Category: Seniors & Teens

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.

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.

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.

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!

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

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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.

Senior Session at Centennial High School Baseball Field

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Senior Baseball themed portraits at Centennial High School

I love when seniors want to include something that actually matters to them in their portraits. When I heard that baseball was important for this session, I immediately started thinking about how we could make that work. We began at Pinkerton Park by the river, but I knew the baseball field at Centennial High School would be where we’d get the shots that really mattered.

I’d never photographed at this field before, so I spent some time on Google Earth beforehand to see how the sun would set. I was right about the light being perfect behind the field, which made all that planning worth it.

What excited me about this location was getting to work with harsh light instead of my usual soft, shaded approach. The dugout shots ended up being some of my favorites because of how the late afternoon sun created those dramatic shadow patterns. There’s something about that contrast between bright sunlight and deep shadows that just works with sports photography.

Once the sun started setting, we got some beautiful silhouettes, and I used my flash to add some dramatic lighting. I love how they turned out.

Baseball has clearly been a big part of his story, and being able to capture that in a setting that holds meaning makes these portraits more than just senior pictures. They’re a genuine reflection of this moment in his life.

Ready to create senior portraits that tell your story? Let’s talk about incorporating what matters most to you into your session.

A Downtown Columbia Senior Session | Finding Beauty in Unexpected Places

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Downtown Columbia Senior Portrait Session with an edgier vibe.

I’ll be honest—when I heard about the construction happening in downtown Columbia, I was a little bummed. Some of my favorite go-to spots were temporarily off-limits while the city works on enhancing 16 historic downtown buildings with their improvement grant. I might be the only person who actually loves those abandoned buildings exactly as they are, but I’m hoping they’ll preserve that unique character that makes Columbia so special for portraits.

As it turns out, being forced to explore beyond my usual spots led to something pretty amazing. While wandering around looking for alternatives, I discovered what might actually be my new favorite location—this incredible old brick wall with ivy cascading down it, and the best part? The sun was positioned perfectly behind it, creating the most gorgeous backlight.

This senior session was the perfect opportunity to test out this new find, and I couldn’t be happier with how it turned out. Columbia has always been one of my favorite portrait locations because it offers something different from downtown Franklin. There’s this edgier, more urban vibe with so many fun textures that come with old buildings.

It was a perfect pick for this senior session, and I absolutely love how it turned out. It was SOOOOO hot outside, but she braved it like a champ, and it’s turned out to be one of my favorite sessions. I hope she loves them as much as I do.

This session was a great reminder that while it’s wonderful to have those tried-and-true favorite spots, there’s so much value in continuing to look around and discover new locations. Even when construI’ll be honest—when I heard about the construction happening in downtown Columbia, I was a little bummed. Some of my favorite go-to spots were temporarily off-limits while the city works on enhancing 16 historic downtown buildings with their improvement grant. I might be the only person who actually loves those abandoned buildings exactly as they are, but I’m hoping they’ll preserve that unique character that makes Columbia so special for portraits.

As it turns out, being forced to explore beyond my usual spots led to something pretty amazing. While wandering around looking for alternatives, I discovered what might actually be my new favorite location—this incredible old brick wall with ivy cascading down it, and the best part? The sun was positioned perfectly behind it, creating the most gorgeous backlight.

Columbia has always been one of my favorite portrait locations because it offers something different from downtown Franklin. There’s this edgier, more urban vibe with so many fun textures that come with old buildings.

It was a perfect pick for this senior session, and I absolutely love how it turned out. It was SOOOOO hot outside, but she braved it like a champ, and it’s turned out to be one of my favorite sessions. I hope she loves them as much as I do.

This session was a great reminder that while it’s wonderful to have those tried-and-true favorite spots, there’s so much value in continuing to look around and discover new locations. Even when construction temporarily changes your plans, it might just lead you to something even better than what you had before.

Downtown Columbia Senior Portrait Session with an edgier vibe.

Ready to capture your senior year with portraits that reflect your unique personality? I’d love to help you create images you’ll treasure forever. Let’s find the perfect location that speaks to who you are and tells your story.

Nashville Golden Hour | Class of 2026 Senior Session at the Parthenon

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Nashville Senior Pictures of girl sitting on steps of the Parthenon

I don’t often make the drive to Nashville for sessions since I live on the south side of Spring Hill and charge extra for the distance. But when this senior asked about shooting at the Parthenon, I was super excited because I knew it would be a fabulous spot for senior pictures.

