Category: Photogrpaher Life

Finding Beauty in the Unexpected: A Photographer’s Perspective

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Eastern Caribbean Cruise Vacation - San Juan Puerto Rico

I just got back from a week-long Royal Carribean Independence of the Seas cruise with some of my favorite people, and I’m still thinking about all the moments I captured. We ended up having to leave a day earlier than planned because of the snow storm heading our way, but it all worked out in the end—and honestly, it reminded me that some of the best experiences come from embracing the unexpected. Leaving early meant we had an extra day in Miami, so we explored Little Havana, and I’m so glad we did.

On past trips, I was limited to my phone because I didn’t want to bring my big DSLR, but this past year I bought a Fujifilm X100T and was really excited to try it out. My friend Christy said something that stuck with me. She told me she loved seeing my photos because even though we were there together, I noticed things she completely missed. A weathered door painted the most incredible shade of turquoise. Two older ladies excitedly examining a map. The way late afternoon light hit the colorful buildings in Old San Juan, creating these perfect pockets of shadow and warmth.

That’s the thing about photography that I love most—it pushes me to actually see things I might otherwise walk right past.

I’ll be honest, shooting strangers felt a little awkward at first. I’m so used to the comfortable, playful energy of family sessions where everyone knows I’m there to capture them. But I kept finding myself drawn to images with people in them. Which makes sense, really—I’ve always considered myself a photographer of people first. Even when I’m photographing a gorgeous beach or the view from the ship, it’s the human moments that pull me in.

The landscapes were beautiful. The beaches were stunning. But Little Havana’s vibrant murals and Puerto Rico’s colorful architecture? That’s where my camera came alive. And it reminded me exactly why I do what I do—helping people notice and preserve the moments that make life beautiful, even the ones we might otherwise miss.

We got to experience Puerto Rico just days before the Super Bowl halftime show, which was fun timing.

Here are some of my favorites from the trip:

These are all from Little Havana in Miami. Domino Park was cool to see, and I loved all the colorful murals. The woman in the red dress caught my eye, balanced with the bright taxi beside her, but after I took it, I also loved the orange palm tree sign above her and the arrow pointing to the welcome center.

Here are all the photos I took in San Juan, Puerto Rico. What an absolutely beautiful city.

And here are various photos I took from the ship, at CocoCay (Royal Caribbean’s Private Island), and St. Thomas.

Last, but not least. Here are my amazing friends. This was our fourth annual vacation together, and I am so glad we started doing this. It’s a lot of work and planning to get it done, but the memories will last forever.

10 Years of Memories: A Heartfelt Thank You

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Celebrating 10 years of being a professional photographer with Crystal Freemon Photography in Spring Hill TN

It’s surreal to me that I’ve been a photographer for 10 years now. When I first picked up a DSLR camera as a new mom with my youngest baby in tow, I had no idea what kind of journey I was beginning. And in 2015, when I decided to take the leap to become a professional photographer, I never would have imagined that I’d still be in business a decade later. Yet, here I am, and I couldn’t be more grateful—to the friends and family who encouraged me to take that leap and to every client who has trusted me to capture their most precious moments.

One of the things I’m most grateful for is the life this career has allowed me to build with my family. Leaving the corporate world to pursue photography gave me a kind of freedom I wouldn’t have had otherwise. It allowed me to be home with my girls as they grew up—to be the PTO president, their Girl Scout troop leader, and a mom who didn’t have to worry about who would stay home with them when they were sick. I was there when they got off the bus, something I’ll always treasure. That flexibility and time with my family have been worth more than anything.

Looking back on these 10 years, I’ve learned so much—not just about photography but about life itself. The obvious growth has been in my photography and editing skills. (Let’s just say making this slideshow of memories wasn’t without a few cringes at my early work!) In fact, I generally dislike photos I’ve taken that are more than a year old, so going back 10 years was rough. Dealing with perfectionism is something I’m still working on. In my previous career as an engineer, things were often more clear-cut—right or wrong. Photography and art are so subjective that it’s hard not to constantly question oneself. Imposter syndrome is real.

But the lessons I’ve learned go far beyond technical skills. Perhaps the most important one has been learning to see the beauty in the world, especially in the everyday moments. Photography has taught me to notice and appreciate the light—how it transforms a scene or makes something ordinary feel magical. It’s something I never paid much attention to before picking up a camera. Now, when one of my daughters says, “Mom, look at how the light is coming through those trees—doesn’t it look beautiful?” I feel proud knowing I’ve taught them to see and appreciate the light, too.

Photography has also given me a deeper appreciation for the present moment and the passage of time. As I put together this slideshow, I found myself looking past the imperfections in my early work and focusing instead on the beautiful families I’ve been lucky enough to work with. It’s truly an honor to be invited into someone’s life—to capture the birth of a child, for example, which has been one of the most profound experiences of my life. Working with the incredible Gold Hope Fighter families has also left a permanent mark on my heart in ways words could never fully capture.

There’s something so special about photographing families year after year and watching their children grow. In this slideshow, I see babies who are now big kids, children who are now adults embarking on their own adventures, and families who have supported me for an entire decade. To all of you, I am truly blessed and endlessly thankful.

