I had the honor of photographing a Gold Hope session at Harlinsdale Farms in Franklin, and from the first few minutes I could tell this family was something special. The energy between these four kids — twins who are ten, a spirited three-year-old, and the sweetest six-month-old — was exactly the kind of beautiful chaos I love to capture.
We kept things simple — one beautiful spot at Harlinsdale with gorgeous evening light doing most of the work. I didn’t need to move this family all over the property to get variety. Connection does that on its own. A family hug that turns into a pile of giggles. A big sister holding her baby brother. Twins whispering secrets. A three-year-old doing three-year-old things. Every combination told a different part of their story.
The editing for this one felt intentional too — I leaned into warm, golden tones throughout the gallery to honor the Gold Hope mission and the golden hour light we were given that evening. It just felt right.
I’m so grateful this family trusted me with these memories. This is the kind of work that fills my cup and reminds me exactly why I picked up a camera in the first place.
The Gold Hope Project provides free portrait sessions for pediatric cancer patients to bring awareness to childhood cancer and provide funding for a cure. You can learn more about Gold Hope at goldhope.org.
Wanna know a secret? I still get nervous before sessions, even after 10 years. I always worry about doing a good job and really want clients to love their images. It’s definitely less so than in the beginning, but I find myself especially nervous before mini sessions.
I’ve made no secret of the fact that I don’t love mini sessions, but I acknowledge they’re a great choice for certain families. I just hate that I’m not able to chat more with clients at a mini—it’s very hurried so there isn’t that same time to leisurely get to know everyone. My favorite photos have always been the more “messy” ones that show emotion. You might think those are easier to get than more posed photos, but I’ve found we’re all preconditioned to pose for photos, so it takes time to get people to relax enough to capture those genuine moments.
Also, I have just never been one for small galleries. I know I over-deliver on the number of photos and I can’t help it. I’m just never going to be the photographer who delivers 5-10 mini session images—it’s just not who I am. I think the biggest problem I have with minis is I’ve never been able to accept that they’re supposed to include fewer photos, less variety, etc. So I get extra nervous going into minis worried if I can still give clients everything I think they deserve in that shorter timeline.
A big part of whether or not I succeed is if the right clients are the ones booking minis. These are not, for example, for the family of five with three children under five. Please don’t do that to me. LOL.
Another reason minis are challenging is that it’s really complicated when the weather doesn’t cooperate. I had set a rain date for this session for Sunday, November 9th. As of early Saturday morning, there was a pretty decent chance we might have been rained out yesterday, but also a pretty good chance the rain would be gone by afternoon. I wasn’t sure what to do because I know it can be really stressful for clients to wait and see what happens with the weather. Some are fine waiting until the last minute, and others really aren’t. I don’t want photos to be a stressful experience, so I gave clients the option to either switch to next week’s rain date or wait it out. One client chose to wait until next week, which I totally understand. The weather turned out to be lovely, but it’s never wrong to make the best decision for your family given the information available.
The great news for anyone who wanted Fall Minis but didn’t get booked in time is that I’m going to open up some last-minute mini spots along with the client who rescheduled for Sunday, November 9th, with the caveat that I don’t have a rain day planned, so if we do get rained out, we’ll have to figure out another option.
Now, let me tell you about these families and why they were perfect choices for a mini session.
The first family was one I photographed several years back—I don’t even remember how long it’s been, but at that time the children were quite young, and we had a lovely full session at Yanahli Park. So they were a perfect fit for minis because we had worked together before and I knew them, but now they were much older so a mini was exactly what they needed.
The second family of five was new to me, but all teenagers, and as mom said, “no one is shy.” They were quick to warm to the camera and easy to photograph. Mom wanted family photos but also wanted some senior shots of the oldest daughter, so I focused on getting more individuals of her than the rest. This can be a good choice for seniors as long as you’re okay with no outfit changes, not choosing your location, and generally having less variety of poses and backdrops. Though I do feel like Sarah Benson allows us to get decent variety all in one little area. I’m pleased with how they turned out and hope mom was able to get everything she wanted.
