Category: Portrait Sessions

Downtown Columbia Senior Session | Spring Hill, TN Senior Photographer

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Senior girl photos in Downtown Franklin

Downtown Columbia never gets old for senior sessions. The textures, the brick, the way late afternoon light hits those old walls — it works every single time, and this session was no exception.

This senior was a dream to photograph. She came ready to just go with it, and that kind of energy makes everything easier. We wandered, we played with light, and found some genuinely fun spots — including a peeling concrete wall that I almost walked past and am so glad I didn’t.

My favorite moments were the ones where she stopped thinking about the camera. The laugh against the texture wall, the eyes-closed shot with the sun on her face, the shadow playing off the concrete behind her — those felt real, and that’s always what I’m going for.

Ready to book your senior session? I’d love to work with you. [Book here] or reach out through the contact page.

A Golden Evening at Harlinsdale Farms | Gold Hope Session | Spring Hill, TN Family Photographer

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I had the honor of photographing a Gold Hope session at Harlinsdale Farms in Franklin, and from the first few minutes I could tell this family was something special. The energy between these four kids — twins who are ten, a spirited three-year-old, and the sweetest six-month-old — was exactly the kind of beautiful chaos I love to capture.

We kept things simple — one beautiful spot at Harlinsdale with gorgeous evening light doing most of the work. I didn’t need to move this family all over the property to get variety. Connection does that on its own. A family hug that turns into a pile of giggles. A big sister holding her baby brother. Twins whispering secrets. A three-year-old doing three-year-old things. Every combination told a different part of their story.

The editing for this one felt intentional too — I leaned into warm, golden tones throughout the gallery to honor the Gold Hope mission and the golden hour light we were given that evening. It just felt right.

I’m so grateful this family trusted me with these memories. This is the kind of work that fills my cup and reminds me exactly why I picked up a camera in the first place.

The Gold Hope Project provides free portrait sessions for pediatric cancer patients to bring awareness to childhood cancer and provide funding for a cure. You can learn more about Gold Hope at goldhope.org.

Santa Minis at Sarah Benson Park: A Holiday Tradition

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Santa Photos with Crystal Freemon Photography in Spring Hill TN baby crying on Santa's lap.

My Santa Mini sessions have become one of my favorite traditions over the years. Sunday at Sarah Benson Park was absolutely gorgeous—though I have to admit, nothing will ever quite top the time it snowed during my Santa Minis back in 2020. That was pure magic.

It’s hard to believe I’ve been photographing Santa pictures in some form since 2015. It started when I volunteered to shoot photos at the elementary school Santa Breakfast that I helped organize through the PTO. My own girls were little then—now one is in college and the other starts next year. Time really does fly. As my kids moved on to middle school, my friend Michelle and I shifted gears and started doing Santa photos for the middle school band’s holiday marketplace fundraiser.

But 2020 changed everything. That year, I started these outdoor mini sessions with Nashville Santa. I wanted families to have a safe way to visit with Santa during the pandemic, so we took everything outside. What began as a solution to an uncertain time has turned into something I look forward to every single year.

The best part? So many of the same families come back year after year. I get to watch these kids grow up, see the little ones who were shy and unsure become confident and chatty. It’s become woven into their Christmas traditions, and honestly, it’s become part of mine too. These sessions are how I officially kick off my own holiday season—surrounded by families who trust me to capture this fleeting moment in their lives, with a Santa who truly embodies the spirit of the season.

A Peek Behind the Magic

Here’s a little secret about Santa photos with the youngest ones: sometimes they want absolutely nothing to do with sitting on Santa’s lap. And you know what? That’s completely okay. I’ve gotten pretty good at a little Photoshop magic to make it all come together. We’ll get sweet shots of the kids on their own, capture Santa being his wonderful self, and then blend them together so families still get that classic Santa photo they’re hoping for. It’s all part of making sure every family walks away with images they’ll treasure, even when the littlest ones aren’t quite ready to embrace the jolly man in red.

There’s something about seeing familiar faces come back, about being a small part of how they mark the passage of time and celebrate together. It reminds me why I love what I do.

Fall Family Session at Sarah Benson Park

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Family portraits in Thompson Station Tennessee

There’s something really special about photographing families that I’ve worked with before. When this family reached out to book another session—eight years after their first—I was genuinely excited to capture them again.

We met at Sarah Benson Park on one of those perfect fall evenings where the light just does all the work for you. The golden hour sun filtered through the trees, and I was thrilled that we still had gorgeous color on the leaves. Sometimes mid-November can be hit or miss with foliage here in Tennessee, but this was absolutely worth the wait.

