Tag: fall

Capturing Timeless Bonds: The Value of Family Photography Beyond Childhood

Posted in Family, Portrait Sessions, Sarah Benson Park, (formerly known as Thompson's Station Park), Seniors & TeensTagged , , , , , , , , Leave a comment
Family of four with grown children photo session at Sarah Benson Park

Today, I want to chat about something that might resonate with many of us—family photos. We often associate these snapshots of love, laughter, and chaos with the early years of parenting, but let’s flip the lens and focus on why family photos remain crucial even when your kids are all grown up or nearly there.

  1. Time Flies Faster Than We Realize: It feels like just yesterday we were chasing after our little ones with a camera, capturing every milestone. Now, those tiny feet have grown into bigger shoes, and life seems to be on a fast track. Family photos serve as cherished bookmarks, freezing a moment in the whirlwind of time.
  2. Documenting Evolution and Growth: As our children transition from adolescence to adulthood, they evolve—physically, emotionally, and spiritually. Family photos at this stage capture these transformations, providing a visual timeline of growth, maturity, and the unique journey each family member undertakes.
  3. Celebrating New Chapters: Family dynamics shift as kids grow older. They move out, start their careers, or explore new paths. Gathering for family photos becomes an occasion to celebrate these new chapters, reconnecting and solidifying the bond that remains despite life’s changes.
  4. Creating Priceless Memories: The laughter shared during a family photoshoot, the inside jokes that resurface, the bittersweet nostalgia—these are the intangible treasures encapsulated within a single frame. They remind us of the love and unity that define our family.
  5. Preserving a Legacy: Family photos are a visual legacy. They serve as a testament to the relationships, values, and connections shared between generations. They become a treasure trove for future generations to understand their roots and the essence of family ties.

So, to all the parents out there whose kids are growing up way too fast—don’t let the notion of “grown-up” kids deter you from scheduling that family photoshoot. Embrace this new phase of life and capture the beauty of evolving relationships. These photos will be the heartwarming reminders of the journey you’ve shared and the journey that lies ahead.

Remember, it’s not about the perfect poses or matching outfits. It’s about capturing the authenticity and love that bind your family together—a timeless narrative frozen in a single click.

Capturing the Essence of Fall: A Senior Session Amid Vibrant Colors

Posted in Marcella Vivrette Smith Park, Portrait Sessions, Seniors & TeensTagged , , , , , , , Leave a comment
Fall Senior Portrait Session in Brentwood TN with Crystal Freemon Photography

This determined senior aimed to capture the essence of fall in her senior photos. After a previous booking fell through, I was fortunate to accommodate her as one of my last sessions for the season. Worried about missing fall colors, she was pleasantly surprised by the vibrant scenes at Marcella Vivrette Smith Park.

While any time of the year is ideal for creating beautiful memories, those desiring the stunning autumn palette should be mindful of nature’s unpredictability.

Clients often ask about the best window for fall colors. While I can’t guarantee exact outcomes due to nature’s whims, I’ve found the last week of October and the first or second weekend of November to be optimal, aligning with the peak of fall colors in Middle Tennessee. Contrary to common belief, our best colors arrive later than expected, differing from regions up north or in the mountains of East Tennessee, where fall colors peak earlier in October.

As this is the most sought-after time for photos, my schedule fills up quickly during the summer. If fall color is important to you, don’t wait until the last minute to book. For other seasons, I offer more flexibility for dates, so consider the option of a beautiful winter or spring session.

This delightful session captures the beautiful fall vibes, and I’m thrilled the senior achieved the session she envisioned.

As the holiday season approaches, I want to let you know that I still have ONE MORE opening for my Santa Mini Sessions on November 19th. It’s the perfect opportunity to capture some magical moments with Nashville Santa, and the photos are perfect for Holiday Cards.

A Downtown Columbia Senior Girl Portrait Session

Posted in Downtown Columbia, Portrait Sessions, Seniors & TeensTagged , , , Leave a comment
Senior girl portrait session in downtown Columbia with Crystal Freemon Photography

In the heart of downtown Columbia, I recently had the pleasure of photographing a senior girl whom I’ve known since she was about three years old. When I look at her now, it’s hard not to picture that sweet preschooler on the soccer field. It’s truly a joy to be able to capture this time for her and her family.

