Late Summer Family Session at Harlinsdale Farm

Late Summer Family Photo session with Crystal Freemon Photography at Harlinsdale Farms

Looking at this beautiful family session at Harlinsdale Farm, I’m reminded why I absolutely love working with repeat clients. There’s something so special about watching children grow and change from year to year – seeing their personalities develop and capturing new dynamics as families evolve together.

This particular family has been coming to me every September, and I’ve had the joy of photographing their kids since they were tiny. It’s fascinating to see how each child’s personality shines through differently as they get older.

Harlinsdale Farm continues to be one of my absolute favorite locations to shoot. The variety is incredible – from the historic buildings to the open fields, white fencing, and gorgeous old barns. Every corner offers something different, and the light there is just magical, especially during golden hour.

I have to admit, I was getting a bit frustrated over the past year with all the construction happening at Harlinsdale. Some of my go-to spots around the historic buildings were blocked off, and I felt limited in where I could take families. But I’m thrilled to say that the construction seems to be finished now, and I have full access to all those beautiful architectural elements again.

This session reminded me why I fell in love with this location in the first place. We started in the softer light near the buildings, then moved out to the fields and the pond as the sun got lower.

The results speak for themselves. These images capture everything I love about family photography – genuine connection, beautiful natural light, and that perfect balance between environmental storytelling and intimate moments.

Ready to create your own timeless family memories? I’d love to chat about capturing your family’s unique story at one of my favorite Middle Tennessee locations. Contact me today to start planning your session.

Spontaneous Change Leads to Perfect Senior Session

Senior girl at matgic hour at the Park at Harlinsdale Farms

Sometimes the most beautiful moments in photography come from unexpected changes. This was certainly the case for this recent senior session, which took an unplanned but ultimately perfect turn.

We had originally scheduled to meet at Battle Ground Academy, but when we arrived, the campus was busy with sporting events. The crowds made intimate portraits difficult, so we relocated to Harlinsdale Farms.

This change turned out to be ideal. The weather was gorgeous, with beautiful afternoon light filtering through the historic farm buildings and across the open fields. What made this location even more meaningful was that I had photographed her family here years ago. Returning to capture her senior portraits created a nice full-circle moment.

I loved how she incorporated her college choice of Tulane into her wardrobe. These thoughtful details make senior portraits more meaningful โ€“ they’re not just about the end of high school, but celebrating the journey ahead.

Editing these images brought me so much joy. Her infectious laugh and genuine smile lit up every frame. Working with a senior whose personality shines through so naturally made my job easy and enjoyable.

This session reminded me that sometimes a backup plan turns out to be exactly where you were meant to be all along.

Finding the Light and the Magic: A Harlinsdale Family Session

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. Thereโ€™s been ongoing construction at the park for a while, but Iโ€™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 Iโ€™d originally chosen was all about the lightโ€”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 peopleโ€”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” momentsโ€”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. Itโ€™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. Itโ€™s a tall orderโ€”unless thereโ€™s a two-year-old leading the way.

Thatโ€™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 havenโ€™t been weighed down by the worldโ€™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.

Why Winter Family Photos Are Truly Magical: A Session at Harlinsdale Farm

Winter might not be the most obvious choice for family photos, but thereโ€™s something magical about this season that makes it truly special. When I photographed this family at The Park at Harlinsdale Farm, we were met with overcast skies, a little construction, and plenty of winter quietโ€”but it all came together beautifully.

One of the things I love about winter sessions is how serene and understated the scenery can be. The bare trees, soft browns of the landscape, and rustic fences all create a simple backdrop that keeps the focus on the people in the frame. Even though parts of Harlinsdale Farm were messy due to construction, we found so many great pockets of texture and light to work with. A fence here, an open road thereโ€”it doesn’t take much to create a lovely backdrop that makes the people the focus.

A lot of people think sunny days are best for photos, but Iโ€™ll let you in on a secret: overcast skies are incredible. The clouds create a soft, even light that eliminates harsh shadows and adds a richness to the colors. Itโ€™s the kind of light that flatters everyone and makes the photos feel cozy and timeless. On this day, the diffused light worked its magic, bringing out the deep greens, warm earth tones, and rich textures of the familyโ€™s outfits.

Speaking of outfits, this family absolutely nailed their clothing choices. The deep greens, burgundy, and navy tones popped perfectly against the muted winter backdrop, and the mix of textures added so much depth to the photos. I loved how everything coordinated without being overly matched, giving the whole session a polished yet natural feel.