The entire session was just so easy. The boys have grown so much since our last session, but the connection between all of them is exactly what I remembered—easy laughter, genuine smiles, and that relaxed energy that makes my job feel less like work and more like hanging out with friends.

I came away from this session with images I absolutely love. There’s something about photographing return clients that feels like coming full circle—I get to see the story continue, and these families become part of my own journey as a photographer. I’ve included their photo from eight years ago below so you can see just how much has changed.

I can’t believe it’s been 8 years since I took this photo.

If it’s been a few years since your last family session, there’s never been a better time to update those photos. I’d love to photograph your family’s next chapter—reach out and let’s plan something beautiful together.

Sarah Benson Park Family Session – Spring Hill, TN

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Sarah Benson Park Family Session – Spring Hill, TN

Is it weird to have favorite trees? Not the ones in your yard, but specific trees out in the world that you go out of your way to visit? Because I absolutely do, and several of them are clustered together in one perfect spot at Sarah Benson Park. This is exactly why I love photographing families here in the fall—there’s this cluster of trees that light up with the most gorgeous colors, and when the late afternoon sun streams through their leaves, it’s pure magic.

We had the most beautiful day for this session with a sweet family of three. After the super cold snap earlier in the week, it felt like we’d sprung back to life just in time to catch those last bits of fall color still clinging to the trees. The weather was perfect, the light was dreamy, and this almost-two-year-old brought all the personality you’d expect from someone on the cusp of turning two.

I absolutely adore working with toddlers. They’re so authentic, so completely in their own world. This little guy was completely fascinated by the dump trucks working somewhere in the park (does anyone know what they’re doing over there?). Every time he heard one rumble by, everything else took a backseat to truck-watching. Those genuine reactions are exactly what make toddler sessions so real and memorable.

This was my first time photographing this family, and I loved capturing all the in-between moments—the ones where parents are just being parents, wrangling a busy toddler while still managing to connect with each other. We wandered through the park, followed his lead when he wanted to explore, and grabbed those fleeting moments of connection when they happened. There’s something about that golden light filtering through fall leaves that makes even the chaotic moments feel warm and beautiful.

I left this session with a camera full of real moments—the kind that show exactly what life with a toddler looks like right now.

Ready to capture your family’s story at Sarah Benson Park or another beautiful Tennessee location? I’d love to work with you! Book your session today and let’s create something beautiful together.

A Multi-Generational Family Session at the Perfect Fall Moment in Spring Hill

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Multigenerational Photo Session in Spring Hill TN

There’s something incredibly special about photographing multiple generations together. When this family reached out to schedule a session that would include not just mom, dad, and their adorable six-year-old daughter, but five of her grandparents as well, I knew it would be meaningful. What I didn’t know was that the timing would work out so perfectly.

I first photographed this sweet girl when she was just a baby, so getting to see her again—now full of personality and energy—was such a treat. But having the opportunity to capture her with all of her grandparents together? That’s the kind of session that reminds me why I love what I do.

We lucked out with the weather in a big way. This session happened right before the cold snap we’re experiencing now, on one of those perfect fall days where the temperature is just right and the leaves are at peak color. The lighting was gorgeous, and everyone was relaxed and happy to be together.

The real fun happened at the end of the session when this little one asked me to join her at the playground for some photos. How could I resist? We spent those final minutes capturing her joy and energy as she played, and honestly, it was the perfect way to end the session. Sometimes the best moments happen when you let kids just be kids.

Ready to capture your own family’s story? I’d love to work with you to create authentic, joyful images that you’ll treasure for years to come. Reach out to schedule your session, and let’s find the perfect time to document your family’s connections and crazy, beautiful mess.

Fall Family Mini Session in Spring Hill, TN | Perfect November Colors

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Fall Family Mini Session in Spring Hill, TN | Perfect November Colors

One of the trickiest parts of scheduling fall mini sessions is dealing with unpredictable Tennessee weather. When I set November 2nd as my original date with a backup weekend, I had no idea just how much that flexibility would matter.

As the original date approached, the forecast started looking questionable. There was a real chance of rain, and while I thought we’d probably be okay, I also know that waiting until the last minute to make weather calls can be incredibly stressful for families. Some people are comfortable taking the chance, while others need more certainty to arrange their schedules and outfits. That’s exactly why I give clients the choice—reschedule early to the backup date, or wait it out and see what happens.