One aspect I’ve always cherished about senior sessions is the chance to connect with these young minds, full of dreams and aspirations. It used to be my routine to ask about their plans for the future, a conversation starter that often led to exciting discussions about college, careers, and the adventures awaiting them.

However, life has a way of shifting perspectives, and as a senior parent myself now, I’ve come to realize the immense pressure our youth face in making these decisions. The stress of choosing the right path can be overwhelming, and it’s something I no longer casually inquire about.

Navigating the future can be daunting. There’s no one-size-fits-all answer or perfect path. To the seniors I once asked about future plans, I now understand the immense pressure and apologize for being yet another adult expecting you to have all the answers.

Standing on the brink of a new chapter, I hope they are able to take a moment, breathe, and appreciate the journey. That is easier said than done, I know. I wish I could ease the stress and assure them they’ll be alright. There’s no single best path, college, or career choice. It’s essential to keep in mind that the journey may not be linear, and it’s okay not to have everything figured out.

Senior girl portrait session in downtown Columbia with Crystal Freemon Photography

As the holiday season approaches, I want to let you know that I still have ONE MORE opening for my Santa Mini Sessions on November 19th. It’s the perfect opportunity to capture some magical moments with Nashville Santa, and the photos are perfect for Holiday Cards.

The Impact of Weather-Appropriate Attire on Your Photo Session

Posted in Family, Newborns & Babies, Portrait SessionsTagged , , , , , , , , Leave a comment
Sarah Benson Park photography session with Crystal Freemon Photography

When it comes to a successful photo session, one of the key factors to consider is wearing weather-appropriate clothing. In Middle Tennessee, we’re accustomed to the ever-unpredictable weather patterns, which is why I always advise my clients to remain flexible and prepared for whatever nature may throw our way (within reason, of course – if it’s too cold and rainy, rescheduling is a perfectly reasonable option).

This week, we’ve experienced an unexpected twist in the weather – unseasonably warm days for Fall photo shoots in November. While it’s not what anyone anticipated, I much prefer it to uncomfortably cold weather, or rain. I want to highlight a fantastic example of flexibility from one of my recent sessions.

The mom had initially planned for her baby to wear a cozy sweater outfit with pants. However, with the sudden shift to warmer weather, she made a last-minute change, opting for attire more suitable for the conditions, ensuring her baby’s comfort.

Having a relaxed and comfortable family is essential to a successful photo session. What that comfort looks like can vary greatly, even within the same season. In early November, it might mean shedding layers in 80-degree weather, but the following week, hats and mittens might become our new best friends.

Capturing Genuine Moments: The Value of Full Portrait Sessions

Posted in Family, Little Kids, Newborns & Babies, Portrait Sessions, Sarah Benson Park, (formerly known as Thompson's Station Park)Tagged , , , , , , , , , , Leave a comment
Crystal Freemon Photography Fall Portrait Session with a family of five

This wonderful family initially considered booking a mini-session this year but opted for a full portrait session instead. I couldn’t be happier with their choice. It allowed us to spend more time together, which is something I truly cherish, especially when working with little clients.

In many cases, some of my favorite shots come toward the end of the session. At the outset, families often arrive with a sense of, “We’re here for photos, so let’s smile and pose.” But as we progress, my aim is to create an atmosphere where they’re there to have fun, connect, and express their love for one another, all while I capture those genuine moments.

One of the risks with mini-sessions, particularly with little ones, is that due to their back-to-back scheduling, there’s minimal flexibility when it comes to time. If it’s your allotted slot and a child is feeling cranky, shy, or experiencing a totally age-appropriate meltdown, there’s very little room to let them reset or warm up.

Full sessions, on the other hand, provide ample time to accommodate the natural shifts in a child’s mood or disposition, ensuring a more relaxed and enjoyable experience for everyone involved.

As the holiday season approaches, I want to let you know that I still have ONE MORE opening for my Santa Mini Sessions on November 19th. It’s the perfect opportunity to capture some magical moments with Nashville Santa, and the photos are perfect for Holiday Cards.

Capturing beautiful families year after year

Posted in Family, Marcella Vivrette Smith Park, Portrait SessionsTagged , , , , , , , , Leave a comment
Fall Family portrait session with Crystal Freemon Photography

Since 2016, this wonderful family has graced my lens, bringing their laughter, love, and beautiful energy to my autumn photo sessions. It’s sessions like these that remind me why I fell in love with family photography in the first place.