These photos of the third family might be some of my top favorites of all time, but I feel like it needs a very big disclaimer. I think it’s fair to say that almost no one should bring three dogs to a mini session. 😂 (Though I absolutely welcome all your dogs, cooperative or not, to a full family session. We will make it work…they are family.) That being said, this isn’t a normal family and these dogs are just the most amazing professionals. And I knew that already because I follow them on Instagram. This mom is actually a fellow photographer who I admire and have become colleagues with—we exchange discussions on locations, Lightroom errors, etc. So these children and dogs are literally professional subjects. She also knew exactly what to expect from a mini session. I actually didn’t take any individual photos of the girls because that’s something they already had plenty of. The focus was on family photos with the dogs, because that’s just too darn hard to get with a tripod and timer.
The last family is one of my closest friends, who has two teen boys. So another perfect choice for minis—older kids who know what they’re doing and a mom who gets it.
All of these sessions reminded me why having the right clients for mini sessions makes such a difference. When families understand what minis are about and come prepared, it really can work beautifully.
If you’re interested in those last-minute mini spots for November 9th, message me! Just remember—no rain backup plan, so we’ll be crossing our fingers for good weather.
There’s something so special about photographing a family year after year and watching them grow. This sweet family has become one of my favorites to work with, and I always look forward to our annual sessions together.
In the past, we’ve always done morning sessions, which honestly work beautifully for so many families. While most of my sessions happen during magic hour, I love that mornings are an option too—especially for families with little ones who might be tired and cranky by evening. There’s something to be said for capturing fresh faces and bright smiles when everyone’s still energized from a good night’s sleep.
This year the kids have grown enough that they were ready to try an evening session instead. Percy Warner Park’s Bell Meade steps provided the perfect backdrop, and we spent our time laughing and running up and down those iconic steps.
It was exactly what I want every family session to be—kids having fun and playing while I capture all those authentic moments that happen naturally. The genuine laughter, the spontaneous racing, the way they looked at each other when they thought no one was watching—this is what family photography is all about. Not stiff poses or forced smiles, but real life unfolding in front of my camera.
Are you ready to capture your family’s authentic moments? Whether you’re a morning family or ready to try magic hour, I’d love to create something beautiful together. Let’s chat about what would work best for your crew!
I’ll be the first to admit that I’m not particularly good at the “mini” part of mini sessions. When I look through the images from this early fall session, I realize I took just about as many photos as I would during a full session. But you know what? That’s actually taught me something important about who mini sessions work best for.
This session was a bit of a last-minute addition. My November 2nd mini session date had completely filled up, and when another family reached out really hoping for a mini, I knew I wanted to make it work. The only catch? It was definitely early for peak fall color. But I also knew something else—the way the light filters through the trees at this location has this magical quality that, combined with a little editing warmth, creates that perfect autumn feeling even before the leaves have fully turned.
Here’s what I’ve realized through sessions like this one: 25 minutes is actually plenty of time to capture a full, beautiful gallery—but only for exactly the right family. Families with older children, no toddlers who need extra patience and coaxing, and not too many people wrangling for camera attention. For those families, mini sessions are absolutely perfect. We can move quickly, the kids cooperate beautifully, and everyone leaves happy without the time commitment of a full session.
These two families were exactly that sweet spot. With all teens, we moved through poses efficiently, captured genuine connection and beautiful portraits, and ended up with way more images than a typical mini session delivers. I couldn’t help myself.
If you’re reading this and thinking, “That sounds like my family”—I have great news. A last-minute schedule change just opened up ONE spot for my November 2nd mini sessions. If you act fast, you can still get in for fall mini sessions this year. I also have a few openings left for regular full sessions if you’d prefer more time and an even larger gallery.
