Every year in Brisbane, jacaranda season brings a touch of magic as the city is painted in shades of purple. Typically blooming in late October and early November, these iconic trees transform the cityscape, creating a dreamy backdrop loved by locals and photographers alike. This year, however, the jacarandas bloomed a bit earlier than expected, meaning that by the time of our recent maternity session at the University of Queensland’s St. Lucia campus, only a few pockets of jacarandas were still vibrant.
Despite the early bloom, UQ St. Lucia offered a stunning setting with just the right touches of jacaranda colour. While some trees had already shed their flowers, we were able to capture a few beautiful spots where the purple blossoms remained. But I also really LOVED how the branches formed around them in the afternoon light! The light filtering through the trees, creating a peaceful, elegant setting. Even without the full canopy of blossoms, the setting felt timeless, and the jacarandas that were still in bloom seemed to add extra significance, reminding us of the beauty in fleeting moments.
As spring continues, the jacarandas may come and go, but UQ St. Lucia remains one of Brisbane’s best spots for outdoor photography. If you’re hoping to capture the charm of jacaranda season next year, mark your calendars a bit earlier—these trees have a way of surprising us. It was a privilege to photograph this maternity session amidst the blooms that were left, and I look forward to more sessions that celebrate Brisbane’s natural beauty and cherished landmarks.
