Together Again: A Chilly Spring Session

Family pics at Marcelle Vivrette Smith park in Franklin TN

I love when families come together for photos, especially when it involves someone traveling from far away. This session brought me together with a couple and their adult sons who came together from different places, with one making the journey from overseas where he now lives.

Mother Nature had other plans for our May session, surprising us with an unseasonably chilly Tennessee day. But this family didn’t miss a beat. They quickly adapted, switching up their planned outfits for warmer options that would keep them comfortable throughout our time together. I’m always impressed when clients can roll with the unexpected – it speaks volumes about their flexibility and focus on what truly matters: the connection, not the perfect conditions.

I always encourage clients to “dress to feel like yourself” – it’s a core part of my photography philosophy. This approach pays off in multiple ways, especially when facing unexpected challenges like our chilly May weather. When you choose favorites from your closet rather than stressing over something new, it’s much easier to adapt while still feeling comfortable and authentic in front of the camera.

This family embodied that flexibility perfectly. They quickly adjusted their clothing choices for comfort while maintaining their personal style. I was particularly impressed by how their sweaters in deep, rich tones complemented each other so beautifully against the field’s natural backdrop – creating a cohesive look without feeling overly matched or forced. This natural coordination is exactly what happens when everyone chooses pieces they love and feel good wearing.

If you have loved ones visiting from afar, I’d love to help you preserve those precious moments together. Reach out to book your session!

Smith Park Senior Session: Thoughts on Photography and Privacy

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!

Springtime Family Photo Session at Smith Park in Brentwood

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!

Tips for Coordinating Outfits for Extended Family Photo Sessions

It was such a joy to reconnect with this family! I first met them last year for their oldest daughter’s senior portraits. This year, they decided to include the grandparents in a session while she was home from college for the holidays. We gathered at the lovely Smith Park in Brentwood, and we were lucky to enjoy beautiful weather and lingering fall leaves.

One of the most common questions I get, especially for extended family sessions, is, “What should we wear?” Coordinating outfits across multiple family members can be a challenge, but this family nailed it. They kept their wardrobe simple and cohesive by choosing neutral tones:

  • Neutral Palette: The mom wore black, and the children were dressed in varying shades of brown and cream. This creates a timeless, polished look.
  • Subtle Pop of Color: Grandma added a pop of personality with her burgundy jacket. It complemented the neutral tones beautifully while giving the photos a touch of visual interest.

Here Are My Tips for Your Extended Family Session:

  1. Stick to a Color Scheme: Neutral tones, earth tones, or deep jewel tones work beautifully in outdoor settings. Avoid bright patterns or clashing colors.
  2. Add Texture Over Pattern: Sweaters, scarves, and layered fabrics add depth and interest without overwhelming the photo.
  3. Incorporate a Pop of Color: A single accessory or outfit piece (like Grandma’s burgundy jacket) can make your photos visually dynamic without distracting from the group.
  4. Coordinate, Don’t Match: Outfits that complement each other—rather than perfectly matching—help keep the group looking cohesive but natural.
  5. Consider Comfort: Make sure everyone, especially grandparents and young kids, feels comfortable in what they’re wearing. Comfortable people take the best photos!

A Family Session with Grandparents in Franklin TN

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!

A Combined Senior & Family Portrait Session at Smith Park

I occasionally get asked about combining senior and family sessions into one photoshoot, and I am always happy to accommodate these requests. Whether you want more of a family session with a few senior portraits sprinkled in or, like this family, you prefer the focus to be on your senior with a few family shots added, I’m flexible with how we structure the hour.

Recently, I had the pleasure of photographing a beautiful family at Marcelle Vivrette Smith Park in Brentwood, TN. Their daughter is a senior, and with their eldest son home from college, they wanted to capture this special time together. The majority of the session was focused on their senior daughter, but we made sure to include some lovely family moments as well.