I had to add a little photo at the end of my “team member” for the past three years: my dog, Mars. While he wasn’t around for the entire journey, he’s been a loyal companion during countless hours of editing in the office. He’s the perfect co-worker.

From the bottom of my heart, thank you for an incredible 10 years. Here’s to many more!

Thank you again for being part of my journey over the past 10 years. As a special celebration, I’m running a referral promotion for 2025! If you refer a friend who books a session with me and they mention your name when booking, you’ll receive $25 off your next session.

Feel free to share this slideshow on your socials and tag me! It’s a great way to help spread the word and connect more families with meaningful moments to cherish. Follow me on Facebook and Instagram to see more of my work and future updates.

Referral Bonus Specifics:

Love your photos? Share the experience with friends! Earn $25 off your next session when your referral books with me.

  1. How It Works:
    • If someone refers a friend who books a session, the friend must mention the referrer’s name at the time of booking.
    • Only one referrer can receive the bonus per session.
  2. Eligibility:
    • The $25 credit can be used for any session booked in 2025.

Share the slideshow with your friends and family—it’s a great way to spread the word and earn the referral bonus!

Embracing the Slow Season: A Peek at My Coffee Station

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As a photographer, the beginning of the year is my time to reset, plan, and get organized. This quieter season is when I recharge and fine-tune the tools that support my creativity. At the center of this process is my coffee station—a comforting space that fuels both my editing marathons and quiet moments of reflection.

The Evolution of My Coffee Station

My love for coffee took a new turn during a visit to my brother’s house. He brewed a cup in a French press, and I was hooked. The rich, smooth flavor made me rethink my giant coffee maker. I decided to simplify my setup and traded in my bulky coffee pot for a simpler setup with a French press. 

I also have an electric kettle, a grinder (recommended by my dear friend Michelle), and an electric milk frother that makes my morning lattes feel indulgent.

Hot and Iced Drinks Made Simple

I love both hot and iced drinks, but iced tea has always been a favorite. The challenge was making it at home without watering it down by pouring hot tea over ice. But my daughter Kayla got me this new Hyperchiller for Christmas. Now, I can make flavorful iced tea and coffee in minutes without waiting for it to cool.

Adding syrups to my chilled drinks has been a game-changer. With a quick swirl and some nugget ice from my ice machine, I can enjoy a refreshing iced tea or coffee that tastes like it came from a café.

Flavor Combinations: Endless Possibilities

I’ve always enjoyed experimenting with flavors, but until recently, I usually stuck with simple options like vanilla or caramel syrups from the grocery store. This year, I decided to branch out and treat myself to a collection of fun new flavors. Some of my new favorites include sugar-free French Vanilla, Butter Pecan, and Lavender, with sugar-free Raspberry syrup being a staple for creating fun, low-sugar drinks.

To keep things fresh, I turned to ChatGPT to help me brainstorm new flavor pairings, which inspired a step-by-step guide for mixing drinks with different bases, flavors, and extras.

Recipes to Try

DIY Coffee & Tea Mix-and-Match Guide

Here’s an easy step-by-step guide to creating your perfect drink:

  1. Choose Your Base: Start with 1 cup of your favorite brewed beverage (e.g., French press coffee, green tea, black tea, matcha, or herbal tea).
  2. Add Flavor: Add 1 to 4 pumps of your chosen syrup, depending on your preference for sweetness.
  3. Sweeten (Optional): Add your preferred sweetener, such as stevia, honey, or agave, or skip this step if your syrup is sweet enough.
  4. Add Milk/Froth: Pour in ½ cup of your milk of choice, frothed hot or cold using your electric frother.
  5. Extras for Fun: Add toppings like a sprinkle of cinnamon, cocoa powder, a dash of nutmeg, or a touch of vanilla extract for a café-style finish.

Sample Combinations:

  • Iced Caramel Latte: French press coffee + 1 pump caramel syrup + frothed cold milk + HyperChiller for extra chill.
  • Raspberry Green Tea Spritzer: Brewed green tea + ½ pump raspberry syrup + splash of cold milk or cream + ice.
  • Butter Pecan Chamomile Latte: Chamomile tea + ½ pump butter pecan syrup + frothed almond milk + dash of nutmeg.
  • Peppermint Raspberry Latte: Peppermint tea + ½ pump sugar-free raspberry syrup + ½ pump sugar-free French vanilla syrup + frothed milk + cocoa sprinkles.
  • Salted Caramel Cocoa Coffee: French press coffee + 1 pump caramel syrup + ½ tablespoon cocoa powder + cream + dash of sea salt.

This mix-and-match guide makes it easy to get creative and customize your drinks to match your mood.

Shop My Coffee Station:

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Finding Joy in Small Rituals

In many ways, my coffee station is more than just a place to brew drinks—it’s a reminder to slow down and savor the everyday moments. Whether I’m creating a new recipe or simply sipping from my favorite mug made by my talented friend Michelle, I find comfort in the little details that make the experience special.

As I prepare for the busy months ahead, this quiet season and my small coffee rituals help me stay grounded and inspired. I hope my setup and recipes inspire you to create a cozy corner of your own.

What does your perfect coffee or tea ritual look like? I’d love to hear about it!