I had six families scheduled for the original mini date. Five decided to chance it, while one family chose to reschedule right away, which allowed them to coordinate work schedules to make the backup weekend work. And wouldn’t you know it—November 2nd turned out to be absolutely beautiful. The family who rescheduled expressed some regret when they saw how nice the weather was. But here’s the thing—that apprehension turned out to be completely unfounded because the backup date was even more perfect.

Here’s what I’ve learned after 10 years of doing this: you simply cannot regret your weather-related rescheduling decisions. We all make the best choices we can with the information we have at the time, and weather forecasts are notoriously unreliable. That’s why I try to be as flexible as possible and let each client decide their own comfort level with uncertainty. While I want to offer clients as much flexibility as possible, I also don’t have the capacity to endlessly reschedule in pursuit of perfect weather conditions. That’s especially true with mini sessions, which is exactly why I build in that rain backup from the start.

(Note: While I absolutely allow flexibility for rain chances or extreme cold, I can’t reschedule because it’s cloudy. Some clients get apprehensive about overcast weather, thinking they need bright sunshine for gorgeous photos. But that’s not the case at all—overcast skies can create beautifully moody, soft light that’s incredibly flattering.)

What I’m most thrilled about is that the fall colors were absolutely stunning on both weekends. Many people assume the most gorgeous autumn color happens in October, but I’ve consistently found that early November is the real sweet spot here in Tennessee. The leaves were perfect on the original date, and they were still perfect the following weekend.

And this past Saturday, November 8th? I’m calling it—that was officially the most perfect day of the entire year. The light, the temperature, the colors—everything came together beautifully. This family’s session was filled with genuine smiles, cozy fall vibes, and that golden hour glow that makes my photographer heart so happy. Getting to capture these moments when everything aligns is exactly why I love what I do.

Ready to book your own family session? I’d love to photograph your family and capture the connections that make you unique. You can contact me through my website or follow along on Instagram and Facebook for updates on availability and upcoming sessions.

Senior Guy Session at McEwan Northside | Franklin TN Senior Photographer

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Senior Guy Session at McEwan Northside Jenis Ice Cream

I absolutely love when seniors choose locations that actually mean something to them, and this session at McEwan Northside in Franklin was exactly that. When I learned this was where he and his friends hang out after school – especially at Jeni’s Ice Cream – I knew we’d capture something authentic.

I’d never shot at McEwan Northside before, but I knew it would work beautifully. I’m always up for considering a new location when clients suggest it, but I do sometimes worry if the lighting will be OK. But I knew this location had lots of taller buildings, creating open shade and opportunities for the sun to peek around corners or reflect off windows. I could already envision the variety of lighting we’d get to play with.

This place is a photographer’s playground – modern architecture with clean lines, vibrant murals that add instant personality to any shot, and thoughtful landscaping that softens all those urban edges. The only real challenge was trying to focus while the smell of North Italia’s kitchen kept wafting over. I’m definitely planning a dinner date there soon because those aromas were torture!

We centered several shots around Jeni’s since that’s where he spends the most time, and I couldn’t help but get excited at how perfectly his Tennessee orange coordinated with their branding. The murals were another unexpected bonus – that vibrant artwork gave us such dynamic backgrounds to work with.

There’s something about photographing someone in their element that just works. The modern vibe of McEwan Northside paired with the golden hour light created exactly the look we were going for. Between the architecture, the murals, and that perfect afternoon light, these images were so much fun to create.

I’m already excited to come back to McEwan Northside with future clients. It’s got everything I look for in an urban session spot, plus that bonus of actually meaning something to the local seniors who spend time there.

Ready to book your senior session at a location that’s meaningful to you? I’d love to capture your story! Contact me to get started.

Fall Mini Sessions at Sarah Benson Park: Why the Right Clients Make All the Difference

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2025 Fall Mini Sessions at Sarah Benson Park with Crystal Freemon Photography

Wanna know a secret? I still get nervous before sessions, even after 10 years. I always worry about doing a good job and really want clients to love their images. It’s definitely less so than in the beginning, but I find myself especially nervous before mini sessions.

I’ve made no secret of the fact that I don’t love mini sessions, but I acknowledge they’re a great choice for certain families. I just hate that I’m not able to chat more with clients at a mini—it’s very hurried so there isn’t that same time to leisurely get to know everyone. My favorite photos have always been the more “messy” ones that show emotion. You might think those are easier to get than more posed photos, but I’ve found we’re all preconditioned to pose for photos, so it takes time to get people to relax enough to capture those genuine moments.