Ready to book your fall session? Whether you’re perfect for a quick mini or want the full experience, I’d love to photograph your family this autumn. Head to my contact page or check my scheduling calendar to grab one of these last remaining spots before they’re gone!
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!
When this sweet mama reached out about a session with just her and her baby girl, my heart was so happy. Like most moms, she was always the one behind the camera, capturing countless photos of baby and daddy together, but she had almost none of herself with her little one.
I am so glad she made this decision. These images of just the two of them are pure magic, and I know her baby girl will absolutely cherish having these photos of her mama someday.
It has been crazy hot these past couple of weeks, and I’ve had several summer sessions during this heat wave. But for some reason, this particular evening felt like the absolute hottest. We had originally pondered a different location that would have required more walking around, which would have been a complete mistake in that kind of heat.
This location ended up being absolutely perfect. It provided plenty of beautiful shade, which meant we could start the session earlier than I normally would have for the best light. This was so much better for not interfering with baby girl’s bedtime routine. Plus, it offered several different looks all in one compact area with minimal walking required.
That pretty path with the charming lamp posts is honestly one of my favorite photo spots. It’s a place that holds a lot of good memories for me personally, and it’s just so genuinely beautiful. There’s something about that setting that makes every session there feel special.
This sweet baby girl was absolutely perfect during our time together, and getting to spend those quiet moments capturing the connection between her and her mama was such a gift. These are the kinds of sessions that remind me why I love what I do so much.
There’s still time to get a summer session in before the busy fall season kicks into full gear. And it looks like this heat wave is finally coming to an end, so maybe we’ll be getting some milder weather for the rest of the summer sessions!
You know the feeling. Your toddler takes their first wobbly steps across the living room, and you scramble for your camera. Click, click, click—you’re sure you captured the magic. But when you review the photos later, every single shot is a blurry mess.
Or maybe it’s your 8-year-old’s soccer game. You’re on the sidelines with your camera ready, determined to capture that winning goal. But every action shot looks like a abstract painting of motion blur, and you end up with nothing but disappointment.
If this sounds familiar, you’re not alone. Blurry photos are the #1 frustration I hear from parents trying to document their children’s lives. The good news? It’s not your camera’s fault, and it’s not because you need expensive equipment. Most blurry photos come down to three simple technical issues that are completely fixable once you understand them.
The Real Culprits Behind Blurry Kid Photos
Problem #1: Your Shutter Speed Is Too Slow for the Action (This Is Usually the Culprit!)
What’s happening: Your camera’s shutter is staying open too long, so any movement—from your child or even slight hand shake—gets recorded as blur. This is especially common indoors where your camera automatically slows down the shutter speed to let in more light.
The solution: Use a faster shutter speed. For active kids, you need at least 1/500 of a second, ideally 1/1000 or higher for very fast action like running or jumping.
Think of shutter speed like taking a photo of someone walking past a window. If you keep the curtains open for a long time, the person becomes a blur as they move across your view. But if you quickly open and close the curtains—just a flash—you’ll see them frozen in that exact spot, crystal clear.
That’s exactly what shutter speed does: it controls how long your camera’s “curtains” (the shutter) stay open. For moving kids, you want those curtains to open and close super quickly to freeze them in action.
How to fix it:
Switch your camera to Shutter Priority mode (S or Tv on your mode dial)
Set your shutter speed to 1/500 or faster
Let your camera adjust the other settings automatically
Consider using burst mode to capture multiple frames and ensure you get the perfect moment
Pro tip: In low light, you might need to raise your ISO or move to a brighter location to maintain that fast shutter speed.
Freezing motion requires a fast shutter speed to capture sharp details. This is especially important in sports or fast-moving scenes.
The slow shutter speed captured the motion of the swings while stationary elements stayed sharp.
For moving children, your Shutter Speed should never really be below about 1/200th of a second, if you can handle it. When using Auto in low-light situations, your camera will often default to a Shutter Speed that’s too slow to freeze movement.