This is my first senior from the Class of 2026, which I’m not completely prepared for because my youngest baby girl is also Class of 2026. We’re beginning my last year of a child at home, which is just crazy. #dontblink

The timing worked out perfectly for golden hour, and the Parthenon delivered exactly what I hoped it would. First, I found this beautiful little flower garden for the first part of the session. Then the architecture of the building itself gives you so many options – those massive columns create incredible leading lines, and the light filtering through them was just beautiful. We moved around the entire structure, finding different angles and perspectives that kept the session feeling fresh.

I love how locations like this seem to bring out something special in seniors. Maybe it’s the grandeur of the setting, but she just owned every pose and seemed completely at ease in front of the camera. The variety we captured was impressive – everything from dramatic wide shots that show the full scale of the building to more intimate portraits tucked between the columns.

As I’m working through these images, I keep thinking about how this kicks off my Class of 2026 sessions. If this is any indication of what’s coming, it’s going to be a great senior season. There’s something about this particular moment in their lives that I find so compelling to capture – they’re right on the edge of everything changing.

I’m grateful this family was up for the Nashville adventure and trusted me to document this important time. Sometimes stepping outside your usual routine leads to the best sessions.

Interested in planning your senior session? I’d love to talk about your ideas and help create something special for this milestone. Get in touch to start planning!

Downtown Columbia Senior Session | Class of 2025

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Downtown Columbia TN Senior Pics - Senior girl browsing records at Variety Record Shop

With graduation parties filling up my calendar these next few weeks, I’ve been thinking about all the parents of this year’s seniors. Last year, I was in your place with my oldest graduating, and I’ll be there again next year with my youngest. It’s definitely an emotional time.

I miss my oldest, but seeing her grow and experience new adventures during her first year of college has been one of the great joys of my life. The next stage is different, but it has its own kind of awesome too.

I’ve enjoyed getting to know so many seniors from the Class of 2025 this year. Each one has their own unique personality and interests, which makes every session different.

This session downtown was particularly fun. When she mentioned wanting photos at Duck River Books and Variety Record Shop, I was immediately on board. Her mom contacted both businesses ahead of time for permission (which I always require when shooting in local businesses), and I’m glad they said yes.

I love how each location showed a different side of her personality. The bookstore had a quieter vibe while the record store brought out more energy. She brought along a favorite book and record to include in her portraits, which I loved. I’m not into elaborate props, but meaningful personal items that tell something about who someone is? Those always make for better photos.

After our indoor locations, we moved outside to capture some portraits at a few of my favorite downtown Columbia spots. The light was perfect, and she moved easily between poses and genuine smiles.

What I appreciated most was how her personality came through in every photo. Whether she was surrounded by books, looking through records, or standing on the downtown streets, she was just being herself.

If you have a senior heading into their final year of high school, I’d love to create a session that captures who they really are at this point in their lives.

Downtown Columbia TN Senior Pics - Senior girl browsing records at Variety Record Shop

Downtown Franklin Senior Session: Timing is Everything

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Senior pics in Downtown Franklin, close up of Senior guy with chin in his hand.

Sometimes the best photo sessions happen because of a last-minute save! I was all set for a senior guy session in downtown Franklin this past weekend when my friend Chelsea casually mentioned the Franklin Main Street Festival. Cue the immediate panic! I had no idea this was happening, and trying to navigate senior portraits in the middle of festival crowds definitely wasn’t the plan.

The festival was scheduled to end at 6 PM with our session starting at 6:30, but I was still nervous about the lingering crowds, vendors packing up, and general chaos. Downtown Franklin was really what this senior wanted for his location, and I was determined to make it work for him.

Luckily, he was super flexible (something I always appreciate in clients!) and easily moved the session to Monday instead. And what a perfect decision that turned out to be – we had gorgeous weather, empty-ish streets, and and a perfect night for pictures.

This session reminded me that sometimes the backup plan turns out even better than the original. Monday evening in downtown Franklin offered us quieter streets and more flexibility to use different spots without navigating around festival cleanup. We even managed to grab a few shots by the theater marquee, which would have been impossible during the festival.

If you’re a senior (or parent of a senior) looking for portraits that capture this important milestone with a natural, relaxed approach, I’d love to chat about creating images that truly represent who you are. Your session doesn’t have to be downtown – we can find the perfect location that tells your unique story!

