Category: Yanahli Park

Photographing My People: A Yahnali Park Family Session

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Family Photos at Yahnali Park in Columbia TN with Crystal Freemon Photography

Some people come into your life and become so much more than friends—they become your village, your cheerleaders, and the people who believe in you even when you don’t believe in yourself. This beautiful family holds such a special place in my heart, and every time I photograph them, I’m reminded of just how grateful I am for the people who’ve supported this journey from the very beginning.

If I could give any new parent one piece of advice, it would be this: find your people. Find the friends you can count on, the ones you can cry to, and the ones who will cheer you on through every season of motherhood. Trust me, it makes all the difference.

I get a little emotional every time I shoot and edit sessions for my closest friends because looking through my camera lens, time feels like it moves at lightning speed. The very first “real” photo shoot I ever did was for her middle daughter. Looking back, the photography was pretty rough, but somehow she stuck with me anyway. I was even in the room with my camera when their youngest was born, capturing those first precious moments. Now that same little one is in middle school, and I honestly don’t know where the years went.

It’s such a privilege to capture these precious moments for every family I work with, but there’s something extra special about photographing the families of my closest friends. It doesn’t hurt that they happen to be one of the most fun families to photograph. She has the best eye for picking outfits that coordinate without being too matchy, and they’re all so willing to try whatever silly thing I suggest during our session.

She also picked one of my absolute favorite spots for photographers—Yahnali Park. I find that a lot of clients feel like they need to find a particularly pretty or interesting location for their images. But honestly, my favorites almost always end up being a simple field with beautiful lighting. Don’t get me wrong, Yahnali is definitely pretty, but in that simple, natural way that lets the people be the real focus of the images.

This session was filled with so much laughter and genuine connection, and I loved being able to capture their family exactly as they are right now—fun, loving, and completely comfortable being themselves.

Yahnali Park Family Session with Dramatic Skies

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Family pics at Yahnali Park

There’s something really special about photographing families year after year. This family has been coming back to me for their sessions for a while now, and I always look forward to seeing how much has changed.

Yahnali Park gave us some incredible light to work with. Those dramatic clouds rolling in created this beautiful, moody backdrop that kept changing throughout the session. The shifting light gave us so much variety – from soft and even to those gorgeous dramatic moments when the clouds broke just right. It’s the kind of weather that makes a session feel dynamic and interesting.

Working with return clients is honestly one of my favorite parts of this job. There’s an ease to the session because we’ve done this before. No one’s nervous, everyone knows what to expect, and we can just focus on getting great images.

I loved editing this gallery and I’m excited to share a few favorites from their session.

Ready to book your family session? Contact me to schedule yours!

Family pics at Yahnali Park

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.

A Senior Session at Yanahli Park: Finding the Perfect Outdoor Location

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I’ve never had the pleasure of meeting this family in person before, but we’ve crossed paths through mutual friends and shared Facebook groups. It was such a joy to finally connect and spend a gorgeous fall day together at Yanahli Park in Columbia. Their senior session turned out beautifully, and it got me thinking about one of the most common questions I get from clients: Where should we do the photos?

Choosing the Right Location for Your Session:


When planning a portrait session, selecting the right location is key. I offer a variety of parks and outdoor areas to choose from, and I always encourage clients to browse my portfolio on my website to see examples of past sessions. If they’re not sure what they’re looking for, I’ll ask a few guiding questions:

  • Do you prefer an urban backdrop with buildings, like Downtown Franklin or Columbia, or would you rather be surrounded by nature?
  • How do you feel about crowds? Some locations, like Downtown Franklin, can be lively, while quieter spots might feel more comfortable.

For this session, nature was the clear winner. That’s why I suggested Yanahli Park. It has so many elements I love in a location: beautiful fields, textured trails, and even access to the river, which many clients enjoy as a serene feature in their portraits.

Why Yanahli Park Was a Perfect Fit:


What I look for most in a location is great lighting and texture. Yanahli Park offers warm, backlit areas with tall grasses and fields that create the perfect dreamy look at golden hour. Honestly, one of my favorite spots for portraits is simply a patch of tall weeds with the sun streaming through. Yanahli has plenty of those (as long as the fields haven’t been freshly mowed!).

For this senior, the natural setting was a perfect match.


Sessions like this remind me why I love what I do—capturing authentic moments in beautiful, meaningful places. If you’re considering a senior session or family portraits, let’s talk about what kind of location speaks to you. Whether it’s urban charm or rustic nature, we’ll find the perfect spot to tell your story.

Senior Session at Yanahli Park

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Photographing seniors is always a special experience, but when it’s someone I’ve watched grow up, it takes on a whole new level of meaning. I still can’t believe it’s time for this one to have her senior session. Since her mother and I served on the PTO together almost ten years ago, I couldn’t tell you how many pictures I’ve taken of her.