From the days when these two were mere toddlers, their curiosity and wild spirit have embodied what I love about photographing children. Now, as they are not little kids anymore, I’m reminded of how quickly time passes.

Through every session, I’ve been privileged to document their journey, and I’ve cherished every moment of it. The trust my clients place in me is truly special, and I feel incredibly fortunate to watch each of your families grow.

As the holiday season approaches, I want to let you know that I still have ONE MORE opening for my Santa Mini Sessions on November 19th. It’s the perfect opportunity to capture some magical moments with Nashville Santa, and the photos are perfect for Holiday Cards.

Capturing Autumn Magic: A Glimpse into My Fall Mini Sessions

Posted in Family, Little Kids, Newborns & Babies, Portrait Sessions, Sarah Benson Park, (formerly known as Thompson's Station Park)Tagged , , , , , , Leave a comment
Fall Mini Sessions at Sarah Benson Park in Thompson Station with Crystal Freemon Photography

I hope you’re as excited about autumn as I am. The fall season is like a breath of fresh, crisp air, filled with warm colors and cozy vibes. 🍂

Now, if you’ve been following my photography journey, you might know that I’m all about capturing those candid moments, the real emotions, and the true essence of each family I work with. Mini sessions have never been my go-to, but sometimes, they’re exactly what a family needs. This time around, I had the pleasure of capturing some beautiful moments with four fantastic families.

Three of them were familiar faces, and I couldn’t be more grateful for their continued trust in my work. It’s always a pleasure to see how the little ones have grown and to catch up with the parents. Plus, working with families I know well always makes the sessions feel effortless, natural, and fun.

One of the families was brand new to me, and I must say, I was thrilled with how well everything turned out. Their little one was an absolute sweetheart and definitely a breeze to work with. It’s a testament to the magic that can happen when the right elements come together – an easygoing baby, fantastic outfits that suit the season, and of course, the picture-perfect autumn backdrop.

Speaking of that backdrop, there’s something truly special about the way the trees transform during fall. Just like I keep an eye on the sun for the best lighting, I’ve also got a pretty good handle on when our area’s foliage is at its most stunning. And let me tell you, it doesn’t last nearly as long as I’d like! The vibrant, fiery colors are such a delight to work with, and the fall season is, without a doubt, my absolute favorite time of the year.

I’m all about capturing the unique beauty and warmth that each family brings to the frame. My approach has always been to create a relaxed and enjoyable experience for everyone.

I hope you enjoy these snapshots of my fall mini-sessions as much as I did taking them. And remember, whether it’s a mini session or a more extended family shoot, I’m here to create beautiful memories for you. 📷🍁

Fall Mini Sessions at Sarah Benson Park in Thompson Station with Crystal Freemon Photography

Fall Mini Sessions have come to an end. 🍂 But the excitement doesn’t stop there!

As the holiday season approaches, I want to let you know that I still have a few openings for my Santa Mini Sessions on November 19th. It’s the perfect opportunity to capture some magical moments with Nashville Santa, and the photos are perfect for Holiday Cards. Whether it’s your first time in front of my lens or you’re one of my fantastic returning families, I can’t wait to create some enchanting memories with you. 🎅📷

Fall Family Photo Sessions: Embracing Jewel Tones and Textures

Posted in UncategorizedTagged , , , , , , Leave a comment
Family portrait session in Columbia TN with gorgeous fall colors. Crystal Freemon Photography

Fall is a magical season, filled with vibrant colors and a crisp, refreshing air that makes it the perfect time for family photo sessions. While the backdrop of nature’s beauty is set, choosing the right clothing can be an essential aspect of capturing stunning and memorable portraits. In this blog post, we’ll explore the delightful world of rich jewel-toned colors and how they can transform your fall family photos.

1. Jewel Tones: A Symphony of Elegance

Gone are the days of everyone wearing matching outfits in family photos. A more modern and visually appealing approach is to have each family member wear a different rich jewel-toned color. Consider deep wine red, royal blue, emerald green, and other luxurious hues. These colors bring an immediate touch of elegance to your photos and create a vibrant, yet harmonious, composition. The play of distinct colors can reflect your family’s unique personalities and dynamics.

2. Coordination Over Matching

To achieve a coordinated look without looking too uniform, it’s helpful to establish a color palette in advance. Discuss and choose a range of complementary jewel tones that everyone will incorporate into their outfits. By sticking to this color scheme, you’ll create a harmonious look without the need for identical ensembles. This approach adds depth and individuality to your family portraits.