Winter sessions like this one are a reminder that you donโ€™t need blooming flowers or bright sunshine for beautiful photos. All you really need is a great location, the people you love, and a willingness to embrace the season for what it is.

Weathering the Storm: A Senior Session at Harlinsdale Farms

Today, I want to share the story of a recent senior session that took place amidst some less-than-ideal weather conditions at Harlinsdale Farms in Franklin, TN. Despite facing several setbacks due to Mother Nature’s whims, I really love how this session turned out.

Scheduling this session was no easy feat. We had to reschedule multiple times due to the unpredictable weather, and just when we thought we had a clear window, the forecast decided to throw us a curveball.

On the day of the shoot, the weather was far from perfect. Occasional sprinkles and persistent gusts of wind threatened to disrupt our plans at every turn. But rather than letting it dampen our spirits, we embraced the challenge head-on. The one positive is that it was unseasonably warm for a February day.

One thing I’ve learned in my years as a photographer is to find beauty in unexpected places. High winds may have been a nuisance, but it added a certain dynamic quality to the portraits that we couldn’t have achieved otherwise. I happen to love photographing windblown hair, so it was more the constant threat of a downpour that had me concerned. Luckily, the rain held out for the most part.

Now, let’s talk about our senior girl. Despite the less-than-ideal conditions, she did an amazing job. I LOVED the green color she chose for both her outfits. The color was absolutely perfect one her, and I also love the way it looked with the backdrop of Harlinsdale Farms. She was so much fun to hang out with and photograph.

In the end, despite the weather’s best efforts to thwart us, we managed to capture some great Senior photos. It just goes to show that sometimes, the most memorable moments come when we least expect them โ€“ even if they’re sprinkled with a little rain and a lot of wind.

Searching for a photographer in Middle Tennessee, covering Spring Hill, Franklin, and Columbia? Visit my website for further details or schedule a session through my online calendar. Iโ€™d greatly appreciate it if you considered joining my journey onย Facebookย and/orย Instagram.

A Winter Senior Session at Harlinsdale Farms

Senior Guy Portrait Session at the Park at Harlinsdale Farms.

Clients often express concerns about winter photo sessions, fearing that the landscape may appear barren or lifeless. However, I believe that winter sessions possess a unique beauty all their own. I’m particularly drawn to the brownish color palette of winter shrubbery and find that bare trees offer an interesting textured background. Overcast skies during winter provide soft, diffused lighting that adds depth and atmosphere to photographs.

When planning a winter photo session, I make it a priority to choose locations with abundant architectural elements to complement the natural scenery. That’s why I was thrilled with our decision to shoot at Harlinsdale Farms in Franklin, TN for a recent winter senior session. The farm’s rich tapestry of textures, from weathered barns to rustic fences, serves as a stunning backdrop year-round.

During the session, I enjoyed sharing tidbits of history with my clients as we explored the farm. Harlinsdale Farms boasts a storied heritage dating back to the early 20th century when it was established as a renowned Tennessee walking horse breeding farm. One intriguing aspect of the farm’s history is the presence of two beloved horses buried on the property. Midnight Sun and Strolling Jim, legendary Tennessee walking horses, left an indelible mark on the breed during their time at Harlinsdale.

Despite the challenges posed by winter weather, this young man’s senior session at Harlinsdale Farms was a joy to photograph. I’m grateful for the opportunity to capture his personality and charm against the backdrop of this historic location. And amidst the recent rainy weather, we were fortunate to catch a break and seize the perfect moment for his senior photos.

Searching for a photographer in Middle Tennessee, covering Spring Hill, Franklin, and Columbia? Visit my website for further details or schedule a session through my online calendar. Iโ€™d greatly appreciate it if you considered joining my journey onย Facebookย and/orย Instagram.

Letting go of your fears about family portrait sessions for young children

Family of four with two young daughter at Harlinsdale Farms by Crrystal Freemon Photography

Photographing toddlers and preschoolers will always be my favorite. I am always excited when I know I am about to photograph a family session with 1.5 to four-year-olds. I love photographing families of all ages, but this age group will always be the one that brings me the most joy.

A lot of parents put off scheduling family portrait sessions because they don’t think their little ones will cooperate. I want to put that myth to rest because I promise you, the kids will do just fine. In fact, most of your fears are the exact reasons why I love photographing toddlers and preschoolers so much.

