Embracing Senior Moments at South 40 Farms

Once again, South 40 Farms proves to be the perfect backdrop for capturing precious memories, especially during this senior session with a future Georgia Bulldog. But let me tell you – these senior sessions are hitting differently for me this year, as I have a senior of my own.

As April approaches, the reality of my own child’s senior year sinks in. The calendar is filled with senior walks, celebrations, and graduation practices. It’s a bittersweet time, marked by excitement for the future and a tinge of sadness as we prepare to say goodbye to this chapter of our lives.

Planning for life after graduation is both exhilarating and nerve-wracking. There’s a sense of anticipation for what lies ahead, coupled with the fear of the unknown.

So, as we navigate these final months before our babies leave the nest, I ask for your thoughts and well wishes for all of us Class of ’24 parents. It’s a journey filled with mixed emotions, but one that we embark on with hope and excitement for what the future holds.

I am thankful to be able to celebrate with them through capturing their senior photos. Class of ’24, enjoy these days and be proud of all you have accomplished!

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. I’d greatly appreciate it if you considered joining my journey on Facebook and/or Instagram.

Capturing Sunshine and Adventure: A Senior Girl Session at South 40 Farms

This week, I had the pleasure of photographing a senior portrait session at South 40 Farms. It was the first time I had shot at the farm this early in the year, and I loved it just as much as I did in the fall. I admittedly have always loved photographing in the weeds just as much as in a field of flowers, and this session is a perfect example of that.

We encountered some unexpected challenges with the creek due to recent rains, which left what was usually a large dry rock area in the creek, almost completely covered with water. The creek photos were very important to this senior, so she didn’t let the high water deter her, but braved the mud and the water.

After that, I found this little patch of weeds that had the sun shining through them in the most lovely way. The texture created by the stalks along with the hazy sunlight is lovely. Nearby, there was a gorgeous dogwood, which I love. I wish the flowers lasted longer because they photograph beautifully.

I think my favorite photos of the session are of her standing in the tall weeds. So gorgeous.

I ended the session at the pond, which I hadn’t shot at before because there are so many options at South 40 that it’s impossible to get to them all in one session.

This session had me thinking again about how much I enjoy Senior sessions. When I first started shooting professionally almost 10 years ago, I was much more comfortable photographing little kids, and wasn’t so sure about Seniors. But now they are some of my favorite sessions. I love being able to capture their individual personalities, and also being able to play around with light more than I am able to with younger kids or family groups.

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. I’d greatly appreciate it if you considered joining my journey on Facebook and/or Instagram.

Weathering the Storm: A Senior Session at Harlinsdale Farms

Today, I want to share the story of a recent senior session that took place amidst some less-than-ideal weather conditions at Harlinsdale Farms in Franklin, TN. Despite facing several setbacks due to Mother Nature’s whims, I really love how this session turned out.

Scheduling this session was no easy feat. We had to reschedule multiple times due to the unpredictable weather, and just when we thought we had a clear window, the forecast decided to throw us a curveball.

On the day of the shoot, the weather was far from perfect. Occasional sprinkles and persistent gusts of wind threatened to disrupt our plans at every turn. But rather than letting it dampen our spirits, we embraced the challenge head-on. The one positive is that it was unseasonably warm for a February day.

One thing I’ve learned in my years as a photographer is to find beauty in unexpected places. High winds may have been a nuisance, but it added a certain dynamic quality to the portraits that we couldn’t have achieved otherwise. I happen to love photographing windblown hair, so it was more the constant threat of a downpour that had me concerned. Luckily, the rain held out for the most part.

Now, let’s talk about our senior girl. Despite the less-than-ideal conditions, she did an amazing job. I LOVED the green color she chose for both her outfits. The color was absolutely perfect one her, and I also love the way it looked with the backdrop of Harlinsdale Farms. She was so much fun to hang out with and photograph.

In the end, despite the weather’s best efforts to thwart us, we managed to capture some great Senior photos. It just goes to show that sometimes, the most memorable moments come when we least expect them – even if they’re sprinkled with a little rain and a lot of wind.