3. Texture and Layers: Adding Dimension

Fall is all about cozy comfort, and this can be translated into your wardrobe choices. Incorporating different textures in clothing adds visual interest to your photos. Sweaters, scarves, and cardigans can provide that much-needed texture and warmth. The interplay of different fabrics against the backdrop of autumn’s natural textures, such as falling leaves and bark, creates a visually appealing contrast.

4. Accessories: The Final Flourish

Don’t forget about the little details that can make a big difference. Statement jewelry, cozy hats, and scarves can elevate your family’s look. These accessories can add individuality and create focal points within the composition.

5. Express Yourself

Lastly, it’s essential to be comfortable and feel like yourself during the photo session. Clothing choices should reflect your family’s unique style and personalities. When everyone feels good in their chosen outfits, it shines through in the photos.

In conclusion, fall family photo sessions are a perfect opportunity to capture the beauty of the season alongside your loved ones. By embracing rich jewel-toned colors, choosing coordination over matching, adding texture and layers, and incorporating accessories, you can create memorable and visually striking family portraits. Remember to select your clothing with intention, ensuring that it represents your family’s authentic spirit while adding a touch of elegance to your photos.

Family portrait session in Columbia TN with gorgeous fall colors. Crystal Freemon Photography

Senior Girl Photo Session at South 40 Farm

Posted in Portrait Sessions, Seniors & Teens, South 40 FarmTagged , , , , , , , Leave a comment
Senior Portrait Session at South 40 Farm by Crystal Freemon Photography

I’m getting a little teary-eyed with this one.

This beautiful family was one of my very first supporters in my foray into photography. They were my subjects when I had zero idea what I was doing, but just knew that I enjoyed capturing families in photos and wanted to learn more.

I found this photo from 11 years ago. It was taken when I was the MOMS club amateur photographer and we used to joke about how I would someday shoot senior photos for these kids…and that felt like a million years away.

But that million years went by SO QUICKLY. And now here we are. I have to figure out when to shoot photos of my own senior.

I had been eyeing South 40 Farm for quite some time as a location for sessions but had never been. But when I found out what this Senior was looking for in her photos, I knew it would be a great fit. Plus, it’s so much better for me to shoot at a brand new location with a family I’ve known forever, and who trusts me to recommend a session without having seen photos of other sessions there.

Now I wish I had gone earlier, because I’m in love with this location. I didn’t even get to all the spots I wanted to shoot.

Are you 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 of Five Photos in Franklin TN

Posted in Eastern Flank Battlefield Park, Family, Portrait SessionsTagged , , , , , , , , Leave a comment
Family of 5 photo session in Franklin TN

I’m getting to that part in the annual portrait photography busy season where my neck is stiff from editing and I’ve run out of words. It inevitably happens every year. But I’m never lacking in images.

I loved hanging with this beautiful family. These sweet sisters were so much fun to photograph. The sunset and the giggles were my happy place.

Are you 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 Pics at Bowie Nature Preserve

Posted in Bowie Nature Preserve, Family, Little Kids, Portrait SessionsTagged , , , , , , , , Leave a comment
Family portrait session at Bowie Nature preserve in Fairvview TN

I love seeing families year after year at their annual photo sessions, and these sweet kids are some of my favorites. It was a gorgeous morning at Bowie Nature Preserve in Fairview, and it felt like the kickoff to Fall Portrait Season.

Most weekend spots are gone but I still have some open slots for my Fall Mini Sessions and Santa Minis. There are also some weekday fall sessions left. Don’t wait to book!

🍁 I will be shooting Fall Mini Sessions on October 29th. These are best for smaller families with older kids. If you have toddlers or a large family, I highly recommend a full session. The rain date for the mini-sessions is November 9. If interested, book your spot quickly as these will sell out. 

🎅 I am also doing Santa Minis with Nashville Santa on November 19. These will also sell out, so don’t wait to book.

Family portrait session at Bowie Nature preserve in Fairvview TN

Are you 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.

Extended Family Session – Identifying Priorities

Posted in Family, Little Kids, Sarah Benson Park, (formerly known as Thompson's Station Park)Tagged , , , , , , , , , Leave a comment
Extended family session with Grandparents at Sarah Benson Park

I have a love/hate relationship with extended family sessions. I love being able to capture the love and joy in big family groups. I think it is a fantastic idea to capture all of these beautiful relationships. I especially love photographing grandparents with their grandbabies.