The only thing I expect from little ones at a family portrait session is that they be themselves. That’s easy for the under-five crowd because they don’t know how else to be. (It gets harder actually as they get older because then they try to pose for the camera and start to not be themselves). Little ones are nothing if not authentic and that’s the reason I love them.


Here are some fears parents have about how their little ones will behave at a portrait session and why these are not a concern to me:

Fear: The children won’t be still and pose.

Reality: Yeah, probably not. But I don’t really need them to be still. I take lots and lots of photos. In many of them, maybe your toddler is looking away or running in the opposite direction. But enough of the photos will be of her doing what I want. As far as posing goes, we move quickly and try different things. It’s more gentle guiding than posing really. There are lots of family hugs, tickle fights, etc. This isn’t the Sears portrait studio. No one has to stand on a dot. I adore how this age group is in awe of the world around them. Letting them explore makes for great photos.

Fear: My toddler wants to be held all the time and doesn’t want me to put her down.

Reality: That’s fine. I’ve shot entire sessions where the little one was in mom’s arms the entire time, including some close-up individual shots of the child. My youngest was a velcro baby and now that she’s 14, I miss that, so I got a velcro puppy.

Fear: My child doesn’t want to be held and wants to run around the entire time.

Reality: Kids are great at extremes, aren’t they? This is a little more difficult than the child who wants to be held, but it’s not unusual and we can make it work. Individual portraits are easy enough to capture. We just have to get creative about group shots. Sometimes letting the toddler “fly” back and forth from one parent to another allow for quick moments of the family all together. Tickle fights, and “hand mommy a flower”, etc are all things I try to do to get everyone in the frame.

Fear: My toddler will throw a tantrum.

Reality: First of all, they might surprise you. I try to keep sessions moving. If a child starts to get bored or lose interest, we walk to a different place and do something different. If they are tired of the more guided family shots, I’ll let them run around and play chase while I get candids.

But if they do throw a tantrum, that’s not a big deal at all. I raised two babies into teens myself and I can tell you that one of them was the queen of epic tantrums. Eventually, those fierce little girls turn into fierce young women who make you very proud with their strength and willingness to speak their truth. I have no concerns about waiting out a tantrum. Or photographing it. Just know I’ve been there.

Fear: My toddler won’t listen and do what the photographer asks

Reality: I would never expect a child in this age group to consistently do what I ask. That’s why I’m flexible and try different things. The best thing for parents to do is just to relax and have fun. I might ask a child to hold their sister’s hand or sit down next to her. If that doesn’t happen, it is completely fine. I’ll try something else. Whatever happens, we will have fun and capture some beautiful memories.


So really, please let go of your fears about booking a family photo session for very young children. There are really only two things you need to do to have a great session.

First, let go of any very specific expectations. Maybe we won’t get a photo of everyone perfectly posed and looking directly at the camera. We usually do, but honestly, those aren’t my favorites anyway. I adore the connection in photos of families interacting with each other, and we always get plenty of those.

Second, and most importantly, just relax and have fun. The best sessions are ones like this one where mom and dad have let go of their fears and are having fun interacting with their little ones.


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

Senior Girl Photo Session at Harlinsdale Farms

Senior Girl Photo Session at the Park at Harlinsdale Farms

OK, I know I am sharing way too many photos from Zoe’s Senior Portrait Session at Harlinsdale Farms, but I can’t help it. It’s harder to be selective when I know them.

Zoe’s mom is a friend of mine, and their family was one of my first “clients” back before I really had clients. And here we are already time to shoot senior portraits. Where does the time go?

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

Large Family Photo Session in Franklin, TN

Large family photo session in Franklin, TN

When I photograph large family photo sessions, I can’t help but get a little jealous of all the fun that big families seem to have. It’s like a party anytime they get together. I adored this family before I had even met them, thanks to the beautiful things that their dad and grandpa said about them in my client questionnaire.

One of my favorite things is reading what my clients write about their families in that questionnaire. The simple question of “Tell me a little about each of you” can reveal so much. It’s an oddly personal job to capture someone’s portrait, and in a way I can’t quite explain, I like to know something about them before I begin. For example, I knew that the older granddaughter was very serious about taking care of her baby doll. So I definitely wanted to include the doll in photos. And when I saw her squeezing the doll and her cousin at the same time, giving them both all her love, I had to capture that.

