Sarah Benson Park Family Session – Spring Hill, TN

Sarah Benson Park Family Session – Spring Hill, TN

Is it weird to have favorite trees? Not the ones in your yard, but specific trees out in the world that you go out of your way to visit? Because I absolutely do, and several of them are clustered together in one perfect spot at Sarah Benson Park. This is exactly why I love photographing families here in the fall—there’s this cluster of trees that light up with the most gorgeous colors, and when the late afternoon sun streams through their leaves, it’s pure magic.

We had the most beautiful day for this session with a sweet family of three. After the super cold snap earlier in the week, it felt like we’d sprung back to life just in time to catch those last bits of fall color still clinging to the trees. The weather was perfect, the light was dreamy, and this almost-two-year-old brought all the personality you’d expect from someone on the cusp of turning two.

I absolutely adore working with toddlers. They’re so authentic, so completely in their own world. This little guy was completely fascinated by the dump trucks working somewhere in the park (does anyone know what they’re doing over there?). Every time he heard one rumble by, everything else took a backseat to truck-watching. Those genuine reactions are exactly what make toddler sessions so real and memorable.

This was my first time photographing this family, and I loved capturing all the in-between moments—the ones where parents are just being parents, wrangling a busy toddler while still managing to connect with each other. We wandered through the park, followed his lead when he wanted to explore, and grabbed those fleeting moments of connection when they happened. There’s something about that golden light filtering through fall leaves that makes even the chaotic moments feel warm and beautiful.

I left this session with a camera full of real moments—the kind that show exactly what life with a toddler looks like right now.


Ready to capture your family’s story at Sarah Benson Park or another beautiful Tennessee location? I’d love to work with you! Book your session today and let’s create something beautiful together.

Capturing Family Magic at Sarah Benson Park

Family Portrait Session with Crystal Freemon Photography at Sarah Benson Park in Spring Hill TN, baby with adult siblings

I absolutely loved how this session turned out. Sometimes you walk away from a shoot knowing you captured something really special, and this was definitely one of those times. I had such a hard time choosing which images to share because honestly, I was in love with so many of them.

I’ve been photographing at Sarah Benson Park for years during fall sessions because those autumn trees are simply stunning. But after this evening, I’m questioning why I don’t shoot more there year-round. The summer light filtering through the green canopy created the most gorgeous, soft glow along the walking path. It gave me so much variety in such a small area – sometimes the simplest locations surprise you the most.

This beautiful family had such wonderful energy together. Watching everyone interact, you could just feel how much joy and connection filled every moment.

About halfway through our session, the sweet 9-month-old decided it was time for bed. At first, I was kicking myself for not suggesting an earlier time to work around her schedule. But honestly? Some of my absolute favorite images from the evening are of her peacefully sleeping in her parents’ arms. These unplanned moments often end up being the most meaningful ones.

Everyone in this family was such a natural in front of the camera. The genuine laughter and easy connection between them all made my job feel effortless. Whether it was the sweet couple moments, the sibling interactions, or watching the parents navigate life with their sleeping baby, every grouping felt authentic and full of love.

This is exactly why I fell in love with family photography in the first place. When you can see the real emotion, the genuine connections, and the way families naturally interact with each other – that’s when the magic happens. These aren’t just photos; they’re memories of how much love exists in this beautiful family.

I had such a hard time narrowing down which images to share because honestly, I loved how the entire session turned out. But that’s a good problem to have, right?

Ready to capture your family’s beautiful connections? I’d love to document the love and joy that makes your family special. Whether it’s welcoming a new baby, celebrating new relationships, or simply wanting to freeze this moment in time, let’s create something magical together.

Together Again: A Chilly Spring Session

Family pics at Marcelle Vivrette Smith park in Franklin TN

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!