dramatic lighting Archives - Crystal Freemon Photography

Colorful Senior Session at South 40 Farm | Nashville Senior Photographer

October 14, 2025October 14, 2025Posted in Seniors & Teens, South 40 FarmTagged dramatic lighting, fall senior photos, Nashville senior photographer, Senior Photography, Senior Portraits, senior session tips, South 40 Farm, Tennessee senior photographer, vintage senior photosLeave a comment

Colorful Senior Session at South 40 Farm in Franklin TN

When this senior booked her session at South 40 Farm, I wasn’t entirely sure if the flowers would still be in bloom this late in the season. But when we arrived, the cosmos were absolutely gorgeous—one of those happy surprises that makes a session feel even more special.

And can we talk about her colorful hair? It was honestly perfect against every single backdrop we used. The vibrant teal popped beautifully against the pink and white flowers, created this amazing contrast with the rusty vintage cars, and looked incredible next to the weathered gas pump. Sometimes everything just clicks together exactly right, and this was definitely one of those sessions.

One thing I’ve been working on lately is pushing myself out of my comfort zone with lighting. For years, I avoided harsh light completely—I’d always look for soft, diffused light and plan sessions around that golden hour glow. But recently, I’ve been experimenting with more dramatic lighting, and I’m loving what it adds to senior sessions especially.

The photos by the camper are a perfect example. When we first walked over there, my instinct was to skip it because the light was pretty harsh. The same thing happened at the gas pump—the first time we shot there, the sun was still high and creating strong shadows. In the past, I would have waited or moved on entirely. But we went for it anyway, and those dramatic shots ended up being some of my absolute favorites from the session. We did come back to the gas pump later for some softer light as well, and both versions are beautiful in completely different ways.

I’m not saying harsh light is always the answer—soft, diffused light is definitely easier to work with and best for most situations. But there’s something about those bold, high-contrast images that feels right for a senior session. They have this confident, editorial quality that really showcases personality.

If you’ve been thinking about booking senior photos, I have a few spots open for weekday sessions in November. The catch is that they need to start around 3:30 PM to finish before dark, which can be tricky for most people to get off work. But they’re perfect for seniors who can leave school a bit early. November has some of the best weather of the year, and because weekday sessions are harder for families, these spots tend to stay open longer. So if you’re a senior needing photos—or know someone who is—please share! These really are ideal times to shoot.

Stunning Senior Portraits at South 40 in Franklin, TN

September 22, 2025September 22, 2025Posted in Seniors & Teens, South 40 Farm, UncategorizedTagged dramatic lighting, dramatic skies, Family Photos, field session, flower field photos, Franklin TN photographer, repeat client, rustic senior session, Senior Photography, Senior Portraits, senior session, South 40, storm clouds, vintage car photos, wildflower sessionLeave a comment

Senior pics with Crystal Freemon Photography at South 40 Farm

I am absolutely in love with everything about this senior session at South 40. When this senior reached out wanting something with flowers and fields, she was originally interested in Harlinsdale. But with Pilgrimage festival prep shutting down the park, I suggested a few other options including South 40 – and I’m so glad she chose it because it turned out to be absolutely perfect.

The timing couldn’t have been better. The flowers were in full bloom, and were a perfect fit for what she was looking for. But honestly? I think I loved the tall weeds and grasses even more. There’s something about that natural, untamed look that just speaks to me, especially when the light hits them just right.

I’ll admit I got a little nervous when I spotted some sprinkles on my drive to the farm, and we could see storm clouds building in the distance. But sometimes the best sessions happen when you embrace a little uncertainty. As we were wrapping up, that approaching storm delivered the most incredible dramatic clouds and wind that made her hair dance perfectly against the moody sky.

Her outfit choices were spot-on. That blue dress looked absolutely stunning against the dramatic sky we lucked into, and I loved how the color popped against all the natural tones around us. Her second look with the vintage camper and old car was so perfect– sometimes those rustic elements just complete the whole vibe of a session.

What made this session even more special was getting to work with a family I’d photographed before. I had captured their family photos a few years ago during her older brother’s senior session, and there’s nothing quite like working with clients you genuinely enjoyed the first time around. We even snuck in a few family shots during this session, minus big brother who’s away at college.

If you’re considering South 40 for your senior session, just know there is a location fee of $75 per hour. I typically recommend booking two hours so I have time to scout the light before we start shooting, plus it’s a big farm and we need time to move between all the gorgeous spots. The flowers won’t always be in bloom like they were for us, but honestly, I love this location even when everything isn’t in bloom.

Ready to capture your senior year in a setting that feels authentically you? Let’s chat about creating something beautiful together – whether that’s at South 40 or finding the perfect location that speaks to your style. I’d love to help you tell your story. Book Now.

Senior Session at Centennial High School Baseball Field

August 26, 2025August 26, 2025Posted in Pinkerton Park, Seniors & TeensTagged authentic senior portraits, baseball senior pictures, Centennial High School, dramatic lighting, Franklin Tennessee senior photographer, golden hour photography, Senior Portraits, sports photography, sports senior sessionsLeave a comment

Senior Baseball themed portraits at Centennial High School

I love when seniors want to include something that actually matters to them in their portraits. When I heard that baseball was important for this session, I immediately started thinking about how we could make that work. We began at Pinkerton Park by the river, but I knew the baseball field at Centennial High School would be where we’d get the shots that really mattered.

I’d never photographed at this field before, so I spent some time on Google Earth beforehand to see how the sun would set. I was right about the light being perfect behind the field, which made all that planning worth it.

What excited me about this location was getting to work with harsh light instead of my usual soft, shaded approach. The dugout shots ended up being some of my favorites because of how the late afternoon sun created those dramatic shadow patterns. There’s something about that contrast between bright sunlight and deep shadows that just works with sports photography.

Once the sun started setting, we got some beautiful silhouettes, and I used my flash to add some dramatic lighting. I love how they turned out.

Baseball has clearly been a big part of his story, and being able to capture that in a setting that holds meaning makes these portraits more than just senior pictures. They’re a genuine reflection of this moment in his life.

Ready to create senior portraits that tell your story? Let’s talk about incorporating what matters most to you into your session.

Senior Guy Session: A Football-Themed Shoot

October 23, 2023October 23, 2023Posted in UncategorizedTagged Class of 2024, dramatic lighting, football, Senior Guy, seniors, Spring Hill TN, Summit High School, sunsetLeave a comment

Football themed Senior guy photo session at Summit High School

During a recent senior photo session, I had the pleasure of capturing the essence of a young man whose life revolves around football. This session took us to the heart of his passion – his high school football field.

I typically work with natural light, but this time, we ventured into the locker room and played with dramatic flashes. It was an exciting departure from my usual style, and it added a layer of intensity that perfectly reflected his dedication to the sport. It was a fun departure from my comfort zone, and the shots turned out to be some of my favorites.

After the locker room, we made our way to the football field, right as the sun was setting. It’s a location I’m quite familiar with because it’s the same school my own kids attend, so I knew that the sun would dip below the horizon just behind the bleachers.

What made this session even more memorable was the inclusion of his family, including their dogs. I often get asked if we can include some family shots in a senior session. I frequently receive requests for family portraits during senior sessions, and I’m always more than willing to accommodate these requests. Plus, it’s worth mentioning that our four-legged friends are always welcome to join in the fun.

If you’re interested in your own unique senior photo session or have a creative idea in mind, I’d love to be part of your story. Get in touch, and let’s capture your story through my lens.