Problem #2: You’re Using the Wrong Focus Mode
What’s happening: Your camera is set to focus once and lock (AF-S or Single Shot), but kids rarely stay still. By the time you press the shutter, they’ve moved out of that focus point.
The solution: Switch to Continuous Focus mode (AF-C) and use Single Point Focus for maximum control.
Here’s the magic combination:
AF-C (Continuous Focus): This tracks motion continuously, adjusting focus as your child moves
Single Point Focus: This gives you control over exactly where the camera focuses instead of letting it guess
Most cameras default to letting the camera choose the focus point automatically, but this often means it focuses on the wrong thing—like the background instead of your child’s face.
How to fix it:
Change your autofocus mode to AF-C (or AI Servo on Canon)
Switch to Single Point Focus mode
Position that single focus point right on your child’s eyes
Half-press the shutter to start tracking, then fully press when ready
Pro tip: For portraits, always focus on the eyes. If the eyes are sharp, the whole photo feels sharp.
Problem #3: You’re Not Anticipating the Movement
What’s happening: Even with the right settings, you’re reacting to the action instead of anticipating it. By the time you see something cute and press the shutter, the moment has passed.
The solution: Learn to anticipate and track movement like a sports photographer.
Kids are predictable in their unpredictability. That giggle usually comes right after they do something silly. The big smile happens just before they run toward you. The concentrated expression appears when they’re focused on a task.
How to fix it:
Watch your child’s patterns and rhythms
Start tracking them with your camera before the “moment” happens
Keep your finger on the shutter button, half-pressed and ready
Take photos in bursts during peak action or emotion
Don’t just capture the destination—capture the journey
Pro tip: Some of the best photos happen in the seconds before and after the “main event.” Keep shooting.
The Simple Truth About Sharp Photos
Here’s what I wish every parent knew: getting sharp photos of your kids isn’t about having the most expensive camera or being a technical wizard. It’s about understanding these three fundamental concepts and practicing them until they become second nature.
The magic happens when you combine the right shutter speed with continuous focus and good anticipation. Suddenly, you’re not just taking pictures—you’re freezing those fleeting childhood moments in perfect clarity.
Your Next Steps
These three fixes will dramatically improve your photos, but they’re just the beginning. Sharp photos are only part of the equation—there’s also composition, working with different types of light, getting kids to cooperate (without the dreaded “say cheese”), and knowing when to put the camera down and just enjoy the moment.
The technical stuff might feel overwhelming at first, but once you understand these basics, you can focus on what really matters: capturing your child’s authentic personality and the fleeting moments that make up their childhood.
Start practicing these three techniques this week. Pick one scenario—maybe it’s your child playing in the backyard or helping in the kitchen—and experiment with faster shutter speeds and continuous focus. You’ll be amazed at the difference it makes.
If you want to dive deeper into family photography, I’ve put together a comprehensive workshop called “Moments that Matter” that covers everything from camera basics to creative composition. You can [check it out here] if you’re interested in taking your photography further.
What’s your biggest photography frustration? Share in the comments below—I read every one and often turn them into future blog posts!
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!
I had the best time with these two adorable sisters (ages 5 and 8) at Marcelle Vivretee Smith Park in Brentwood last week! We instantly connected over our shared love of Wicked, Barbie movies, and blowing dandelions. They even chatted about their teachers at Chapman’s Retreat – always sweet to hear kids who love school! (My own daughters went there too, and I was even PTO president there for a while. The teachers at Chapman’s are truly something special!)
As a mom of two girls myself (now almost grown!), these sessions with young sisters always hold a special place in my heart. There’s something about capturing that unique bond between siblings that takes me back to when my own daughters were this age – those fleeting moments of childhood wonder that pass by so quickly.
The biggest challenge with these two wasn’t getting them to smile or pose naturally – it was trying to narrow down their gallery to a reasonable number of photos! Every shot captured something special about their relationship and personalities.
