Capturing Timeless Bonds: The Value of Family Photography Beyond Childhood

Family of four with grown children photo session at Sarah Benson Park

Today, I want to chat about something that might resonate with many of us—family photos. We often associate these snapshots of love, laughter, and chaos with the early years of parenting, but let’s flip the lens and focus on why family photos remain crucial even when your kids are all grown up or nearly there.

  1. Time Flies Faster Than We Realize: It feels like just yesterday we were chasing after our little ones with a camera, capturing every milestone. Now, those tiny feet have grown into bigger shoes, and life seems to be on a fast track. Family photos serve as cherished bookmarks, freezing a moment in the whirlwind of time.
  2. Documenting Evolution and Growth: As our children transition from adolescence to adulthood, they evolve—physically, emotionally, and spiritually. Family photos at this stage capture these transformations, providing a visual timeline of growth, maturity, and the unique journey each family member undertakes.
  3. Celebrating New Chapters: Family dynamics shift as kids grow older. They move out, start their careers, or explore new paths. Gathering for family photos becomes an occasion to celebrate these new chapters, reconnecting and solidifying the bond that remains despite life’s changes.
  4. Creating Priceless Memories: The laughter shared during a family photoshoot, the inside jokes that resurface, the bittersweet nostalgia—these are the intangible treasures encapsulated within a single frame. They remind us of the love and unity that define our family.
  5. Preserving a Legacy: Family photos are a visual legacy. They serve as a testament to the relationships, values, and connections shared between generations. They become a treasure trove for future generations to understand their roots and the essence of family ties.

So, to all the parents out there whose kids are growing up way too fast—don’t let the notion of “grown-up” kids deter you from scheduling that family photoshoot. Embrace this new phase of life and capture the beauty of evolving relationships. These photos will be the heartwarming reminders of the journey you’ve shared and the journey that lies ahead.

Remember, it’s not about the perfect poses or matching outfits. It’s about capturing the authenticity and love that bind your family together—a timeless narrative frozen in a single click.

Capturing the Essence of Fall: A Senior Session Amid Vibrant Colors

Fall Senior Portrait Session in Brentwood TN with Crystal Freemon Photography

This determined senior aimed to capture the essence of fall in her senior photos. After a previous booking fell through, I was fortunate to accommodate her as one of my last sessions for the season. Worried about missing fall colors, she was pleasantly surprised by the vibrant scenes at Marcella Vivrette Smith Park.

While any time of the year is ideal for creating beautiful memories, those desiring the stunning autumn palette should be mindful of nature’s unpredictability.

Clients often ask about the best window for fall colors. While I can’t guarantee exact outcomes due to nature’s whims, I’ve found the last week of October and the first or second weekend of November to be optimal, aligning with the peak of fall colors in Middle Tennessee. Contrary to common belief, our best colors arrive later than expected, differing from regions up north or in the mountains of East Tennessee, where fall colors peak earlier in October.

As this is the most sought-after time for photos, my schedule fills up quickly during the summer. If fall color is important to you, don’t wait until the last minute to book. For other seasons, I offer more flexibility for dates, so consider the option of a beautiful winter or spring session.

This delightful session captures the beautiful fall vibes, and I’m thrilled the senior achieved the session she envisioned.

As the holiday season approaches, I want to let you know that I still have ONE MORE opening for my Santa Mini Sessions on November 19th. It’s the perfect opportunity to capture some magical moments with Nashville Santa, and the photos are perfect for Holiday Cards.

A Downtown Columbia Senior Girl Portrait Session

Senior girl portrait session in downtown Columbia with Crystal Freemon Photography

In the heart of downtown Columbia, I recently had the pleasure of photographing a senior girl whom I’ve known since she was about three years old. When I look at her now, it’s hard not to picture that sweet preschooler on the soccer field. It’s truly a joy to be able to capture this time for her and her family.

