Category: Big Kids

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.

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.

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.

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.

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!

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.

Springtime Family Photo Session at Smith Park in Brentwood

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Springtime Family Pictures at Marcella Vivrette Smith Park

I had the best time with these two adorable sisters (ages 5 and 8) at Marcelle Vivretee Smith Park in Brentwood last week! We instantly connected over our shared love of Wicked, Barbie movies, and blowing dandelions. They even chatted about their teachers at Chapman’s Retreat – always sweet to hear kids who love school! (My own daughters went there too, and I was even PTO president there for a while. The teachers at Chapman’s are truly something special!)

As a mom of two girls myself (now almost grown!), these sessions with young sisters always hold a special place in my heart. There’s something about capturing that unique bond between siblings that takes me back to when my own daughters were this age – those fleeting moments of childhood wonder that pass by so quickly.

The biggest challenge with these two wasn’t getting them to smile or pose naturally – it was trying to narrow down their gallery to a reasonable number of photos! Every shot captured something special about their relationship and personalities.

What made this session extra meaningful was that it was actually a gift from Grandma to the girls’ parents for their anniversary. I love this idea! Instead of another household item that eventually becomes clutter, she gave them something that will last forever – captured memories of their beautiful children at this precious age.

This reminds me – gift certificates for photo sessions make such thoughtful presents. They’re available on my website for birthdays, holidays, new babies, or just because. In a world full of stuff, sometimes the most meaningful gift is preserving a moment in time.

Looking to give something special? Check out my gift certificates page!

A Family Session at Preservation Park | Spring Hill, TN Family Photographer

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Family of five at family portrait session at Preservation park in Spring Hill TN

There’s something special about discovering the perfect location for a photo session right in your own backyard. Preservation Park in Spring Hill is exactly that kind of spot – a place I should definitely use more often.

This park offers stunning natural backdrops, but I’ll be honest – there’s a bit of a hike up a hill to reach the best shooting locations. While this can be challenging for families with very young children or those with mobility considerations, it was perfect for this family of five with older children.

Football and Family Time

I loved that this family brought along a football to their session. I’m all for anything that helps create natural interactions during a photoshoot. The football wasn’t a prop in the Pinterest sense – it was something meaningful that showed who they are as a family and created authentic moments.

When people can engage with each other naturally, the camera fades into the background, and that’s when the most genuine expressions and connections happen.

Preservation Park’s Natural Beauty

What makes Preservation Park worth the climb is the variety of backgrounds – from open fields to wooded areas bathed in golden afternoon light. The natural landscape offered the perfect setting to showcase this wonderful family.

I enjoyed getting to know them and seeing the dynamic between the siblings. There’s something particularly rewarding about photographing teens and older children – they bring their own personalities and energy to a session in ways that make each photo unique.

Considering Preservation Park for Your Photos?

If you’re thinking about this location for your family session, here’s what to know:

  • There’s about a 5-10 minute walk uphill to reach the prime photo spots
  • Wear comfortable shoes you can walk in
  • It’s best suited for families with older kids or those comfortable with a short hike
  • The payoff in gorgeous backdrops is absolutely worth it

I’d love to help you create beautiful family memories at this hidden gem in Spring Hill or find another perfect location that suits your family’s needs.

Family of five at family portrait session at Preservation park in Spring Hill TN

Ready to Book Your Family Session?

Whether you’re drawn to Preservation Park or have another location in mind, I’d love to create a custom photography experience for your family. Sessions are filling up quickly, so reach out soon to secure your spot!

Contact me to book your session →

Crystal Freemon is a family photographer serving Spring Hill, Franklin, and the greater Nashville, Tennessee area, specializing in authentic, connection-focused family photography.

Finding the Light and the Magic: A Harlinsdale Family Session

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Sometimes, even the most well-planned photo sessions throw you a curveball. This one started with a little adventure. I arrived early, as I always do, planning to meet the family near the canoe launch at Harlinsdale Farms. But when I got there, the main gate was closed. There’s been ongoing construction at the park for a while, but I’ve never seen it completely closed off.

