downtown Franklin TN Archives - Crystal Freemon Photography

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]

As a portrait photographer in Tennessee, I’ve learned to embrace the unexpected – especially when it comes to weather!

Adapting to Weather Challenges

The forecast called for rain on our scheduled session day. And like many of my seniors, this young man’s calendar was packed with sports, academics, and other activities that made rescheduling difficult. After discussing options with his mom, we decided to try our best to stick with our Sunday appointment.

Rather than cancel, we adjusted. His mom suggested meeting earlier at 1:30 PM to try to beat the incoming storm – and she absolutely nailed it! We completed a full, wonderful session, and it actually started pouring on my drive home.

The Silver Lining of Overcast Skies

Here’s a little photography secret: while I typically avoid early afternoon sessions because of harsh sunlight, cloudy days completely change the game. Overcast skies create a natural softbox effect that gives us:

Even, flattering light without harsh shadows
Vibrant colors that pop
The freedom to shoot in locations that would normally be challenging in direct sunlight
No squinting in bright sunlight!

What to Consider When Rain Threatens Your Session

If you’re scheduled for a portrait session and rain is in the forecast, here’s how we can handle it:

Option 1: Reschedule in advance – If your schedule allows and the forecast is certain, we can reschedule a day or two ahead of time. I’m always flexible with this option.

Option 2: Embrace the moment – If you prefer to wait and see how the weather develops, we can make a game-time decision. Sometimes, like with this session, we find perfect windows of opportunity! And if it starts sprinkling lightly? I’ve been known to pull out a clear umbrella, which not only keeps you dry but also makes for some creative and unique portraits.

Every client has different preferences when it comes to weather decisions, and I’m happy to work with whatever approach makes you most comfortable. What matters most is capturing this special milestone in your life – rain or shine!

Looking to book your own senior portrait session? Contact me to discuss your vision – and don’t worry too much about the weather forecast. As this handsome senior’s session proves, we’ll make it work beautifully!