The only challenge with such a large group is balancing getting all the different combinations of shots you need and still trying to capture a little of that personality simultaneously. I often leave wishing I could have gotten to know them even better.

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.

Maternity Photo Session at Harlinsdale Farms

Parents-to-be in front of old building at maternity session

Is there anything more exciting than awaiting the arrival of a new baby? I am so happy for this beautiful couple, who are clearly so ready to meet their baby girl.

It was a freezing, cold session but you can’t tell from how beautiful and radiant mama looks. I want to make it clear that I never force clients to do a session when it’s as cold as it was on Friday. I keep my schedule pretty open this time of year so we can reschedule as needed. After all, it is Tennessee. If the weather doesn’t work, we can just wait a few days for a different season. But this session had already been rescheduled a few times. If we waited any longer, it may have turned from a maternity portrait session to a newborn session, so the clients wanted to brave the cold weather.

Mama-to-be looks stunning in this beautiful dress. This is a perfect choice for a maternity session or any portrait session for that matter.

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

Family of Four Portrait Session at Harlinsdale Farms

Family Portrait Session at the Park at Harlinsdale Farms

I don’t ever remember photographing a summer family portrait session in such pleasant weather as this one. I was in shock that it wasn’t suffocatingly hot. It was especially nice because I felt like I had botched the first scheduled date for this photo session by rescheduling it prematurely. The forecast was calling for rain for most of the day on our originally scheduled date. I texted the client to decide what to do. We discussed whether we should wait and see or just go ahead and reschedule. I suggested we reschedule because every time I take the “wait and see” approach, we end up having to reschedule anyway. But of course, this time it ended up being clear and sunny that evening after we had already rescheduled. So I felt vindicated when the weather was so perfect on our make-up date.

Everyone knows that 2-3-year-olds are my favorite age of kids to photograph at family portrait sessions. One thing that makes this age group even more fun to photograph is when they are still getting to know a new brother or sister. It’s so much fun watching that new relationship and capturing the changes happening in the family.

When I am prepping for a family portrait session, I often think about my own family, and what it was like when my girls were the ages of my little clients. For this session, I thought back to how my oldest reacted when we brought home her little sister. We weren’t sure how she would react, but he was so enamored with this new human. If I put Kayla in her crib and walked to another room, Megan would say, “Mommy…you forgot your baby!” She was very protective. I remember the sweet way her little than would pat Kayla when she cried.

These were the things I was thinking about when I met this beautiful family. Hopefully, I was able to capture some of those special memories for them.

Contact me today if you’d like to book a session to capture your families precious memories.

I am a photographer serving families in Spring Hill, Franklin, and Columbia in Middle Tennessee. I photograph families at all stages, from newborns to seniors. Seeย my websiteย for more information or toย book a session from my online calendar. I would love it if you would consider following me onย Facebookย and/orย Instagram.

Maternity Photos in Franklin TN

Maternity Photos at Park of Harlinsdale Farms in Franklin, TN

I loved shooting maternity photos for this beautiful couple who is awaiting the arrival of their first baby. That time in my own life seems both millions of years ago and just like yesterday all at the same time. Being pregnant is such a magical time that doesn’t really compare to anything else. How lucky I am to be able to experience a little of that magic through my clients.

Maternity photos are a great way for me to get the chance to know a couple before baby arrives. I’ll be photographing lifestyle newborn portraits for this sweet family soon and I cannot wait to meet their new little one.

I am a photographer serving families in Spring Hill, Franklin, and Columbia in Middle Tennessee. I photograph families at all stages, from newborns to seniors. Seeย my websiteย for more information or toย book a session from my online calendar. I would love it if you would consider following me onย Facebookย and/orย Instagram.

Family of Five Portraits at Harlinsdale Farms

Family of 5 Portrait Session in Franklin TN

One of my favorite parts of photographing family portraits is getting to see the same beautiful families year after year. I always love hanging out with these girls. As I was shooting this session, I thought about the first time I photographed this family, back in 2017. Before that first session, mom had let me know that one of the girls was shy and may take a while to warm up to me. That portrait session seems so long ago. There was not a hint of shyness at this session…just lots of giggling, sunshine, and dandelions. Three of my favorite things.

This is the first time that I have photographed this family at the Park at Harlinsdale Farms, which is one of my favorite portrait session spots. Just in case you don’t know, you can browse my session blog posts by location by clicking “More Blog Posts” and then “Session Locations” at the top of my blog. This is a great way to help you decide where you would like to have your family portrait session.