With no way to drive to my planned location, I parked near the dog park and took a moment to reassess. The spot I’d originally chosen was all about the light—the way the sun filters beautifully through the trees. Luckily, I found a similar area on the other side of the park. It was a reminder of why I always say that lighting, followed closely by texture, is the most important element in choosing a location. The backdrop matters, but the true focus of any portrait should always be the people. (It was also a great reminder of why I always show up super early, even when I’m very familiar with a session location.)

And speaking of the people—this family was an absolute joy to photograph. The youngest member of the family completely stole my heart. My favorite photos from any session are often the less posed, “messy” moments—the ones where not everyone is looking at the camera but instead are caught up in genuine connection. Those moments are harder to capture with larger families. It’s a delicate dance: getting everyone in the frame, bathed in beautiful light, while looking natural and relaxed.

We often say we love candid photos, but true candids would mean I just follow you around, documenting life as it unfolds. What I actually do is more like planned candids. I guide everyone into the frame, in the right light, and then encourage them to interact as they naturally would. It’s a tall order—unless there’s a two-year-old leading the way.

That’s where the magic happens. Adults and older kids often feel self-conscious in front of the camera, not knowing what to do with their hands or where to look. But a two-year-old? They just are. They haven’t been weighed down by the world’s expectations. They know how to live in the moment, and when you let them take charge, everything else falls into place.

This session was proof of that. From playful moments to heartfelt hugs, the little one led the way, and the result was pure, joyful magic. Two-year-olds really are the best of us.

Here are a few of my favorite images from this beautiful evening at Harlinsdale Farms.

Fall Mini-Sessions at Sarah Benson Park 🍁

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Once a year, I offer fall mini-sessions, and this past weekend at Sarah Benson Park. Even though I generally prefer the relaxed pace of a full session—getting to know each family in-depth and allowing everyone time to feel comfortable in front of the camera—mini-sessions offer a unique opportunity to reconnect with familiar faces in a short, fun burst of energy.

I always try to book these mini-sessions on a late October weekend, when the leaves are usually at their peak for fall color. This year, I was lucky enough to have all three mini-session slots filled by families I already know and love working with, which is always my hope for mini-sessions.

The first family I photographed was one I got to know earlier this year while capturing senior photos for their oldest. Seeing the whole family together was such a joy, and their teens were perfect for a mini-session—they’re at that age where they understand the flow of a photoshoot, which helps keep things moving smoothly.

The second session was with a family I’ve been photographing for years. Watching their girls grow up has been such a joy, and I can hardly believe how big they’re getting. Mini-sessions are a great way for families like this to update their family photos regularly without committing to a full session each year. And oh my goodness, the giggles. I just love these girls.

The final session was with one of my dearest friends from college and her family. Despite the limited time of a mini-session, we found a few moments for her little ones to run, play, and capture some natural, candid shots. Those small moments make even a quick session feel meaningful.

Interested in Booking?

If you’re ready to capture your own family memories, head over to my booking page or follow me on Instagram and Facebook to stay updated on available sessions and seasonal offers.

A Family Session with Grandparents in Franklin TN

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It was such a pleasure reconnecting with old friends from college for this family session. The mom mentioned in her pre-session questionnaire that she wanted to include both sets of grandparents in the photos since they were visiting but really wanted to focus on her two boys. We spent the first 15 minutes capturing some great group shots and fun combinations of the boys with their grandparents, making sure to honor those special generational connections.

Afterward, we turned our attention to the boys and their parents for the remainder of the session. I loved watching the playful energy of the boys with mom and dad—these moments are always the fun. I always ask my clients to answer a few questions before a session so I can know where your priorities lie, and it really helps to ensure I’m capturing what matters most to your family.

These kinds of personalized sessions are what I love about photography, especially when I get to photograph families that mean so much to me!

If you’d like to book a session of your own, you can reach me here. Be sure to follow along on Instagram and Facebook for more sneak peeks and updates!

Family of Five Photo Session in Downtown Columbia

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I recently had the opportunity to photograph a wonderful family of five in Downtown Columbia. Having done more nature-themed locations in the past, they were excited to try something new, and Downtown Columbia’s charming textures and old buildings provided the perfect backdrop.

We had rescheduled the session once due to rain, and even though it sprinkled a little on the day of the shoot, we went ahead and made it work. I always offer flexibility with rescheduling for my clients, as weather in Tennessee can be unpredictable. Some prefer to wait until the last minute to decide, while others like to plan in advance—both approaches work for me! I also leave it up to my clients to decide how comfortable they are with the weather. Some are ready to grab clear umbrellas and embrace the moment, while others would rather wait for a clear day, and that’s completely understandable.