Also, I have just never been one for small galleries. I know I over-deliver on the number of photos and I can’t help it. I’m just never going to be the photographer who delivers 5-10 mini session images—it’s just not who I am. I think the biggest problem I have with minis is I’ve never been able to accept that they’re supposed to include fewer photos, less variety, etc. So I get extra nervous going into minis worried if I can still give clients everything I think they deserve in that shorter timeline.

A big part of whether or not I succeed is if the right clients are the ones booking minis. These are not, for example, for the family of five with three children under five. Please don’t do that to me. LOL.

Another reason minis are challenging is that it’s really complicated when the weather doesn’t cooperate. I had set a rain date for this session for Sunday, November 9th. As of early Saturday morning, there was a pretty decent chance we might have been rained out yesterday, but also a pretty good chance the rain would be gone by afternoon. I wasn’t sure what to do because I know it can be really stressful for clients to wait and see what happens with the weather. Some are fine waiting until the last minute, and others really aren’t. I don’t want photos to be a stressful experience, so I gave clients the option to either switch to next week’s rain date or wait it out. One client chose to wait until next week, which I totally understand. The weather turned out to be lovely, but it’s never wrong to make the best decision for your family given the information available.

The great news for anyone who wanted Fall Minis but didn’t get booked in time is that I’m going to open up some last-minute mini spots along with the client who rescheduled for Sunday, November 9th, with the caveat that I don’t have a rain day planned, so if we do get rained out, we’ll have to figure out another option.

Now, let me tell you about these families and why they were perfect choices for a mini session.

The first family was one I photographed several years back—I don’t even remember how long it’s been, but at that time the children were quite young, and we had a lovely full session at Yanahli Park. So they were a perfect fit for minis because we had worked together before and I knew them, but now they were much older so a mini was exactly what they needed.

The second family of five was new to me, but all teenagers, and as mom said, “no one is shy.” They were quick to warm to the camera and easy to photograph. Mom wanted family photos but also wanted some senior shots of the oldest daughter, so I focused on getting more individuals of her than the rest. This can be a good choice for seniors as long as you’re okay with no outfit changes, not choosing your location, and generally having less variety of poses and backdrops. Though I do feel like Sarah Benson allows us to get decent variety all in one little area. I’m pleased with how they turned out and hope mom was able to get everything she wanted.

These photos of the third family might be some of my top favorites of all time, but I feel like it needs a very big disclaimer. I think it’s fair to say that almost no one should bring three dogs to a mini session. 😂 (Though I absolutely welcome all your dogs, cooperative or not, to a full family session. We will make it work…they are family.) That being said, this isn’t a normal family and these dogs are just the most amazing professionals. And I knew that already because I follow them on Instagram. This mom is actually a fellow photographer who I admire and have become colleagues with—we exchange discussions on locations, Lightroom errors, etc. So these children and dogs are literally professional subjects. She also knew exactly what to expect from a mini session. I actually didn’t take any individual photos of the girls because that’s something they already had plenty of. The focus was on family photos with the dogs, because that’s just too darn hard to get with a tripod and timer.

The last family is one of my closest friends, who has two teen boys. So another perfect choice for minis—older kids who know what they’re doing and a mom who gets it.

All of these sessions reminded me why having the right clients for mini sessions makes such a difference. When families understand what minis are about and come prepared, it really can work beautifully.

2025 Fall Mini Sessions at Sarah Benson Park with Crystal Freemon Photography

If you’re interested in those last-minute mini spots for November 9th, message me! Just remember—no rain backup plan, so we’ll be crossing our fingers for good weather.

Photographing My People: A Yahnali Park Family Session

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Family Photos at Yahnali Park in Columbia TN with Crystal Freemon Photography

Some people come into your life and become so much more than friends—they become your village, your cheerleaders, and the people who believe in you even when you don’t believe in yourself. This beautiful family holds such a special place in my heart, and every time I photograph them, I’m reminded of just how grateful I am for the people who’ve supported this journey from the very beginning.

If I could give any new parent one piece of advice, it would be this: find your people. Find the friends you can count on, the ones you can cry to, and the ones who will cheer you on through every season of motherhood. Trust me, it makes all the difference.