I am a photographer serving families in Spring Hill, Franklin, and Columbia in Middle Tennessee. I photograph families at all stages, from newborn to seniors. Seeย my websiteย for more information or toย book a session from my online calendar. I would love it if you would consider following me onย Facebookย and/orย Instagram.

Spring Mini Sessions – March 28 at Harlinsdale Farms in Franklin

Spring Mini Sessions - Franklin TN by Crystal Freemon Photography

I am offering a Spring Mini Session date for Family Portraits because the Fall Mini Sessions were so much fun! Only four spots are available, so if you are interested, don’t wait to book! The sessions will be 25 minutes long and will include your choice of 30 full-size digital images from the session gallery, with the option to purchase more digital images and/or print products. The cost of the mini-session is $300.

The sessions will be at the Park at Harlinsdale Farms in Franklin. Before you decide to book, please read about whether or not mini-sessions are right for you. If you have a large family or a little one who may take some time to warm up, I ask that you consider booking a full family portrait session instead.

And while you are planning and scheduling your Spring Mini Sessions, be sure to read my post from last week on how to document last year’s beautiful memories. I show you a quick and easy way to create a photo book of your 2020 highlights using Google photos.

Seeย my websiteย for more information or toย book a session from my online calendar. I would love it if you would consider following me onย Facebookย and/orย Instagram.

5 things Toddlers can teach us about life | Franklin TN Family Photographer

As a family photographer I've observed many things we can learn from toddlers

I love photographing families of all ages, but if you’ve followed me long, you know that my true passion is photographing toddlers. One of my favorite things about being a family photographer is what I have learned through really observing two year olds.

You see, I think it’s the two-year-olds who really have everything figured out. And somehow as we age, we lose all of that wisdom. Here are a few things I think we could learn about life from toddlers.

Assertiveness

Toddlers are really finding their voice, and they are not afraid to let you know what they need. Whether that’s a snack or a hug or they are “all done,” they aren’t afraid to let their person know. Often times, we adults are too afraid to let people know what we need. We aren’t always very quick to take care of ourselves and our own needs. A lot of our problems could be taken care of if we just learned to let others know what we desire like toddlers do.

Wonder

As a family photographer, this is probably the characteristic of toddlers that I love the most. They have not yet lost their fascination with the world around them. Everything is new and exciting and beautiful. The dog in the park, the pretty rock they just found, the snowflakes falling – all these things are a miracle to the toddler’s eyes. If only we could all hold on to that childlike wonder and be more aware of the awesomeness around us.

Only those who look with the eyes of children can lose themselves in the object of wonder.”

– Eberhard Arnold

Mindfulness

How much time do you spend regretting things that happened in the past or worrying about what might happen in the future? I don’t think Toddlers do this. They are the masters of mindfulness. Whatever upset them a moment ago is long forgotten with the current moment’s distraction. They live in the here and now, fully present always. We have a lot to learn from that.

Authenticity

This is another reason I love to photograph toddlers. They only know how to be themselves and no one else. Authenticity means “true to one’s own personality, spirit, or character.” This is something I strive to capture in my photographs. I am trying to get authentic, natural expressions from every child. I want photos that really reveal who they are at that moment in time. Not fake cheesy smiles. This is easier with toddlers because they are always, always being true to themselves. I love capturing all of who they are. Whether that is a sweet apprehensive expression when they first meet me, complete joy when we are being silly or a thoughtful expression when the notice something new.

As early as 6 or 7, I find that kids have already put up a mask and I have to work harder to photograph their authentic selves. That makes me sad.

Love

Is there anything better in this life than the pure love one gets from a toddler? There is no judgment there, no conditions or holding back. Whether it be with hugs & kisses, holding your hand or maybe even sharing a like of their sucker with you, toddlers know how to love their people.


I am now booking Spring Family Portrait sessions, or as you can see above, am happy to book you now for a winter photo session. 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.

Click here to read post I wrote about what you can expect from a Lifestyle Family Photography Session.

Winter Family Photos in Franklin TN | Franklin Family Photographer

Nashville Family Photographer winter photo session in Franklin TN

Happy New Year! This outdoor winter family photo session in Franklin was a perfect way to end 2020. Thanks so much to everyone who has trusted me to be your family photographer for 2020. It truly is an honor to be trusted to capture your family memories. 2020 has been such a crazy, trying year for everyone, but when I look back at all the photos I’ve taken this year, what stands out is just all the love.