This session turned out beautifully, and I love how their choice of location brought something new and fresh to their family photos.

If you’re interested in booking a session with me, you can reach out here. Be sure to follow along on Instagram and Facebook for more family sessions and updates!

Family of Four Photo Session in Downtown Columbia

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Downtown Columbia Photo Session with Crystal Freemon Photography

It was so good to see this family again, after our last family photo session four or five years ago. These twin sisters were so easy to photograph. The family wanted a more urban setting for their session, so we chose to meet in Downtown Columbia.

Looking for a photographer in Spring Hill, Franklin, and Columbia in Middle Tennessee? I photograph families at all stages, from newborns to seniors. See my website for more information or book a session from my online calendar. I would love it if you considered following me on Facebook and/or Instagram.

Family of Four Portrait Session at Marcella Vivrette Park

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Family photo session at Marcella Vivrette Park

I look forward to seeing these boys at their family photo session every year. They are getting so big. This year we had a good talk about superheroes. We agreed that Spiderman, Thor, and Ironman are all pretty awesome.

Looking for a photographer in Spring Hill, Franklin, and Columbia in Middle Tennessee? I photograph families at all stages, from newborns to seniors. See my website for more information or book a session from my online calendar. I would love it if you considered following me on Facebook and/or Instagram.

How to rock your family portrait session

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Family of five Lifestyle portrait session in Spring Hill TN

Yesterday, I shared with you Emily’s First Communion Photos. We combined those photos with a family portrait session, just like we’ve done in previous years. That meant we had about an hour to do Emily’s pictures inside the church, change her, and do family photos outside the church.

I did not feel we needed extra time to do the session because I’ve been taking photos of these girls all their lives, and they are old enough to follow directions. But even still, after we finished the session, I felt like it was too easy. I wondered to myself, “Did I get enough photos?”

Well, it turns out that I have too many photos. So many that it’s hard to narrow them down to a reasonable level. A big part of why the session feels so effortless is that I’ve been taking photos of these kids literally since they were born, and they know what to expect.

So I thought I would list a few things that make them so easy to photograph in the hopes that it might help others better know what to expect from a family photo session.

  • Their wardrobe is perfection. The colors are gorgeous. They coordinate without being too matchy-matchy. Everyone seems comfortable in what they are wearing. I love the textures in the corduroy. The little details like Hannah’s belt and bracelet really add interest and bring it together. And Christy looks absolutely stunning in red.
  • They take direction from me but also understand that I’m not looking for super posed images. They know they are free to be silly. I love the photos below of the three girls hugging and falling to the ground. This is the kind of circumstance where parents who are less used to my style might have been fussing at the children to be serious and stand up straight. But Christy and Brian know my style, and they know that sometimes those photos where the kids are being silly are the best ones.
  • They weren’t in a hurry. Sometimes people (usually dad) have this idea that we will “get a few photos” and then be done. That mindset makes it really hard to capture candid, authentic images. Brian has been showing up for my family photo sessions for many years and absolutely does his part to be patient and fun.
  • They get that authenticity is the goal. Everyone was encouraged to be themselves, which shows through in the images.

Did I miss anything? What do you think is the key to a fantastic family portrait session?

Looking for a photographer in Spring Hill, Franklin, and Columbia in Middle Tennessee? I photograph families at all stages, from newborns to seniors. See my website for more information or book a session from my online calendar. I would love it if you considered following me on Facebook and/or Instagram.

Emily’s First Communion Portrait Session at Catholic Church of the Nativity

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Emily's First Communion Photos at Catholic Church of the Nativity

Forgive me if my eyes are leaking a little over these pictures. It’s been five years since I photographed Haley’s First Communion Photos.  Two years ago, it was middle sister Hannah’s turn. And now I can’t believe it’s already baby Emily’s turn. I’ve been photographing Emmy since the moment she was born.

I cannot even begin to explain what an honor and privilege it is to be able to capture so many children as they grow. When I look at Emmy, I see so many beautiful moments as photographs in my mind, and I feel pretty lucky to have been a part of those moments with her.

