Capturing Summer Memories at Smith Park: Now Booking Fall Sessions!

Extended Family Session at Marcella Vivrette Smith Park

I hope everyone survived the early mornings and the crazy Spring Hill traffic. As an outdoor family photographer in Middle Tennessee, summers are definitely my slow period because itโ€™s so hot outside. I enjoyed the break, but now itโ€™s time to get back to work and prepare for the busy fall season.

I’m so glad it wasn’t unbearably hot for this beautiful family session at Marcella Vivrette Smith Park. It was actually a pretty nice evening for early August. I loved hanging out with this lovely family. Extended family sessions are tough for busy families to organize, but so worth it.

As we transition from summer to fall, I am excited to announce that I am now booking dates for fall family sessions. Fall is one of the most beautiful times of the year for family photos, with vibrant foliage and comfortable weather providing the perfect setting. However, due to personal obligations, my availability is limited, and spots are filling up quickly.

If youโ€™re considering booking a fall session, I encourage you to secure your spot as soon as possible. Whether itโ€™s for holiday cards, updating your family portraits, or simply capturing the beautiful moments with your loved ones, a fall session is a perfect way to preserve those memories.

Book Your Session

To book your fall family session, visit my website at www.crystalfreemonphotography.com. I look forward to capturing more precious moments and helping you create lasting memories with your family.

Donโ€™t wait too longโ€”spots are limited, and theyโ€™re going fast! Letโ€™s make this fall a season to remember.

Navigating New Terrain: Portrait Sessions at Unfamiliar Locations

Photo Session at Historical Home in Columbia TN

There’s a unique thrill that comes with stepping into a new location for a portrait session, especially when it’s a place rich in history. For me, it’s a blend of excitement and the need to be prepared.

Getting Prepared:

Before the shutter even clicks, there’s a whole lot of digital exploring happening. The client shared some photos of the property in advance, giving me a sneak peek into what to expect at their home. I used Google Earth to virtually roam around, trying to get the lay of the land and how the sun plays its part.

Early Arrival and Location Scouting:

On the day of the session, I arrived early to scope out the location for myself. I took a stroll around the historical home, hunting for those golden spots that would make for beautiful portraits.

Let’s Talk Light:

Light โ€“ it’s the most important thing I’m looking at when I scope out a new location. I don’t want harsh direct light, but more diffused soft light. But I’m also looking at where I can use light in interesting ways, like a sun flare through a tree, or some creamy hazy light for individual portraits. For indoor photos, I’m considering whether there is enough window light or if I want to pull out my flash.

A Suprise Photo Bombing:

One thing I did not prepare for was being drive-by photobombed. I wanted to incorporate the beautiful front gate of the home in the family photos. To capture this, I had to stand across the street to shoot. It was a small side street so there wasn’t much traffic. Until I paused to let a car drive by, but instead of driving on, they stopped and posed and clearly wanted me to take their photo. I clicked a quick pic, and they drove on their way, and we laughed. But now I wish I had somehow gotten their contact info because I think it’s a pretty good photo of them. ๐Ÿ˜‚ If you know these fun guys, I’d love to send them a copy.

Client Clothing Choices:

I have to point out the beautiful clothing this family chose. It’s exactly what I love to see on clients. The rich colors are beautiful and coordinated but not too matchy. And I’ve learned through the years that I love seeing lots of textures on clients’ clothing, and the textures on all these different sweaters are just perfect.

Conclusion:

Getting to know this lovely family and exploring their beautiful home was a genuine pleasure. Capturing the warmth and love they shared during our session was truly rewarding. These moments remind me why I love what I do โ€“ freezing these cherished memories, capturing genuine connections, and witnessing the joy between family members.

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. Iโ€™d greatly appreciate it if you considered joining my journey onย Facebookย and/orย Instagram.

Capturing Timeless Bonds: The Value of Family Photography Beyond Childhood

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 usโ€”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 evolveโ€”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 nostalgiaโ€”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 fastโ€”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 togetherโ€”a timeless narrative frozen in a single click.

The Impact of Weather-Appropriate Attire on Your Photo Session

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 โ€“ if it’s too cold and rainy, rescheduling is a perfectly reasonable option).

This week, we’ve experienced an unexpected twist in the weather โ€“ 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

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 myย Santa Mini Sessionsย on November 19th. Itโ€™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

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 myย Santa Mini Sessionsย on November 19th. Itโ€™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

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. ๐Ÿ‚

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 โ€“ 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. ๐Ÿ“ท๐Ÿ





Fall Mini Sessions have come to an end. ๐Ÿ‚ 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. ๐ŸŽ…๐Ÿ“ท

Fall Family Photo Sessions: Embracing Jewel Tones and Textures

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.

Morning Photo Session: Joyful Moments at Percy Warner Park

Sweet siblings at a morning photo session at Percy Warner park in Nashville


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 โ€“ stay connected for more!