What made this session extra meaningful was that it was actually a gift from Grandma to the girls’ parents for their anniversary. I love this idea! Instead of another household item that eventually becomes clutter, she gave them something that will last forever – captured memories of their beautiful children at this precious age.
This reminds me – gift certificates for photo sessions make such thoughtful presents. They’re available on my website for birthdays, holidays, new babies, or just because. In a world full of stuff, sometimes the most meaningful gift is preserving a moment in time.
Sometimes, even the most well-planned photo sessions throw you a curveball. This one started with a little adventure. I arrived early, as I always do, planning to meet the family near the canoe launch at Harlinsdale Farms. But when I got there, the main gate was closed. There’s been ongoing construction at the park for a while, but I’ve never seen it completely closed off.
With no way to drive to my planned location, I parked near the dog park and took a moment to reassess. The spot I’d originally chosen was all about the light—the way the sun filters beautifully through the trees. Luckily, I found a similar area on the other side of the park. It was a reminder of why I always say that lighting, followed closely by texture, is the most important element in choosing a location. The backdrop matters, but the true focus of any portrait should always be the people. (It was also a great reminder of why I always show up super early, even when I’m very familiar with a session location.)
And speaking of the people—this family was an absolute joy to photograph. The youngest member of the family completely stole my heart. My favorite photos from any session are often the less posed, “messy” moments—the ones where not everyone is looking at the camera but instead are caught up in genuine connection. Those moments are harder to capture with larger families. It’s a delicate dance: getting everyone in the frame, bathed in beautiful light, while looking natural and relaxed.
We often say we love candid photos, but true candids would mean I just follow you around, documenting life as it unfolds. What I actually do is more like planned candids. I guide everyone into the frame, in the right light, and then encourage them to interact as they naturally would. It’s a tall order—unless there’s a two-year-old leading the way.
That’s where the magic happens. Adults and older kids often feel self-conscious in front of the camera, not knowing what to do with their hands or where to look. But a two-year-old? They just are. They haven’t been weighed down by the world’s expectations. They know how to live in the moment, and when you let them take charge, everything else falls into place.
This session was proof of that. From playful moments to heartfelt hugs, the little one led the way, and the result was pure, joyful magic. Two-year-olds really are the best of us.
Here are a few of my favorite images from this beautiful evening at Harlinsdale Farms.
It’s surreal to me that I’ve been a photographer for 10 years now. When I first picked up a DSLR camera as a new mom with my youngest baby in tow, I had no idea what kind of journey I was beginning. And in 2015, when I decided to take the leap to become a professional photographer, I never would have imagined that I’d still be in business a decade later. Yet, here I am, and I couldn’t be more grateful—to the friends and family who encouraged me to take that leap and to every client who has trusted me to capture their most precious moments.
One of the things I’m most grateful for is the life this career has allowed me to build with my family. Leaving the corporate world to pursue photography gave me a kind of freedom I wouldn’t have had otherwise. It allowed me to be home with my girls as they grew up—to be the PTO president, their Girl Scout troop leader, and a mom who didn’t have to worry about who would stay home with them when they were sick. I was there when they got off the bus, something I’ll always treasure. That flexibility and time with my family have been worth more than anything.
Looking back on these 10 years, I’ve learned so much—not just about photography but about life itself. The obvious growth has been in my photography and editing skills. (Let’s just say making this slideshow of memories wasn’t without a few cringes at my early work!) In fact, I generally dislike photos I’ve taken that are more than a year old, so going back 10 years was rough. Dealing with perfectionism is something I’m still working on. In my previous career as an engineer, things were often more clear-cut—right or wrong. Photography and art are so subjective that it’s hard not to constantly question oneself. Imposter syndrome is real.
But the lessons I’ve learned go far beyond technical skills. Perhaps the most important one has been learning to see the beauty in the world, especially in the everyday moments. Photography has taught me to notice and appreciate the light—how it transforms a scene or makes something ordinary feel magical. It’s something I never paid much attention to before picking up a camera. Now, when one of my daughters says, “Mom, look at how the light is coming through those trees—doesn’t it look beautiful?” I feel proud knowing I’ve taught them to see and appreciate the light, too.