I get a little emotional every time I shoot and edit sessions for my closest friends because looking through my camera lens, time feels like it moves at lightning speed. The very first “real” photo shoot I ever did was for her middle daughter. Looking back, the photography was pretty rough, but somehow she stuck with me anyway. I was even in the room with my camera when their youngest was born, capturing those first precious moments. Now that same little one is in middle school, and I honestly don’t know where the years went.

It’s such a privilege to capture these precious moments for every family I work with, but there’s something extra special about photographing the families of my closest friends. It doesn’t hurt that they happen to be one of the most fun families to photograph. She has the best eye for picking outfits that coordinate without being too matchy, and they’re all so willing to try whatever silly thing I suggest during our session.

She also picked one of my absolute favorite spots for photographers—Yahnali Park. I find that a lot of clients feel like they need to find a particularly pretty or interesting location for their images. But honestly, my favorites almost always end up being a simple field with beautiful lighting. Don’t get me wrong, Yahnali is definitely pretty, but in that simple, natural way that lets the people be the real focus of the images.

This session was filled with so much laughter and genuine connection, and I loved being able to capture their family exactly as they are right now—fun, loving, and completely comfortable being themselves.

Percy Warner Park Family Session at the Bell Meade Steps

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Family Pictures at Percy Warner Park

There’s something so special about photographing a family year after year and watching them grow. This sweet family has become one of my favorites to work with, and I always look forward to our annual sessions together.

In the past, we’ve always done morning sessions, which honestly work beautifully for so many families. While most of my sessions happen during magic hour, I love that mornings are an option too—especially for families with little ones who might be tired and cranky by evening. There’s something to be said for capturing fresh faces and bright smiles when everyone’s still energized from a good night’s sleep.

This year the kids have grown enough that they were ready to try an evening session instead. Percy Warner Park’s Bell Meade steps provided the perfect backdrop, and we spent our time laughing and running up and down those iconic steps.

It was exactly what I want every family session to be—kids having fun and playing while I capture all those authentic moments that happen naturally. The genuine laughter, the spontaneous racing, the way they looked at each other when they thought no one was watching—this is what family photography is all about. Not stiff poses or forced smiles, but real life unfolding in front of my camera.

Are you ready to capture your family’s authentic moments? Whether you’re a morning family or ready to try magic hour, I’d love to create something beautiful together. Let’s chat about what would work best for your crew!

Chasing the Perfect Theater Shot in Downtown Franklin

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Senior Photo in front of Downtown Franklin Theater

When one of my former Girl Scouts reached out for her senior session, I was absolutely thrilled to reconnect and capture this incredible milestone in her life. It’s amazing to see how much she’s grown since those Girl Scout days, and I love working with seniors during this exciting time.

She knew exactly what she wanted for her session – all of her favorite spots in downtown Franklin. I love when seniors choose locations that truly mean something to them, and downtown Franklin was absolutely perfect for her personality and style.

She had several spots that were meaningful for her that she wanted to include in her photos, including Starbucks, Kilwins and the Franklin Theater. The people at Kilwins were incredibly kind about letting us snap a few photos while she enjoyed some delicious ice cream. Those candid shots of her with that genuine smile and ice cream in hand are some of my absolute favorites from the session.

The real challenge came when we headed to the Franklin Theater after dark. I’ve always been drawn to that spot because of the way the marquee reflects through the window when someone sits on that bench – it creates the most beautiful, cinematic lighting. The only problem? It’s such a popular spot that the bench is almost always occupied. We actually circled back several times, waiting for our chance, and I’m so glad we did. When we finally got our moment, the shots were absolutely worth the wait.

What I love most about this session is how every single location told a piece of her story. These weren’t just pretty backdrops – they were places that mattered to her, places where she’s made memories during her high school years. Downtown Franklin captured her spirit perfectly, and I think that shows in every single image.

Sessions like this remind me why I’m so passionate about senior photography. It’s not just about taking beautiful pictures – it’s about celebrating who these amazing young people have become and honoring the places and moments that have shaped them.

Are you ready to capture your senior year with locations that are meaningful to you? I’d love to help you tell your story through beautiful images that celebrate exactly who you are. Let’s chat about creating something amazing together – reach out today to start planning your perfect senior session.

A Downtown Franklin Senior Session with Old Friends

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Senior pics in Downtown Franklin

When this senior’s parents reached out about booking his senior portrait session, I immediately said yes – not just because I love photographing seniors, but because they are dear old friends and I was excited to see them.

