I occasionally get asked about combining senior and family sessions into one photoshoot, and I am always happy to accommodate these requests. Whether you want more of a family session with a few senior portraits sprinkled in or, like this family, you prefer the focus to be on your senior with a few family shots added, I’m flexible with how we structure the hour.
Recently, I had the pleasure of photographing a beautiful family at Marcelle Vivrette Smith Park in Brentwood, TN. Their daughter is a senior, and with their eldest son home from college, they wanted to capture this special time together. The majority of the session was focused on their senior daughter, but we made sure to include some lovely family moments as well.
One question my husband often asks is why I arrive at photo sessions an hour early, even if it’s at a location I’ve visited many times before. The truth is, the hour before a session is one of my favorite parts of the entire process. It’s a time when I can walk around the location, soaking in the light and noticing details I might have missed before. It’s almost meditative, allowing me to truly see and appreciate the environment around me.
During that time, I often notice the way the light filters through the trees, casting beautiful, natural spotlights that are perfect for portraits. I might discover patches of wildflowers or vibrant weeds that can add a splash of color to the background. Even though I had been to Marcelle Vivrette Smith Park just last week, I still arrived early and found new elements to incorporate into the session.
This practice not only helps me ensure that I am fully prepared for the session, but it also allows me to be creative and find unique angles and settings that truly enhance the portraits.
As we move into the fall season, I only have a few spots left. Fall is a beautiful time of year for both family and senior portraits, with the changing leaves providing a stunning backdrop. If you’re interested in booking a session, I encourage you to reach out soon!
To secure your spot for a fall session, visit my website at www.crystalfreemonphotography.com. I look forward to helping you create lasting memories during this special time in your family’s life.







