Photography has also given me a deeper appreciation for the present moment and the passage of time. As I put together this slideshow, I found myself looking past the imperfections in my early work and focusing instead on the beautiful families I’ve been lucky enough to work with. It’s truly an honor to be invited into someone’s life—to capture the birth of a child, for example, which has been one of the most profound experiences of my life. Working with the incredible Gold Hope Fighter families has also left a permanent mark on my heart in ways words could never fully capture.
There’s something so special about photographing families year after year and watching their children grow. In this slideshow, I see babies who are now big kids, children who are now adults embarking on their own adventures, and families who have supported me for an entire decade. To all of you, I am truly blessed and endlessly thankful.
I had to add a little photo at the end of my “team member” for the past three years: my dog, Mars. While he wasn’t around for the entire journey, he’s been a loyal companion during countless hours of editing in the office. He’s the perfect co-worker.
From the bottom of my heart, thank you for an incredible 10 years. Here’s to many more!
Thank you again for being part of my journey over the past 10 years. As a special celebration, I’m running a referral promotion for 2025! If you refer a friend who books a session with me and they mention your name when booking, you’ll receive $25 off your next session.
Feel free to share this slideshow on your socials and tag me! It’s a great way to help spread the word and connect more families with meaningful moments to cherish. Follow me on Facebook and Instagram to see more of my work and future updates.
Referral Bonus Specifics:
Love your photos? Share the experience with friends! Earn $25 off your next session when your referral books with me.
How It Works:
If someone refers a friend who books a session, the friend must mention the referrer’s name at the time of booking.
Only one referrer can receive the bonus per session.
Eligibility:
The $25 credit can be used for any session booked in 2025.
Winter might not be the most obvious choice for family photos, but there’s something magical about this season that makes it truly special. When I photographed this family at The Park at Harlinsdale Farm, we were met with overcast skies, a little construction, and plenty of winter quiet—but it all came together beautifully.
One of the things I love about winter sessions is how serene and understated the scenery can be. The bare trees, soft browns of the landscape, and rustic fences all create a simple backdrop that keeps the focus on the people in the frame. Even though parts of Harlinsdale Farm were messy due to construction, we found so many great pockets of texture and light to work with. A fence here, an open road there—it doesn’t take much to create a lovely backdrop that makes the people the focus.
A lot of people think sunny days are best for photos, but I’ll let you in on a secret: overcast skies are incredible. The clouds create a soft, even light that eliminates harsh shadows and adds a richness to the colors. It’s the kind of light that flatters everyone and makes the photos feel cozy and timeless. On this day, the diffused light worked its magic, bringing out the deep greens, warm earth tones, and rich textures of the family’s outfits.
Speaking of outfits, this family absolutely nailed their clothing choices. The deep greens, burgundy, and navy tones popped perfectly against the muted winter backdrop, and the mix of textures added so much depth to the photos. I loved how everything coordinated without being overly matched, giving the whole session a polished yet natural feel.
Winter sessions like this one are a reminder that you don’t need blooming flowers or bright sunshine for beautiful photos. All you really need is a great location, the people you love, and a willingness to embrace the season for what it is.
Once a year, I offer fall mini-sessions, and this past weekend at Sarah Benson Park. Even though I generally prefer the relaxed pace of a full session—getting to know each family in-depth and allowing everyone time to feel comfortable in front of the camera—mini-sessions offer a unique opportunity to reconnect with familiar faces in a short, fun burst of energy.
I always try to book these mini-sessions on a late October weekend, when the leaves are usually at their peak for fall color. This year, I was lucky enough to have all three mini-session slots filled by families I already know and love working with, which is always my hope for mini-sessions.