His parents and I go way back to our Tennessee Tech days, where we were all Engineering majors trying to survive thermodynamics and calculus together. When my husband and I moved to Spring Hill after a few years in Detroit, they happened to live here too, and we picked up right where we left off. Those were some of the best times – regular Spades games at each other’s houses, lots of laughter, and just enjoying that phase of life when you’re building your careers and starting families.

I’ll never forget visiting them in the hospital when their son was born. I was very pregnant with my second daughter at the time, and the hospital staff actually thought I was there to check myself in! We all had a good laugh about that one. Life happened, as it does, and they eventually moved away from Spring Hill, and we haven’t been able to see them much.

What makes this even more special is that they were some of my very first clients when I started my photography business. They believed in me from the beginning and were such incredible supporters during those early days when I was still figuring everything out. So clearly, I was thrilled for the chance to see them again and photograph their son at this milestone.

Downtown Franklin was the perfect backdrop. We wandered around the area, found some great light between the buildings, and he totally nailed every shot. We also included a few family shots, which are some of my favorites from the session.

The whole thing honestly felt more like catching up with old friends than work, which made everything so much more relaxed and fun.

Senior pics in Downtown Franklin

Ready to capture your senior’s personality and this important milestone? I’d love to photograph your family’s next chapter – reach out and let’s start planning a session that’s all about celebrating who they’ve become. Book now.

Colorful Senior Session at South 40 Farm | Nashville Senior Photographer

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Colorful Senior Session at South 40 Farm in Franklin TN

When this senior booked her session at South 40 Farm, I wasn’t entirely sure if the flowers would still be in bloom this late in the season. But when we arrived, the cosmos were absolutely gorgeous—one of those happy surprises that makes a session feel even more special.

And can we talk about her colorful hair? It was honestly perfect against every single backdrop we used. The vibrant teal popped beautifully against the pink and white flowers, created this amazing contrast with the rusty vintage cars, and looked incredible next to the weathered gas pump. Sometimes everything just clicks together exactly right, and this was definitely one of those sessions.

One thing I’ve been working on lately is pushing myself out of my comfort zone with lighting. For years, I avoided harsh light completely—I’d always look for soft, diffused light and plan sessions around that golden hour glow. But recently, I’ve been experimenting with more dramatic lighting, and I’m loving what it adds to senior sessions especially.

The photos by the camper are a perfect example. When we first walked over there, my instinct was to skip it because the light was pretty harsh. The same thing happened at the gas pump—the first time we shot there, the sun was still high and creating strong shadows. In the past, I would have waited or moved on entirely. But we went for it anyway, and those dramatic shots ended up being some of my absolute favorites from the session. We did come back to the gas pump later for some softer light as well, and both versions are beautiful in completely different ways.

I’m not saying harsh light is always the answer—soft, diffused light is definitely easier to work with and best for most situations. But there’s something about those bold, high-contrast images that feels right for a senior session. They have this confident, editorial quality that really showcases personality.

Colorful Senior Session at South 40 Farm in Franklin TN

If you’ve been thinking about booking senior photos, I have a few spots open for weekday sessions in November. The catch is that they need to start around 3:30 PM to finish before dark, which can be tricky for most people to get off work. But they’re perfect for seniors who can leave school a bit early. November has some of the best weather of the year, and because weekday sessions are harder for families, these spots tend to stay open longer. So if you’re a senior needing photos—or know someone who is—please share! These really are ideal times to shoot.

When 25 Minutes is All You Need: Early Fall Mini Sessions in Spring Hill, TN

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Fall Minis with Crystal Freemon Photography in Spring Hill TN

I’ll be the first to admit that I’m not particularly good at the “mini” part of mini sessions. When I look through the images from this early fall session, I realize I took just about as many photos as I would during a full session. But you know what? That’s actually taught me something important about who mini sessions work best for.

This session was a bit of a last-minute addition. My November 2nd mini session date had completely filled up, and when another family reached out really hoping for a mini, I knew I wanted to make it work. The only catch? It was definitely early for peak fall color. But I also knew something else—the way the light filters through the trees at this location has this magical quality that, combined with a little editing warmth, creates that perfect autumn feeling even before the leaves have fully turned.

Here’s what I’ve realized through sessions like this one: 25 minutes is actually plenty of time to capture a full, beautiful gallery—but only for exactly the right family. Families with older children, no toddlers who need extra patience and coaxing, and not too many people wrangling for camera attention. For those families, mini sessions are absolutely perfect. We can move quickly, the kids cooperate beautifully, and everyone leaves happy without the time commitment of a full session.