One aspect I’ve always cherished about senior sessions is the chance to connect with these young minds, full of dreams and aspirations. It used to be my routine to ask about their plans for the future, a conversation starter that often led to exciting discussions about college, careers, and the adventures awaiting them.

However, life has a way of shifting perspectives, and as a senior parent myself now, I’ve come to realize the immense pressure our youth face in making these decisions. The stress of choosing the right path can be overwhelming, and it’s something I no longer casually inquire about.

Navigating the future can be daunting. There’s no one-size-fits-all answer or perfect path. To the seniors I once asked about future plans, I now understand the immense pressure and apologize for being yet another adult expecting you to have all the answers.

Standing on the brink of a new chapter, I hope they are able to take a moment, breathe, and appreciate the journey. That is easier said than done, I know. I wish I could ease the stress and assure them they’ll be alright. There’s no single best path, college, or career choice. It’s essential to keep in mind that the journey may not be linear, and it’s okay not to have everything figured out.

As the holiday season approaches, I want to let you know that I still have ONE MORE opening for my Santa Mini Sessions on November 19th. It’s the perfect opportunity to capture some magical moments with Nashville Santa, and the photos are perfect for Holiday Cards.

Capturing Genuine Moments: The Value of Full Portrait Sessions

Crystal Freemon Photography Fall Portrait Session with a family of five

This wonderful family initially considered booking a mini-session this year but opted for a full portrait session instead. I couldn’t be happier with their choice. It allowed us to spend more time together, which is something I truly cherish, especially when working with little clients.

In many cases, some of my favorite shots come toward the end of the session. At the outset, families often arrive with a sense of, “We’re here for photos, so let’s smile and pose.” But as we progress, my aim is to create an atmosphere where they’re there to have fun, connect, and express their love for one another, all while I capture those genuine moments.

One of the risks with mini-sessions, particularly with little ones, is that due to their back-to-back scheduling, there’s minimal flexibility when it comes to time. If it’s your allotted slot and a child is feeling cranky, shy, or experiencing a totally age-appropriate meltdown, there’s very little room to let them reset or warm up.

Full sessions, on the other hand, provide ample time to accommodate the natural shifts in a child’s mood or disposition, ensuring a more relaxed and enjoyable experience for everyone involved.

As the holiday season approaches, I want to let you know that I still have ONE MORE opening for my Santa Mini Sessions on November 19th. It’s the perfect opportunity to capture some magical moments with Nashville Santa, and the photos are perfect for Holiday Cards.

Capturing beautiful families year after year

Fall Family portrait session with Crystal Freemon Photography

Since 2016, this wonderful family has graced my lens, bringing their laughter, love, and beautiful energy to my autumn photo sessions. It’s sessions like these that remind me why I fell in love with family photography in the first place.

From the days when these two were mere toddlers, their curiosity and wild spirit have embodied what I love about photographing children. Now, as they are not little kids anymore, I’m reminded of how quickly time passes.

Through every session, I’ve been privileged to document their journey, and I’ve cherished every moment of it. The trust my clients place in me is truly special, and I feel incredibly fortunate to watch each of your families grow.

As the holiday season approaches, I want to let you know that I still have ONE MORE opening for my Santa Mini Sessions on November 19th. It’s the perfect opportunity to capture some magical moments with Nashville Santa, and the photos are perfect for Holiday Cards.

Capturing Autumn Magic: A Glimpse into My Fall Mini Sessions

Fall Mini Sessions at Sarah Benson Park in Thompson Station with Crystal Freemon Photography

I hope you’re as excited about autumn as I am. The fall season is like a breath of fresh, crisp air, filled with warm colors and cozy vibes. 🍂

Now, if you’ve been following my photography journey, you might know that I’m all about capturing those candid moments, the real emotions, and the true essence of each family I work with. Mini sessions have never been my go-to, but sometimes, they’re exactly what a family needs. This time around, I had the pleasure of capturing some beautiful moments with four fantastic families.