The first family I photographed was one I got to know earlier this year while capturing senior photos for their oldest. Seeing the whole family together was such a joy, and their teens were perfect for a mini-session—they’re at that age where they understand the flow of a photoshoot, which helps keep things moving smoothly.
The second session was with a family I’ve been photographing for years. Watching their girls grow up has been such a joy, and I can hardly believe how big they’re getting. Mini-sessions are a great way for families like this to update their family photos regularly without committing to a full session each year. And oh my goodness, the giggles. I just love these girls.
The final session was with one of my dearest friends from college and her family. Despite the limited time of a mini-session, we found a few moments for her little ones to run, play, and capture some natural, candid shots. Those small moments make even a quick session feel meaningful.
Interested in Booking?
If you’re ready to capture your own family memories, head over to my booking page or follow me on Instagram and Facebook to stay updated on available sessions and seasonal offers.
It was such a pleasure reconnecting with old friends from college for this family session. The mom mentioned in her pre-session questionnaire that she wanted to include both sets of grandparents in the photos since they were visiting but really wanted to focus on her two boys. We spent the first 15 minutes capturing some great group shots and fun combinations of the boys with their grandparents, making sure to honor those special generational connections.
Afterward, we turned our attention to the boys and their parents for the remainder of the session. I loved watching the playful energy of the boys with mom and dad—these moments are always the fun. I always ask my clients to answer a few questions before a session so I can know where your priorities lie, and it really helps to ensure I’m capturing what matters most to your family.
These kinds of personalized sessions are what I love about photography, especially when I get to photograph families that mean so much to me!
If you’d like to book a session of your own, you can reach me here. Be sure to follow along on Instagram and Facebook for more sneak peeks and updates!
I recently had the opportunity to photograph a wonderful family of five in Downtown Columbia. Having done more nature-themed locations in the past, they were excited to try something new, and Downtown Columbia’s charming textures and old buildings provided the perfect backdrop.
We had rescheduled the session once due to rain, and even though it sprinkled a little on the day of the shoot, we went ahead and made it work. I always offer flexibility with rescheduling for my clients, as weather in Tennessee can be unpredictable. Some prefer to wait until the last minute to decide, while others like to plan in advance—both approaches work for me! I also leave it up to my clients to decide how comfortable they are with the weather. Some are ready to grab clear umbrellas and embrace the moment, while others would rather wait for a clear day, and that’s completely understandable.
This session turned out beautifully, and I love how their choice of location brought something new and fresh to their family photos.
If you’re interested in booking a session with me, you can reach out here. Be sure to follow along on Instagram and Facebook for more family sessions and updates!
Last night, I had the pleasure of photographing a wonderful family of four with two energetic kiddos at South 40 Farm. We ended up moving our session a day earlier to try to beat the rain, and while the sky was overcast, I personally love the soft, diffused light that comes with cloudy days. It created a beautiful contrast that really made the colors pop!
South 40 Farm is a favorite spot of mine, especially for its vibrant flowers. While I’ve typically shot senior sessions here, where we drive from location to location around the farm, I decided to take a different approach with this family. With two active little ones, I didn’t want to lose their attention, so we stuck to one primary area. And it worked out perfectly!
It was a joy to capture the laughter, love, and playful moments between the family, all against the backdrop of those gorgeous farm flowers. These kinds of sessions remind me why I love what I do—capturing natural, joy-filled moments for families to treasure forever.
Ready to book your family session? I’d love to help capture these moments! South 40 Farm is a beautiful location, though they charge a $75 location fee if you choose to shoot there. Reach out to book today—spots are limited!
I look forward to photographing this sweet family of four every year, and this time was no different. They chose a morning session at Montgomery Bell State Park, opting for a time when their little ones would be full of energy and happy. While golden hour is a favorite of mine for its magical light, the most important thing is ensuring that children are at their best—and they certainly were!