[Contact me here to start planning your senior session]

Why Rush? The Benefits of Booking Your Senior Session Early

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Senior Guy Photos on a road at Yahnali Park in Columbia TN

I spent yesterday evening with this amazing senior guy at Yahanali Park in Columbia – one of my absolute favorite natural spots for senior pictures. The park put on quite a show for us with these gorgeous patches of yellow and red wildflowers (weeds? I don’t know, but I love them anyway) creating the perfect natural backdrop. And that newly paved road? What used to be a quiet gravel drive has transformed into what looks like a major highway with fresh paint and all. It made for some surprisingly cool and unique backdrops that really pop in his images!

This session was extra special because we also captured a few shots of his little sister during our time together. This is something I’m always happy to accommodate! Sometimes I even combine senior sessions with full family sessions – it’s really up to you how you want to use your session time. These moments of siblings together during such a milestone year are often some of the most treasured images from the session.

This past week has been filled with senior sessions, and my calendar for next week is just as packed, even though we’re already into May and just weeks away from graduation day. All these families had perfectly good reasons for scheduling their sessions this late in the year, and the photos are turning out beautifully, but I’m noticing something too – there’s definitely an added layer of stress when we’re working this close to the wire.

The biggest challenge? Weather. Since my sessions are exclusively outdoors, we sometimes need to reschedule for rain or storms. This is normally no big deal, but when you’re already down to your last few weeks before announcement orders need to go in, having to reschedule can create some serious stress. Plus, these seniors have so much happening right now – prom, awards banquets, final exams, graduation preparations – finding another time slot that works can be like solving a complex puzzle!

While spring senior sessions are absolutely beautiful and I’m happy to accommodate them, I want to make a gentle case to those of you with rising seniors (yes, parents of juniors, I’m talking to you!): Summer is actually the perfect low-stress time for senior portraits.

I know what you’re thinking – “But Crystal, it’s so hot in Tennessee summers!” And you’re absolutely right. But here’s my promise: I’m completely open to rescheduling for extreme heat within reason. We won’t be shooting on those 100-degree days, and we schedule for evenings when the light is magical and the temperatures are more bearable.

Booking your senior’s session in the summer means:

  • No competition with busy school schedules
  • Plenty of time for any weather reschedules
  • Zero stress about meeting announcement deadlines
  • More flexibility with dates and times
  • A relaxed experience rather than one more thing on an already-packed senior year to-do list

When your teen comes back from their summer session with me, they’ll have their entire senior year to enjoy their images, share them with friends, and you’ll have all the time you need to thoughtfully select announcement photos without rushing.

While I’m absolutely loving these May sessions (those spring blooms are worth it!), I just want to plant that seed for those of you with juniors at home. Let’s make your senior’s portrait experience as stress-free as possible by planning ahead!

And now, I can’t wait to share some of my favorite images from this recent Yahanali Park session.

Smith Park Senior Session: Thoughts on Photography and Privacy

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Senior Pics at Marcelle Vivretee Smith Park - Senior Guy in Cap & Gown on tree lined path

What a relief when the rain finally stopped just in time for our senior session at Marcelle Vivrette Smith Park! The ground was still wet, but we made it work with a step stool for sitting poses.

This park is perfect for spring sessions with its tree-lined path, small pond, and stone springhouse. We got so many different looks without having to trek all over the place.

During our time together, we talked about how I handle privacy on social media. I wanted to share my approach since it might not be obvious to everyone.

First and foremost, I completely respect when clients prefer not to have their photos shared at all. While I do appreciate the opportunity to showcase my work (it’s how future clients find me!), your comfort is always the priority. I actually include a question about sharing on socials in my client questionnaire. But especially with teens, I try to remember to ask them directly too, not just their parents. Their comfort with being featured on my business page matters just as much to me, and they possibly have different preferences than their parents expect.

For the clients who do allow me to share their images, I’ve developed some personal guidelines that I follow consistently. The big one is that I don’t tag clients or use their names in my posts. This isn’t because I’m not proud of the amazing people I photograph – quite the opposite! It’s simply my way of giving clients control over their online presence. You’re absolutely welcome to tag yourself, share the images, and tell the world about your experience if you choose to, but I wanted that decision to remain firmly in your hands.

It’s especially important to me when photographing young people that their full names aren’t directly connected to their images in a way that makes them easily searchable. I want my posts to focus on the artistry of the photography and the genuine moments we captured, rather than creating a digital footprint someone might not want down the road.

I’m not sure if this is common practice among photographers, but it’s the approach that feels right to me. It’s just one small way I try to balance sharing my work with respecting the privacy of the amazing people who trust me to capture their memories.

If you’re interested in booking your own spring session at this beautiful location (or any other spot around Spring Hill), I’d love to hear from you!