What I do not like is that there is never enough time to do what I want. I carry around a list in my head of all the shots I want to try to get at a family portrait session. This includes things like family standing looking at the camera, family standing hugging, family sitting, individuals of each child looking at the camera, candids of each child, siblings, etc. For a typical family session with 2 or 3 children, there is generally time to get all of those photos and have some time to relax and capture candid fun shots.

But when you bring in a large group with multiple individual families, I’ve learned that prioritization is the key. So on my session intake questions, I ask that clients booking a session for a large group let me know what they most want out of a session. That helps me understand what photographs to focus on because we just can’t normally get to everything I’d love to include. And it’s generally not a matter of just extending the session time, particularly if there are small children (and Dads). I find that people generally lose focus after about an hour so making session times longer doesn’t always help.

Prioritization was definitely important for this session. Even though all five children were under five years old, these kids did an amazing job and were such troopers. But it was so cold. The day before had been in the 70s, but that’s Tennessee weather for you. Rescheduling wasn’t an option because one of the families was visiting from out of town. We ended up having to hurry through and finish earlier than normal because it was so uncomfortable. But thankfully we had already discussed what the priorities were.

For this session, the most important thing the family wanted was a large group shot with everyone. Secondly, they wanted to focus on the grandchildren together with their grandparents. After that, I was able to get some other photos before everyone became too cold to continue. I am really glad I knew ahead of time what was most important to them. So if you are booking a photo session with lots of people, it’s a good idea to be clear about what you want most out of the session.

These beautiful children had me smiling the moment they got out of the car. I am so happy I got to capture this big, beautiful family.

Extended family session with Grandparents at Sarah Benson 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 book a session from my online calendar. I would love it if you considered following me on Facebook and/or Instagram.

Senior Photo Session at Henry Horton

Posted in Seniors & TeensTagged , , , , , , , , , , , Leave a comment
Middle Tennessee Senior Photographer at Henry Horton State Park

I loved shooting this Senior Portrait Session. The lovely young woman is the daughter of an old friend, and it was great to catch up with them both.

I also love that she chose Henry Horton Park for her location. I think Henry Horton is an excellent spot for photos in general. She chose the spot because she hikes here frequently. I always love it when seniors select a location that is meaningful to them.

One of the most important things to me is that my clients see themselves in their photos. From location to wardrobe, I want your portrait session to feel authentic.

I recently had a family with young children who told me that they aren’t “outdoorsy” in the least. I don’t normally do urban sessions with my littlest clients because they generally like wide-open spaces to roam around. But for this family, that didn’t feel authentic. So we did a session in downtown Columbia and it turned out great.

Sometimes I have clients who feel they need to dress a certain way because that’s what they see on Pinterest or whatever. I give clients some guidelines about choosing a wardrobe, but my number one rule is that you be yourself. If you hate dresses, why would you wear one for your photo session? But if you never get to wear dresses but they make you feel fabulous, then let’s do that.

Every one of my clients is beautiful and unique. I hope to create a space where they are able to be themselves so I can capture that.

Middle Tennessee Senior Photographer at Henry Horton State 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 book a session from my online calendar. I would love it if you considered following me on Facebook and/or Instagram.

Fall Family Photo Session in Spring Hill TN

Posted in Family, Sarah Benson Park, (formerly known as Thompson's Station Park)Tagged , , , , , , , , Leave a comment
Spring Hill TN Fall Family Portraits

I’m sure you all know by now that Fall is my favorite season. How could it not be? I love the gorgeous fall color, the pleasant temperature, and meeting lovely families for their fall portrait sessions.

One thing I wanted to note about this family portrait session was the playground photos. Sometimes I shoot at local parks that also have playgrounds. For some little ones, this can be a problem because they immediately want to go to the playground instead of doing photos. This is especially true if the park is somewhere they already frequent and if the kids are quite young. It’s just too much for them to understand we have to do photos before playtime. In those cases, I’ve had parents decide that a location without a playground is better for their session.

But if the children are a little older, like these cuties in this family session, it can work out quite well. Little brother saw the playground and wanted to go. I told him if he managed to give me some time to focus on photos first, we could all go to the playground together. I happen to love playground photos. They are a fun way to get candid photos of kids in their own element. So if we are able to use it as an incentive, then I’m all for it.