This park holds a special place in their hearts, as they often visit to play in the creek, building dams and having fun as a family. It’s always such a joy to photograph families in spots that have personal meaning, and this one was no exception. The peaceful creek and their love for this place made the session feel relaxed and full of joy.
If you’re ready to capture your own special family moments, don’t wait—my fall calendar is filling up fast! Book now to reserve one of the last remaining spots for the season. Follow me on Instagram and Facebook for more updates, sneak peeks, and inspiration. Let’s create beautiful memories together!
I occasionally get asked about combining senior and family sessions into one photoshoot, and I am always happy to accommodate these requests. Whether you want more of a family session with a few senior portraits sprinkled in or, like this family, you prefer the focus to be on your senior with a few family shots added, I’m flexible with how we structure the hour.
Recently, I had the pleasure of photographing a beautiful family at Marcelle Vivrette Smith Park in Brentwood, TN. Their daughter is a senior, and with their eldest son home from college, they wanted to capture this special time together. The majority of the session was focused on their senior daughter, but we made sure to include some lovely family moments as well.
One question my husband often asks is why I arrive at photo sessions an hour early, even if it’s at a location I’ve visited many times before. The truth is, the hour before a session is one of my favorite parts of the entire process. It’s a time when I can walk around the location, soaking in the light and noticing details I might have missed before. It’s almost meditative, allowing me to truly see and appreciate the environment around me.
During that time, I often notice the way the light filters through the trees, casting beautiful, natural spotlights that are perfect for portraits. I might discover patches of wildflowers or vibrant weeds that can add a splash of color to the background. Even though I had been to Marcelle Vivrette Smith Park just last week, I still arrived early and found new elements to incorporate into the session.
This practice not only helps me ensure that I am fully prepared for the session, but it also allows me to be creative and find unique angles and settings that truly enhance the portraits.
As we move into the fall season, I only have a few spots left. Fall is a beautiful time of year for both family and senior portraits, with the changing leaves providing a stunning backdrop. If you’re interested in booking a session, I encourage you to reach out soon!
To secure your spot for a fall session, visit my website at www.crystalfreemonphotography.com. I look forward to helping you create lasting memories during this special time in your family’s life.
With its delightful steps, Percy Warner Park set the stage for a heartwarming family photo session with a cherished family I eagerly look forward to photographing each year. We had a wonderful time exploring the park and even made our way to the top of those charming steps. Opting for the morning sun instead of the traditional “magic hour” was a deliberate decision, allowing the children’s happiness and comfort to shine through.
Typically, I lean towards capturing photos during the enchanting “magic hour” in the evening. However, ensuring your children’s joy and comfort takes precedence in family photography. If a morning session is the best fit for your family, I am more than happy to accommodate. All that’s needed is a location with ample shade. Opting for an earlier morning timeframe ensures the most beautiful lighting for your photographs.
Are you in search of a skilled photographer within the Middle Tennessee region, covering Spring Hill, Franklin, and Columbia? My expertise lies in capturing beautiful family moments at every life stage, be it the arrival of a newborn or celebrating the accomplishments of seniors. For detailed information, visit my website or easily book a session through my convenient online calendar. Your support on Facebook and/or Instagram would mean the world to me – stay connected for more!
It’s been about two years since I last photographed this beautiful family, and I was so glad to see them again for a photo session at Henry Horton State Park. The boys have gotten so big since I last saw them. One of my favorite parts of my job is getting to see children grow over the years.
I have been loving Henry Horton State Park for family photo sessions lately because of the beautiful light. This session was no exception. I also love the tall grasses that can be found in the park. I do wish there were more colorful trees to be found though. The day was a bit chilly, but I will take that over a super hot fall session like I had a couple weeks ago. The boys weathered the cold like champs and we had lots of fun playing and exploring.
This is my favorite kind of family photo session….one with lots of giggles, hugs and love.
I would love it if you could follow me on Instagram. That’s a great place to keep up to date on future openings. Also, you can book a session directly from my online booking calendar, or contact me if you have questions.