These two families were exactly that sweet spot. With all teens, we moved through poses efficiently, captured genuine connection and beautiful portraits, and ended up with way more images than a typical mini session delivers. I couldn’t help myself.

If you’re reading this and thinking, “That sounds like my family”—I have great news. A last-minute schedule change just opened up ONE spot for my November 2nd mini sessions. If you act fast, you can still get in for fall mini sessions this year. I also have a few openings left for regular full sessions if you’d prefer more time and an even larger gallery.

Fall Minis with Crystal Freemon Photography in Spring Hill TN

Ready to book your fall session? Whether you’re perfect for a quick mini or want the full experience, I’d love to photograph your family this autumn. Head to my contact page or check my scheduling calendar to grab one of these last remaining spots before they’re gone!

Yahnali Park Family Session with Dramatic Skies

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Family pics at Yahnali Park

There’s something really special about photographing families year after year. This family has been coming back to me for their sessions for a while now, and I always look forward to seeing how much has changed.

Yahnali Park gave us some incredible light to work with. Those dramatic clouds rolling in created this beautiful, moody backdrop that kept changing throughout the session. The shifting light gave us so much variety – from soft and even to those gorgeous dramatic moments when the clouds broke just right. It’s the kind of weather that makes a session feel dynamic and interesting.

Working with return clients is honestly one of my favorite parts of this job. There’s an ease to the session because we’ve done this before. No one’s nervous, everyone knows what to expect, and we can just focus on getting great images.

I loved editing this gallery and I’m excited to share a few favorites from their session.

Ready to book your family session? Contact me to schedule yours!

Family pics at Yahnali Park

How I Scout Every Session: A Henry Horton Senior Portrait Behind the Scenes

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Behind the Scenes as I scope out a Session location at Henry Horton State Park

One of my favorite parts of every session happens before my client even arrives. I show up early—often even an hour before our scheduled time—and I walk. I’m looking at light, noticing textures, mentally marking spots that might work beautifully in by the time the session starts, when the sun shifts just a little lower.

For this senior session at Henry Horton Park, I pulled out my phone and captured a few quick snapshots of what I was seeing. That’s the thing about being a photographer—you start to notice potential everywhere. Those tall weeds that most people would overlook? I saw how the evening light would filter through them, creating that dreamy backlit glow. The chain-link fence by the tennis court isn’t exactly a classic backdrop, but I knew the angle of the light would hit it perfectly, adding interesting lines and texture that you can’t get in an open field.

And that old building with the weathered walls? Not traditionally pretty, but those colors and textures were exactly what I needed to add variety to the gallery. Same with the gravel path—perfect for those natural walking shots that show movement and personality rather than just another posed portrait.

The best part? This senior made my job easy. She was natural, relaxed, and gave me so much variety in her expressions. When you’re working with someone who trusts the process and brings genuine energy to the session, those little spots I’d scouted earlier transform into something special. The weeds became a golden backdrop for her laughter. The fence created dramatic shadows. The building’s texture made her vibrant outfits pop even more.

This is exactly why I love what I do. It’s not just about finding pretty locations—it’s about seeing light and possibility in unexpected places, and then watching it all come together when the right person steps in front of the camera.

If you’re ready to book your own senior session and see how we can create something unique together, reach out! I’d love to show you how the ordinary becomes extraordinary when we look at it through the right light.

Stunning Senior Portraits at South 40 in Franklin, TN

Posted in Seniors & Teens, South 40 Farm, UncategorizedTagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , Leave a comment
Senior pics with Crystal Freemon Photography at South 40 Farm

I am absolutely in love with everything about this senior session at South 40. When this senior reached out wanting something with flowers and fields, she was originally interested in Harlinsdale. But with Pilgrimage festival prep shutting down the park, I suggested a few other options including South 40 – and I’m so glad she chose it because it turned out to be absolutely perfect.

The timing couldn’t have been better. The flowers were in full bloom, and were a perfect fit for what she was looking for. But honestly? I think I loved the tall weeds and grasses even more. There’s something about that natural, untamed look that just speaks to me, especially when the light hits them just right.

I’ll admit I got a little nervous when I spotted some sprinkles on my drive to the farm, and we could see storm clouds building in the distance. But sometimes the best sessions happen when you embrace a little uncertainty. As we were wrapping up, that approaching storm delivered the most incredible dramatic clouds and wind that made her hair dance perfectly against the moody sky.