Family Pics in Spring Hill TN

Family portrait session at Sarah Benson Park in Spring Hill TN

Everyone knows that family sessions with toddlers and little kids are my favorite to photograph, but that doesn’t mean they aren’t challenging. But these three sisters were so easy to work with that it made my job a breeze! We had so much fun exploring Sara Benson Park in Spring Hill.

I’ve been photographing this sweet family since big sister was an only baby, and just love seeing how their family has grown.

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. Seeย my websiteย for more information or book a session from my online calendar. I would love it if you considered following me onย Facebookย and/orย Instagram.

Family Pics at Bowie Nature Preserve

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!

๐Ÿ 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. 

๐ŸŽ… I am also doing Santa Minis with Nashville Santa on November 19. These will also sell out, so don’t wait to book.

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.

Morning Photo Session at Bowie Nature Preserve

Family photo session at Bowie Nature Preserve

I usually photograph families at magic hour – the hour before sunset. But that time doesn’t always work for my littlest clients, especially in the summertime when the sun sets pretty late. While the best lighting is certainly desirable, the most important thing is for children to be happy and not overly tired. So in those cases, I’m happy to shoot a daytime session.

The one requirement is that the location needs to have plenty of shade because harsh mid-day light isn’t flattering for portraits. (Also, in July in Tennessee it’s unbearable.)

I had never taken pictures at Bowie Nature Preserve in Fairview before, but my husband and our puppy have been hiking there recently. It occurred to me that it would be good for daytime sessions because of all the wooded areas. I am so happy that this lovely family agreed to give it a try with me, because I really like this location. There were even a set of swings nearby for the end of the session. It turns out, that was the first time these siblings had really been in a swing before. (Big brother had tried before but hadn’t been that into it, but at our session he had a great time.) I loved that we captured this sweet little mini milestone in photographs.

Looking for a photographer in Spring Hill, Franklin, and Columbia in Middle Tennessee? I photograph families at all stages, from newborns to seniors. Seeย my websiteย for more information or book a session from my online calendar. I would love it if you considered following me onย Facebookย and/orย Instagram.

Summer Family Portrait Session at Winstead Hill Park

Family Portraits at Winstead Hill Park

This beautiful family braved the heat to fit a family portrait session in before the youngest went off to college in a couple of weeks. It was such a joy to spend some time getting to know them, and really the weather was tolerable for July in Tennessee.

To all the parents sending off for the first time, hugs to you. I’ll be there myself in one short year and I still can’t imagine it. But I am excited for all the adventures they are about to have and new seasons beginning for both kids and parents.

Looking for a photographer in Spring Hill, Franklin, and Columbia in Middle Tennessee? I photograph families at all stages, from newborns to seniors. Seeย my websiteย for more information or book a session from my online calendar. I would love it if you considered following me onย Facebookย and/orย Instagram.

Family Portraits in Columbia TN

Two brothers hugging at family portrait session in Columbia TN

Looking for a photographer in Spring Hill, Franklin, and Columbia in Middle Tennessee? I photograph families at all stages, from newborns to seniors. Seeย my websiteย for more information or book a session from my online calendar. I would love it if you considered following me onย Facebookย and/orย Instagram.

My Perfect Nieces | Boone North Carolina

Last week I got to go visit my brother and his family in Boone for an early Thanksgiving. My nieces are 5 years old and 3 months old and they are just perfect in every way.

They live a mere minutes away from the Blue Ridge Parkway, so we took a brief excursion to get a few pictures. Oh, what I wouldn’t give to have that kind of photo location available to me on a daily basis.

I hope you all had a beautiful holiday.

Looking for a photographer in Spring Hill, Franklin, and Columbia in Middle Tennessee? I photograph families at all stages, from newborns to seniors. Seeย my websiteย for more information or book a session from my online calendar. I would love it if you considered following me onย Facebookย and/orย Instagram.

Downtown Columbia Family Photo Session

Family of 4 portrait session with Crystal Freemon Photography in Downtown Columbia

I just love this family portrait session in Downtown Columbia with one of my oldest and dearest clients. That’s not a surprise though because this family is always without fail one of my favorite sessions of the year. These kiddos bring an energy that I just adore, and we always have fun.

Looking for a photographer in Spring Hill, Franklin, and Columbia in Middle Tennessee? I photograph families at all stages, from newborns to seniors. Seeย my websiteย for more information or book a session from my online calendar. I would love it if you considered following me onย Facebookย and/orย Instagram.

Extended Family Session – Identifying Priorities

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.

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

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?

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

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. Seeย my websiteย for more information or book a session from my online calendar. I would love it if you considered following me onย Facebookย and/orย Instagram.

Family Portrait Session in Columbia Tennessee

Family portrait session in Columbia TN

These sweet girls were the best. We had so much fun at their family photo session in Columbia. Yanahli Park has become one of my favorite locations for portrait sessions. There is a field there where the sun sets in just the right spot.

Looking for a photographer in Spring Hill, Franklin, and Columbia in Middle Tennessee? I photograph families at all stages, from newborns to seniors. Seeย my websiteย for more information or book a session from my online calendar. I would love it if you considered following me onย Facebookย and/orย Instagram.