Three of them were familiar faces, and I couldn’t be more grateful for their continued trust in my work. It’s always a pleasure to see how the little ones have grown and to catch up with the parents. Plus, working with families I know well always makes the sessions feel effortless, natural, and fun.

One of the families was brand new to me, and I must say, I was thrilled with how well everything turned out. Their little one was an absolute sweetheart and definitely a breeze to work with. It’s a testament to the magic that can happen when the right elements come together – an easygoing baby, fantastic outfits that suit the season, and of course, the picture-perfect autumn backdrop.

Speaking of that backdrop, there’s something truly special about the way the trees transform during fall. Just like I keep an eye on the sun for the best lighting, I’ve also got a pretty good handle on when our area’s foliage is at its most stunning. And let me tell you, it doesn’t last nearly as long as I’d like! The vibrant, fiery colors are such a delight to work with, and the fall season is, without a doubt, my absolute favorite time of the year.

I’m all about capturing the unique beauty and warmth that each family brings to the frame. My approach has always been to create a relaxed and enjoyable experience for everyone.

I hope you enjoy these snapshots of my fall mini-sessions as much as I did taking them. And remember, whether it’s a mini session or a more extended family shoot, I’m here to create beautiful memories for you. 📷🍁





Fall Mini Sessions have come to an end. 🍂 But the excitement doesn’t stop there!

As the holiday season approaches, I want to let you know that I still have a few openings for my Santa Mini Sessions on November 19th. It’s the perfect opportunity to capture some magical moments with Nashville Santa, and the photos are perfect for Holiday Cards. Whether it’s your first time in front of my lens or you’re one of my fantastic returning families, I can’t wait to create some enchanting memories with you. 🎅📷

Capturing the Magic: Senior Photoshoot at South 40 Farm

Senior girl photo session at South 40 farm by Crystal Freemon Phography

I’m in love with this senior photoshoot at South 40 Farm in Franklin, TN. Our day was a mix of cloudy skies and a surprise visit from the sun, reminding me that both cloudy and sunny days offer unique opportunities for incredible shots.

South 40 Farm is an absolutely perfect location for photography. I knew the fields and tall grasses would be a beautiful natural location. However, I wasn’t sure if the flowers would still be in bloom.

As luck would have it, South 40 Farm welcomed us with an array of colorful flowers that were still looking gorgeous.

Clouds and Sunshine: Each Has Its Charm

It was mostly cloudy, and my senior’s dad, like many before him, had concerns about how it would affect the photos. I totally get it. We often associate sunny days with ideal photoshoot conditions. However, I assured him that both cloudy and sunny days have their own unique charms.

The Allure of Cloudy Days :

We began our session with the cloudy skies acting as a natural diffuser. This soft, even light created a magical atmosphere, highlighting the vivid flowers and casting a dreamy quality over the images. Cloudy days bring out the details and colors, with no harsh shadows. The results are often incredibly flattering.

A Surprise Visitor: The Sun

Just as we were wrapping up, a magical moment happened. The sun decided to make a surprise appearance. Its warm rays filtered through the clouds, creating a delightful contrast to the earlier soft light. It was like getting the best of both worlds in one day.

In Conclusion

This photo shoot was a vivid reminder that the magic of photography isn’t confined to just one type of weather. Cloudy days offer a soft, diffused light that can be remarkably flattering, while sunny days provide the charm of vibrant, sunlit scenes. By embracing the dynamic nature of the weather, we were able to create a rich tapestry of images that perfectly captured the essence of the senior’s love for nature.

Whether you prefer the soft allure of a cloudy day or the vibrant energy of a sunny day, there’s beauty in every moment.

Searching for a photographer in Spring Hill, Franklin, and Columbia in Middle Tennessee? I specialize in capturing families at every stage, from newborns to seniors. Visit my website for more details or schedule a session through my online calendar. Your support means the world to me, so feel free to connect with me on Facebook and Instagram for more updates and beautiful photography!”