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!

Downtown Franklin Senior Session: Timing is Everything

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]

Senior Session at Fall Creek Falls

Fall Creek Falls Senior Guy Portrait Session with Crystal Freemon Photography

This session was a special one—this senior is the son of one of my best friends from college, and we met up at Fall Creek Falls for his photos, just like we did for his older sister’s session. I love this location and wish it were closer because it has so much variety to work with.

We spent more time on this session than I usually do, just roaming around and hanging out, which made for a really fun, relaxed shoot. We started earlier in the day than I normally would, so I got to play around with harsher light more than usual. While I still love the soft glow of golden hour, it was fun experimenting outside my comfort zone. The biggest challenge was avoiding squinting in the bright sun, but honestly, the sunglasses he brought made it work—and they looked really cool, too.

There were moments in this session where he had such a ‘70s vibe, which I loved. Whether it was the lighting, the setting, or just his overall look, it really worked, and I’m so happy with how these turned out.

Fall Creek Falls is always a dream location, and it was great getting to explore it again for this session. If only it were a little closer!

A Winter Senior Session in Downtown Franklin

Downtown Franklin TN Senior Portrait Session

Even though it was a chilly day in downtown Franklin, this senior brought all the warmth and style to her session! She was such a champ, never letting the cold dampen her spirit. I couldn’t get enough of the gorgeous coat and shoes she borrowed from her mom—they added such a cool vibe to the whole look. Sometimes the best pieces come straight from your mom’s closet, right?

One of my favorite parts of this session was how personal it felt. She brought along her clarinet and the coolest clarinet case decked out with stickers, making her photos truly her own. We even popped into Shuff’s Music, where she had taken lessons, for a few special shots. It was such a fun full-circle moment, and I love when seniors incorporate meaningful details like this into their sessions.

✨ Senior Mini Sessions Are Here! ✨


If you’re a senior (or the parent of one) and haven’t had a chance to book a full session, these upcoming senior mini sessions are the perfect opportunity! They’re also great if you just want a few updated photos—you don’t have to wait until you’ve made your college decision to capture this milestone.

Spots are limited, so if you’ve been on the fence, now’s the time to grab your session! Reach out today, and let’s create something beautiful. 💕

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 – 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. I’d greatly appreciate it if you considered joining my journey on Facebook and/or Instagram.

Family Portrait Session at Montgomery Bell State Park

Crystal Freemon Photography Family Portrait Session at Montgomery Bell State Park

Family Portrait sessions like this one at Montgomery Bell State Park are my happy place. I love it when the babies are old enough to walk and talk and giggle and explore their surroundings. But also they are young enough to be their true authentic selves without worrying about what the look like in photos. This is why toddlers and preschoolers will always be my favorite age to photograph. (Though it’s also still fun to photograph Seniors, who allow for a different kind of creativity since they will do exactly what I tell them to do.)

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.

Fun Teen Photo Session in Downtown Columbia

Teen Photo Session in Downtown Columbia

OK I know I’ve chosen too many preview pictures for this fun teen photo session in Downtown Columbia. Narrowing down my selection is never something I excel at and it’s even worse when it’s for the child of one of my best friends who I’ve known for most of their life.

I’ve found that parents typically have a big gap in photos of their kids when it comes to the teen years. We take lots of photos of our little ones, but it gets so much harder as they age. For one thing, teens can be very reluctant to let their parents take everyday pictures of them. But here is a secret: getting dressed up and having a professional photographer take photos of you and your friends is much more enticing than letting mom and dad do it.

(Full disclosure: My own teens usually do NOT want me to take their photos, but I’ve never had any trouble with other people’s teens. Go figure.)

I am so pleased with how these turned out. Michelle suggested the session as a way to celebrate Sam’s 15th birthday. Sam was given the freedom to decide what to wear and what friends to include in the session. I love photographing friendships at any age and loved watching the group interact with each other. We really had a great time roaming around Downtown Columbia. I hope Sam loves the photos as much as I do.

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.