Her outfit choices were spot-on. That blue dress looked absolutely stunning against the dramatic sky we lucked into, and I loved how the color popped against all the natural tones around us. Her second look with the vintage camper and old car was so perfect– sometimes those rustic elements just complete the whole vibe of a session.

What made this session even more special was getting to work with a family I’d photographed before. I had captured their family photos a few years ago during her older brother’s senior session, and there’s nothing quite like working with clients you genuinely enjoyed the first time around. We even snuck in a few family shots during this session, minus big brother who’s away at college.

If you’re considering South 40 for your senior session, just know there is a location fee of $75 per hour. I typically recommend booking two hours so I have time to scout the light before we start shooting, plus it’s a big farm and we need time to move between all the gorgeous spots. The flowers won’t always be in bloom like they were for us, but honestly, I love this location even when everything isn’t in bloom.

Ready to capture your senior year in a setting that feels authentically you? Let’s chat about creating something beautiful together – whether that’s at South 40 or finding the perfect location that speaks to your style. I’d love to help you tell your story. Book Now.

Seeing Through a Photographer’s Eye: A Downtown Franklin Senior Session

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Senior Session in Downtown Franklin TN and Pinkerton Park

There’s a saying in photography that you should always “get it right in camera.” While I mostly agree with this philosophy, I’ve learned that sometimes the most beautiful shots come from seeing potential where others might not – and knowing what magic you can create later.

This senior guy’s session was the perfect example of how a photographer’s eye works differently. We started in downtown Franklin, and I’m sure my perspective looked a little unusual to anyone watching. While most people see the bustling street with too many cars, crowds of tourists, and trash cans scattered everywhere, I’m scanning for that perfect light hitting a brick wall or the way shadows fall across the architecture.

Yes, I could wait for the exact moment when no cars are driving by and no people are walking through my shot. But that’s just not practical when you’re trying to capture genuine expressions and keep the energy flowing. Instead, I strategically position myself so that any distracting elements fall in areas I know I can easily clean up later. I might be aiming for the dreamy way afternoon light pours over a building, fully aware that I’ll need to remove that delivery truck in the background during editing.

We had planned to end the session at the bridge at Pinkerton Park. His mom suggested we park on the opposite side of the bridge from Pinkerton Park. I’m so grateful she made that suggestion because it led me to discover this little patch of weeds that became absolutely perfect for our final shots. Now, I’ll be honest – to anyone else, this spot probably looked like nothing special. It was in a dingy gravel lot right next to some dumpsters. Not exactly scenic.

But that’s where the photographer’s eye comes in. I could see that the patch of weeds was just large enough to create a beautiful natural backdrop, and the light was filtering through in the most gorgeous way. Sometimes the most unexpected locations give you the most stunning results.

This is what I love about photography – constantly looking beyond the obvious to find those hidden gems. Every session teaches me to stay flexible with my plans while keeping my eyes open for something even better than what I originally envisioned.

Ready to create some senior portraits that capture your unique personality? I’d love to work with you to find those perfect moments and unexpected beautiful spots that tell your story. Contact me to book your session – I promise we’ll find the magic, even in the most unlikely places!

Harlinsdale Farms Family Session | Franklin TN Family Photography

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Family portrait session at Golden Hour at Harlinsdale Farms in Franklin TN

The weather couldn’t have been better for this session at Harlinsdale Farms—comfortable temperatures, great light, and just enough breeze. Apparently everyone else in Franklin thought so too, because the place was absolutely packed with families making the most of the beautiful evening.

I’ve photographed this family before, so it was fun to see how much the boys have grown since our last session. Working with repeat clients is always easier because you already know their personalities and how they interact with each other.

The main challenge we ran into is actually pretty common with elementary-aged kids. The younger son is at that awkward in-between height where he’s too big to easily pick up and hold, but still quite a bit shorter than his parents and big brother. Getting everyone’s faces close together for family portraits takes some creative positioning.

I ended up using several different approaches to work around the height differences. We started with shots sitting against the barn, which brought everyone closer to the same level naturally. Then I had the parents kneel and squat to get down closer to the boys’ height. Big brother had to do his share of crouching too since he’s gotten pretty tall. We also did some shots where he hugged his little brother from behind, which worked well for the height issue and looked natural.

The younger son was a good sport about being lifted for a few shots when we needed everyone’s faces together. At the end, we found a bench that let the whole family sit comfortably, which solved the problem completely.

I’m glad we got this session in before Harlinsdale closes next week to prepare for Pilgrimage Festival. The timing worked out perfectly, and I’m really happy with how the photos turned out.