Looking for a photographer in Spring Hill, Franklin, and Columbia in Middle Tennessee? I photograph families at all stages, from newborns to seniors. See my website for more information or to book a session from my online calendar. I would love it if you would consider following me on Facebook and/or Instagram.

Family Photography with a touch of Chaos

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Family of Five Portraits at Yanhali Park

I have this theory that if someone uses the word “chaos” in my portrait client questionnaire, then I’m going to adore them and love photographing their family. First of all, you’d be surprised how often that happens. And secondly, I’ve been completely correct so far. (See also “wild” and “hot mess”.)

One of my survey questions asks how you want to remember your family at this stage. This mom wrote, “How precious these years are as we watch all 3 kids’ unique personalities unfold. I want to remember how we all love each other deeply, even if it’s chaos sometimes!”

Yes, please! You have no idea how much I’d prefer to read something like that, rather than a list of specific poses or Pinteresty backdrops you’d like included. My number one goal as a photographer is to capture those unique personalities, oftentimes with a little touch of chaos.

And really it’s not really chaos at all that these families bring, but a sense of fun, adventure, and embracing the moment. And for me as a family photographer, that’s everything.

Bonus points if they mention “beautiful light” as their main desire for a portrait location. Because I tend to also prefer simpler backgrounds with beautiful light that make the people in the portraits the main focus. This is the second time I’ve shot at Yanhali Park in Columbia, and I’m definitely adding it to my favorites list.

Family of Five Portraits at Yanhali Park

Looking for a photographer in Spring Hill, Franklin, and Columbia in Middle Tennessee? I photograph families at all stages, from newborns to seniors. See my website for more information or to book a session from my online calendar. I would love it if you would consider following me on Facebook and/or Instagram.

Large Family Photo Session at Marcella Vivrette Park

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Cousins at a large family photo session at Marcella Vivrette Park

I’m going to tell y’all a little secret. I don’t usually love large family sessions. Don’t get me wrong – I LOVE that clients want to do them. I think it’s so great to capture that beautiful relationship with extended family. Getting grandparents, cousins, aunts, and uncles together for photos is a great idea.

It’s just that having SO many people at a session can make it hard to do what I really love, which is to capture candid moments of connection. Sometimes, just capturing the more posed large group photo along with every combination of smaller families within the larger family can be pretty stressful.

I know what you are thinking – just make the sessions longer. I could, but I find that going much more than an hour has diminishing returns. That’s about the optimal time to keep the kids (and adults) engaged and focused. But also, sometimes it takes clients a while to warm up and become relaxed. This is fine when I’m photographing a family of four, for example. I tend to like the photos at the end the most, once the kids have gotten used to me. At a large family session, there isn’t much time to waste in “warming up.”

But I’ve been photographing this family for several years now, and they are like magic. Somehow, even with so many kids, they make it easy. They are used to me and my style by now, which helps (but also were a great fit, to begin with). I’m always super impressed with their clothing and accessory collection (isn’t this pop of animal print amazing?).

But mostly, I think it’s just that they have fun and I have fun with them. They make me love large family sessions.

Looking for a photographer in Spring Hill, Franklin, and Columbia in Middle Tennessee? I photograph families at all stages, from newborns to seniors. See my website for more information or to book a session from my online calendar. I would love it if you would consider following me on Facebook and/or Instagram.

Childhood Portraits at Winstead Park

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Family Portraits at Winstead Hill Park

 “And one day she discovered that she was fierce, and strong, and full of fire, and that not even she could hold herself back because her passion burned brighter than her fears.”

Mark Anthony

Family Portrait Session at Winstead Park – capturing the love & joy of Emerson in photos.

Family of Four at Country Cove Farms

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Family of Four Session at Country Cove Farms

I just love photographing old friends, and Shelly is one of my oldest. She and I met in college (just a few years ago), and I also had the amazing privilege of photographing Samuel’s birth. It was great to see them at Country Cove Farms for this family session.

I would love to find a place a bit closer for next year that has rows of Christmas trees like this if anyone knows of a place.

Looking for a photographer in Spring Hill, Franklin, and Columbia in Middle Tennessee? I photograph families at all stages, from newborns to seniors. See my website for more information or to book a session from my online calendar. I would love it if you would consider following me on Facebook and/or Instagram.