One question my husband often asks is why I arrive at photo sessions an hour early, even if it’s at a location I’ve visited many times before. The truth is, the hour before a session is one of my favorite parts of the entire process. It’s a time when I can walk around the location, soaking in the light and noticing details I might have missed before. It’s almost meditative, allowing me to truly see and appreciate the environment around me.

During that time, I often notice the way the light filters through the trees, casting beautiful, natural spotlights that are perfect for portraits. I might discover patches of wildflowers or vibrant weeds that can add a splash of color to the background. Even though I had been to Marcelle Vivrette Smith Park just last week, I still arrived early and found new elements to incorporate into the session.

This practice not only helps me ensure that I am fully prepared for the session, but it also allows me to be creative and find unique angles and settings that truly enhance the portraits.

As we move into the fall season, I only have a few spots left. Fall is a beautiful time of year for both family and senior portraits, with the changing leaves providing a stunning backdrop. If you’re interested in booking a session, I encourage you to reach out soon!

To secure your spot for a fall session, visit my website at www.crystalfreemonphotography.com. I look forward to helping you create lasting memories during this special time in your family’s life.

Capturing Summer Memories at Smith Park: Now Booking Fall Sessions!

Extended Family Session at Marcella Vivrette Smith Park

I hope everyone survived the early mornings and the crazy Spring Hill traffic. As an outdoor family photographer in Middle Tennessee, summers are definitely my slow period because it’s so hot outside. I enjoyed the break, but now it’s time to get back to work and prepare for the busy fall season.

I’m so glad it wasn’t unbearably hot for this beautiful family session at Marcella Vivrette Smith Park. It was actually a pretty nice evening for early August. I loved hanging out with this lovely family. Extended family sessions are tough for busy families to organize, but so worth it.

As we transition from summer to fall, I am excited to announce that I am now booking dates for fall family sessions. Fall is one of the most beautiful times of the year for family photos, with vibrant foliage and comfortable weather providing the perfect setting. However, due to personal obligations, my availability is limited, and spots are filling up quickly.

If you’re considering booking a fall session, I encourage you to secure your spot as soon as possible. Whether it’s for holiday cards, updating your family portraits, or simply capturing the beautiful moments with your loved ones, a fall session is a perfect way to preserve those memories.

Book Your Session

To book your fall family session, visit my website at www.crystalfreemonphotography.com. I look forward to capturing more precious moments and helping you create lasting memories with your family.

Don’t wait too long—spots are limited, and they’re going fast! Let’s make this fall a season to remember.

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.

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.

Senior Guy Session at Marcella Vivrette Smith Park

Senior guy photo session in Franklin TN

It was a gorgeous evening at Marcella Vivrette Smith Park in Franklin for this senior portrait session. And we were able to include a few shots of the family dog. In case you are wondering, I’m always happy to include fur babies in a portrait session, assuming our location is pet friendly (and most are).

I just love the wardrobe choices for this selection. Notice he’s wearing the same jeans throughout, but a few top and jacket changes gave so much variety. I love the colors and textures.

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 Portrait Session in Franklin, TN

Family of 3 Portrait Session in Franklin TN

It was so much fun getting to know this sweet girl and her parents at this family portrait session at Marcella Vivrette Smith Park in Franklin. I could have just hung out with her all day long.

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.

Teen Photo Session at Marcella Vivrette Smith Park

This beautiful young woman is the daughter of an old friend from college. It really doesn’t seem like college was long enough ago that we now both have teenage daughters, but here we are. It was a beautiful evening at Marcella Vivrette Smith Park in Franklin catching up with my friend and getting to know her lovely daughter a little more. We even got to hear live music from a nearby wedding!

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

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.

Large Family Photo Session at Marcella Vivrette Park

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.

Family Portraits at Marcella Vivrette Park

Family Portrait Session in Marcella Vivrette park

It was a bit chilly for the family portrait session at Marcella Vivrette Park, but these sweet kids were troopers. This was my first time at Marcella Vivrette and I will definitely be back! It was such a pretty spot.

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.