light, airy, and timelessly elegant.

At a certain age you also always have to think a little practical and this is no different. Remember those spring Madison mornings can be chilly! I always recommend layers for blossom sessions. Not only do they keep you comfortable (because nobody looks their best when they're shivering!), but they also give us options throughout your session. A soft cardigan or light jacket can be just as beautiful as it is functional, and can be easily removed as the morning warms up. 

Why Book Early

Here's the thing about cherry blossom sessions - they're super popular but incredibly time-limited. Most photographers (including me!) only have a handful of spots available during peak bloom. Booking early means:

• Priority for prime time slots

• More flexibility with scheduling

• Better chance of getting your preferred location

• Time to plan outfits and backup dates

Creating Cherry Blossom Magic Together

Ready to plan your own cherry blossom session? These spring moments are fleeting but absolutely worth capturing. I still have my family on the list to do this! Maybe this will be our year. Whether it's your growing family, a romantic engagement, or simply celebrating the joy of spring in Madison, there's something incredibly special about photos surrounded by these delicate blooms.

Let's work together to plan the perfect session.

In light + joy, Alexandria ✨