We chose Yanahli Park for this special session, and let me tell you, it couldn’t have been a more perfect day. I know that in Miss Congeniality, it’s said that April 25 is the most perfect date, but I disagree. November 3 is where it’s at. The colors on the trees were in full glory, the air was crisp but comfortable, and the light was simply magical. It’s one of those days that feels like nature itself is celebrating with you.

I had so much fun photographing this session, and she really nailed it. She was so easy to work with, and her outfit choices were fantastic.

I don’t really get emotional during sessions. I’m in work mode, making sure I capture every important shot. But editing is a different story. That’s when the emotions hit me. As I worked through her gallery, I felt fine until I got to the photos of her with the book. Something about those images brought all the feelings rushing in. Probably because I’m also a book nerd.

This session was a beautiful reminder of why I love what I do. Watching her grow up through my lens has been an honor.



Thank you so much for letting me capture this special moment! If you’re interested in booking a session or have any questions, feel free to reach out. I’d love to hear from you! Don’t forget to follow me on Instagram @crystalfreemonphotography and on Facebook to see more of my wrk and stay updated on upcoming sessions and promotions.

Navigating the Chaos: A Day in the Life of an Extended Family Photoshoot

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This week, I had the pleasure of embarking on a whirlwind adventure at Yanahali Park in Columbia, TN, capturing the beautiful chaos of an extended family session. As always, it was a rollercoaster ride of laughter, love, and a whole lot of photos.

When it comes to photographing large groups, having a solid structure in place is key to ensuring we capture all the essential photo combinations. But let’s be real – with kids running around and grandparents trying to corral them, sticking to a rigid plan isn’t always feasible. That’s why I like to approach these sessions with a loose plan, ready to improvise and adapt at a moment’s notice.

So, how do I tackle the madness? Well, it all starts with the grand finale – the big group photo. Wrangling everyone into position and getting them to smile simultaneously is no small feat, but hey, I love a good challenge!

Next up, it’s all about the grandkids. I mean, who can resist those adorable little faces? I aim to capture the sweet bond between grandparents and grandkids, freezing those precious moments in time for generations to come.

And then there’s the individual family shots. From the rowdy toddlers to the camera-shy teenagers, each family brings its own unique energy to the table. I always start with the family that’s likely to be the trickiest to photograph – usually the one with the two-year-old tornado in tow. You know they are my favorite, but also the most likely to take some extra time.

As I work my way through the session, I keep my eyes peeled for those spontaneous moments that truly capture the essence of the family. Whether it’s a sibling group hug or a playful exchange between generations, these candid shots often end up being the real gems of the day.

Of course, no extended family session would be complete without a few snaps of the “original family” – the adult children with their parents. It’s a beautiful reminder of the ties that bind us together, across generations and miles.

And finally, as the session draws to a close, I aim for one last group photo. By this point, everyone is usually feeling more relaxed and at ease, resulting in some of the most genuine smiles of the day. It’s the perfect way to wrap up an incredible session and send everyone home with memories to cherish forever.

But remember, this is just a loose plan. I’m constantly adapting and adjusting on the fly, allowing for breaks, wardrobe changes after the baby spits up, etc. . After all, photography isn’t just about capturing poses – it’s about capturing moments, emotions, and memories that will last a lifetime.

So, there you have it – a day in the life of an extended family photoshoot. It’s chaotic, it’s unpredictable, but above all, it’s filled with love and laughter. And honestly, I wouldn’t have it any other way.

Family Portraits in Columbia TN

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Two brothers hugging at family portrait session in Columbia TN

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 Columbia Tennessee

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Family portrait session in Columbia TN

These sweet girls were the best. We had so much fun at their family photo session in Columbia. Yanahli Park has become one of my favorite locations for portrait sessions. There is a field there where the sun sets in just the right 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 book a session from my online calendar. I would love it if you considered following me on Facebook and/or Instagram.

Family Photography with a touch of Chaos

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Family of Five Portraits at Yanhali Park

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

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

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

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

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

Family of Five Portraits at Yanhali Park

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

Family Portrait Session in Columbia, TN

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Outdoor Family Session at Yanahli Park

I was very excited to find a new portrait session location. I’ve been hiking a lot recently and using the app AllTrails to find spots to go. Somehow I had never heard of Yanahli Park in Columbia, even though it’s only about 20 minutes away from my house. My husband and I checked it out for a hike and I thought it would be perfect for portrait sessions.

Nicole is one of my long-time favorite clients and always up for trying something new, so they were a great first family to photograph at the park. The spot worked great. The only problem is that there were SO MANY MOSQUITOS. I can’t even explain how bad it was. The kids were champs in dealing with it though, so we made it through and they look beautiful.

I always love the clothes choices that Nicole makes and this time was no different. Those colors are absolutely gorgeous!

You guys please let me know if there are other fun spots I’m missing out on!

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.