The swings are my favorite. Is there anything that symbolizes the carfree wonder of childhood like a swing?

Spring Hill TN Fall Family Portraits

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.

Senior Girl Photo Session in Franklin TN

Posted in Seniors & TeensTagged , , , , , , , Leave a comment
Senior Portraits in Franklin TN

It is always such a joy to spend time with these seniors and get to know them at their portrait sessions. It’s such a special (though stressful) time in their lives. To me, a Senior Portrait session is a time to take a moment to a deep breath and appreciate this time.

This young woman was a joy to photograph. And I just love the variety this location provided us. (Note: In case you recognize this location, it is not available for portrait sessions normally but is the property of family members of this client.)

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.

Fall Family Portrait Session in Nashville

Posted in Family, Little KidsTagged , , , , , , Leave a comment
Nashville Family Fall Portrait Session

One of my favorite things about my job is being able to see repeat clients at their family portrait sessions each year. They say that childhood goes by in the blink of an eye. That truth is especially apparent when you only see them once or twice a year.

These are two of my favorite little ones that I’ve been photographing for several years now. I love photographing all ages of children, but this session hits my sweet spot. My absolute favorite time to photograph children is between 2 and 4, and both of these cuties meet that criteria. There is just so much wonder in kids that age that particularly inspires me. They are true to themselves, always live in the moment, and are in awe of the world around them. Would it be weird to say that I want to be a two-year-old when I grow up?

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.

Senior Guy Session in Spring Hill, TN

Posted in Sarah Benson Park, (formerly known as Thompson's Station Park), Seniors & TeensTagged , , , , , Leave a comment

This is probably too many photos for a sneak peek, but I can’t help it. I have decision fatigue and also I just love this Senior Portrait Session. Everything was perfect…the weather, the leaves, and the subject.

I wish every day could be late October in Middle Tennessee.

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.

Senior Guy Session at Marcella Vivrette Smith Park

Posted in Marcella Vivrette Smith Park, Portrait Sessions, Seniors & TeensTagged , , , , , Leave a comment
Senior guy photo session in Franklin TN

It was a gorgeous evening at Marcella Vivrette Smith Park in Franklin for this senior portrait session. And we were able to include a few shots of the family dog. In case you are wondering, I’m always happy to include fur babies in a portrait session, assuming our location is pet friendly (and most are).

I just love the wardrobe choices for this selection. Notice he’s wearing the same jeans throughout, but a few top and jacket changes gave so much variety. I love the colors and textures.

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 Franklin, TN

Posted in Family, Little Kids, Marcella Vivrette Smith Park, Portrait SessionsTagged , , , , , , Leave a comment
Family of 3 Portrait Session in Franklin TN

It was so much fun getting to know this sweet girl and her parents at this family portrait session at Marcella Vivrette Smith Park in Franklin. I could have just hung out with her all day long.

Family of 3 Portrait Session in Franklin 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.

Large Family Photo Session at Marcella Vivrette Park

Posted in Big Kids, Family, Marcella Vivrette Smith Park, Portrait SessionsTagged , , , , , , , , Leave a comment
Cousins at a large family photo session at Marcella Vivrette Park

I’m going to tell y’all a little secret. I don’t usually love large family sessions. Don’t get me wrong – I LOVE that clients want to do them. I think it’s so great to capture that beautiful relationship with extended family. Getting grandparents, cousins, aunts, and uncles together for photos is a great idea.

It’s just that having SO many people at a session can make it hard to do what I really love, which is to capture candid moments of connection. Sometimes, just capturing the more posed large group photo along with every combination of smaller families within the larger family can be pretty stressful.

I know what you are thinking – just make the sessions longer. I could, but I find that going much more than an hour has diminishing returns. That’s about the optimal time to keep the kids (and adults) engaged and focused. But also, sometimes it takes clients a while to warm up and become relaxed. This is fine when I’m photographing a family of four, for example. I tend to like the photos at the end the most, once the kids have gotten used to me. At a large family session, there isn’t much time to waste in “warming up.”

But I’ve been photographing this family for several years now, and they are like magic. Somehow, even with so many kids, they make it easy. They are used to me and my style by now, which helps (but also were a great fit, to begin with). I’m always super impressed with their clothing and accessory collection (isn’t this pop of animal print amazing?).

But mostly, I think it’s just that they have fun and I have fun with them. They make me love large family sessions.

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.