Chasing the Perfect Theater Shot in Downtown Franklin

Senior Photo in front of Downtown Franklin Theater

When one of my former Girl Scouts reached out for her senior session, I was absolutely thrilled to reconnect and capture this incredible milestone in her life. It’s amazing to see how much she’s grown since those Girl Scout days, and I love working with seniors during this exciting time.

She knew exactly what she wanted for her session – all of her favorite spots in downtown Franklin. I love when seniors choose locations that truly mean something to them, and downtown Franklin was absolutely perfect for her personality and style.

She had several spots that were meaningful for her that she wanted to include in her photos, including Starbucks, Kilwins and the Franklin Theater. The people at Kilwins were incredibly kind about letting us snap a few photos while she enjoyed some delicious ice cream. Those candid shots of her with that genuine smile and ice cream in hand are some of my absolute favorites from the session.

The real challenge came when we headed to the Franklin Theater after dark. I’ve always been drawn to that spot because of the way the marquee reflects through the window when someone sits on that bench – it creates the most beautiful, cinematic lighting. The only problem? It’s such a popular spot that the bench is almost always occupied. We actually circled back several times, waiting for our chance, and I’m so glad we did. When we finally got our moment, the shots were absolutely worth the wait.

What I love most about this session is how every single location told a piece of her story. These weren’t just pretty backdrops – they were places that mattered to her, places where she’s made memories during her high school years. Downtown Franklin captured her spirit perfectly, and I think that shows in every single image.

Sessions like this remind me why I’m so passionate about senior photography. It’s not just about taking beautiful pictures – it’s about celebrating who these amazing young people have become and honoring the places and moments that have shaped them.

Are you ready to capture your senior year with locations that are meaningful to you? I’d love to help you tell your story through beautiful images that celebrate exactly who you are. Let’s chat about creating something amazing together – reach out today to start planning your perfect senior session.

Senior Session at Fall Creek Falls

Fall Creek Falls Senior Guy Portrait Session with Crystal Freemon Photography

This session was a special one—this senior is the son of one of my best friends from college, and we met up at Fall Creek Falls for his photos, just like we did for his older sister’s session. I love this location and wish it were closer because it has so much variety to work with.

We spent more time on this session than I usually do, just roaming around and hanging out, which made for a really fun, relaxed shoot. We started earlier in the day than I normally would, so I got to play around with harsher light more than usual. While I still love the soft glow of golden hour, it was fun experimenting outside my comfort zone. The biggest challenge was avoiding squinting in the bright sun, but honestly, the sunglasses he brought made it work—and they looked really cool, too.

There were moments in this session where he had such a ‘70s vibe, which I loved. Whether it was the lighting, the setting, or just his overall look, it really worked, and I’m so happy with how these turned out.

Fall Creek Falls is always a dream location, and it was great getting to explore it again for this session. If only it were a little closer!

A Stunning Senior Session at The Factory at Franklin

Senior guy portrait session at the Factory at Franklin

There are sessions that just stick with you, and this senior session at The Factory at Franklin is definitely one of them. Everything about it—the colors, the textures, and the setting—made it one of my all-time favorites.

The Factory is such a dream location for photography. The combination of industrial textures, moody lighting, and stunning architectural details creates a perfect backdrop for unique, creative portraits. Yes, they do charge a $50 photo permit fee, but trust me, it’s absolutely worth it. The versatility of this space gives sessions an elevated, artistic feel that you just can’t get anywhere else.

We lucked out with the weather for this shoot. It’s been raining constantly, but on this particular day, we had a cold but clear afternoon—perfect for capturing some incredible images. My senior handled the chilly weather like a pro and brought a great energy to the session.

The industrial setting complemented his look perfectly, giving the photos a mix of grit and warmth. His personal style added a unique touch to the images, and he was a natural in front of the camera.

I always want my seniors to feel like themselves in their photos, and this session did exactly that. His personality and style came through beautifully, and I’m really happy with how these images turned out.

If you’re looking for a senior session location that offers something a little different—something with a mix of grit and beauty, history and modern edge—I highly recommend The Factory. And if you’re up for braving the cold, it can make for some seriously epic portraits!

Book Your Senior Mini Session!

Looking for a quick, stylish, and stress-free way to capture your senior year? My Senior Mini Sessions are the perfect option! These sessions are designed to be fun, relaxed, and efficient, giving you beautiful, high-quality images without the time commitment of a full session. Highlight your college decision by wearing a college t-shirt, or bring your cap & gown if you like.

Spots are limited, so book your Senior Mini Session today!