This photo session is a perfect example of why I always say that winter is a great time for family photos. We had beautiful mild weather for this session, but I love the cold ones too. In 2020 style, I have gotten to know Mona virtually this year, and it was so great to finally meet her and her beautiful family in real life.

I hope 2021 brings you all many beautiful family moments, lots of love and tons of slow news days.

I would love it if you could follow me onย Instagram. If you are looking for a Franklin Family Photographer, you can book a session directly fromย my online booking calendar, orย contact meย if you have questions. I have added dates for January through March 2021, and will be added April through June soon. Please contact me if you need a specific date.

Family of Four Portrait Session in Franklin, TN

Franklin TN Family Photographer at the Park at Harlinsdale Farms

It was so great to see my old friend Mona and her beautiful family at their outdoor family portrait session at the Park at Harlinsdale Farms in Franklin.

I wanted to let you know that this session started out a little rough for the kiddos, both of whom had fallen asleep on their drive to the photo session after a busy, fun-filled holiday weekend. When they first arrived, they were groggy and apprehensive about being there and having their photos taken.

The only reason I point this out is that I want you to notice that you can’t tell from the photos. Within about 10 minutes of when we started the portrait session, they both warmed up to me and we had tons of fun. I wanted to point that out because it can be something that stresses parents out, but always turns out fine. We had so much fun running and playing and enjoying the beautiful day.

I would love it if you could follow me onย Instagram. Thatโ€™s a great place to keep up to date on future openings. Also, you can book a session directly fromย my online booking calendar, orย contact meย if you have questions.

Fall Family Photo Session in Franklin TN

Fall Family Photos in Franklin by Crystal Freemon Photography

On Tuesday, I shot a Senior Portrait Session at the Park at Harlinsdale Farms in Franklin. It was an absolutely perfect fall day. The autumn color was in full glory and all the trees were spectacular. On Sunday, I returned for a family photo session and almost all the leaves were gone.

I did, however, find this one perfect tree that had not lost it’s leave and was a gorgeous red orange color.

There were droves of photographers at the park that afternoon. It is one of the busiest portrait weekends of the year. I arrived early, as I always do, to stake out the location and look around at the light. These two sessions are a perfect example of why I do that. Even though I know this location well, and had been there just a few days before, it looked completely different.

When I found my tree, the light was coming through it in just the right way. I’m obsessed with light and this is one of my favorite kinds. I don’t normally shoot in that direction because there is an ugly parking lot behind the tree. But I figured it was far enough away to not be much of a problem. I knew I wanted to start the family photos at the tree because the light could move and not be at just the right spot if I waited. So I stopped roaming and just stood and staked out my spot like a dog hoping it didn’t get overrun with other photographers before my session started.

The funny thing is, I never saw another photographer go near the tree. It just goes to show that you can have 100 photographers photograph a subject, and everyone of them will see it differently and execute a different vision.

And isn’t this just the most beautiful family? Gah, those giggles are the best.

I would love it if you could follow me onย Instagram. Thatโ€™s a great place to keep up to date on future openings. Also, you can book a session directly fromย my online booking calendar, orย contact meย if you have questions.

Senior Photos at Harlinsdale Farms in Franklin TN

Senior Photos at the Park at Harlinsdale Farms in Franklin TN

I’m pretty sure that I say this every year, but the best time to get Fall portraits done if you want Autumn color is the first or second week in November. This year’s most perfect Fall session was definitely snagged by Kendall for her Senior photos.

I was afraid that we might have to postpone this session for rain. But the rain cleared out in time for the portrait session and everything was just perfect. I love the lighting that you can find after the rain, and the overcast skies really make the fall colors pop. I’m in love with this senior portrait session. I hope Kendall and her family love them as much as I do.

To see other senior photo sessions I’ve photographed recently, click here and here.

I would love it if you could follow me onย Instagram. Thatโ€™s a great place to keep up to date on future openings. Also, you can book a session directly fromย my online booking calendar, orย contact meย if you have questions.

Downtown Franklin Senior Portrait Session

Downtown Senior Girl at Harlinsdale Farms in Franklin TN

Makayla and her family were visiting family from Michigan and wanted to have senior portraits made while they were in town. Makayla couldn’t decide if she preferred having her pictures taken in downtown Franklin or at the Park of Harlinsdale Farms, so we made both happen!