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. I’d greatly appreciate it if you considered joining my journey on Facebook and/or Instagram.

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

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

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.

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 the Magic: Senior Photoshoot at South 40 Farm

Senior girl photo session at South 40 farm by Crystal Freemon Phography

I’m in love with this senior photoshoot at South 40 Farm in Franklin, TN. Our day was a mix of cloudy skies and a surprise visit from the sun, reminding me that both cloudy and sunny days offer unique opportunities for incredible shots.

South 40 Farm is an absolutely perfect location for photography. I knew the fields and tall grasses would be a beautiful natural location. However, I wasn’t sure if the flowers would still be in bloom.

As luck would have it, South 40 Farm welcomed us with an array of colorful flowers that were still looking gorgeous.

Clouds and Sunshine: Each Has Its Charm

It was mostly cloudy, and my senior’s dad, like many before him, had concerns about how it would affect the photos. I totally get it. We often associate sunny days with ideal photoshoot conditions. However, I assured him that both cloudy and sunny days have their own unique charms.

The Allure of Cloudy Days :

We began our session with the cloudy skies acting as a natural diffuser. This soft, even light created a magical atmosphere, highlighting the vivid flowers and casting a dreamy quality over the images. Cloudy days bring out the details and colors, with no harsh shadows. The results are often incredibly flattering.

A Surprise Visitor: The Sun

Just as we were wrapping up, a magical moment happened. The sun decided to make a surprise appearance. Its warm rays filtered through the clouds, creating a delightful contrast to the earlier soft light. It was like getting the best of both worlds in one day.

In Conclusion

This photo shoot was a vivid reminder that the magic of photography isn’t confined to just one type of weather. Cloudy days offer a soft, diffused light that can be remarkably flattering, while sunny days provide the charm of vibrant, sunlit scenes. By embracing the dynamic nature of the weather, we were able to create a rich tapestry of images that perfectly captured the essence of the senior’s love for nature.

Whether you prefer the soft allure of a cloudy day or the vibrant energy of a sunny day, there’s beauty in every moment.

Searching for a photographer in Spring Hill, Franklin, and Columbia in Middle Tennessee? I specialize in capturing families at every stage, from newborns to seniors. Visit my website for more details or schedule a session through my online calendar. Your support means the world to me, so feel free to connect with me on Facebook and Instagram for more updates and beautiful photography!”

Senior Girl Photo Session at South 40 Farm

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.

Congrats to the Class of 2023! | Senior Photos

Senior Pics Class of 2024 in Franklin TN

Congrats to all of the graduating seniors this week! I am so excited to hear about all your adventures in the future.

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 Session in Downtown Columbia – Puppy Included!

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 Portrait Session in Middle Tennessee

Senior Girl Portrait Session with Crystal Freemon Photograpy hy

Gah, I can’t believe these kids are growing up so fast. This senior is the oldest daughter of one of the moms in my crew….my VP when I was president of the PTO when the kids were in elementary school. So just the other day we were organizing fun runs and silent auctions to build playgrounds, and now we are researching colleges. Where does the time go?

Emily had the awesome idea of shooting her Senior Portraits at Cheeks Bend, a place where we both frequently go hiking. It’s probably not a location that I would take most clients because we actually hiked to get to the various spots, but for Emily it was perfect. I especially had fun photographing her in and around the caves. I hope she loves this session as much as I do.

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

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.

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

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.

Senior Girl Photo Session at Harlinsdale Farms

Senior Girl Photo Session at the Park at Harlinsdale Farms

OK, I know I am sharing way too many photos from Zoe’s Senior Portrait Session at Harlinsdale Farms, but I can’t help it. It’s harder to be selective when I know them.

Zoe’s mom is a friend of mine, and their family was one of my first “clients” back before I really had clients. And here we are already time to shoot senior portraits. Where does the time go?

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.

Senior Pictures in Downtown Franklin TN

Senior Pictures in Downtown Franklin TN

This was a really fun senior photo session in Downtown Franklin. I wasn’t sure if we were going to get rained out. But by afternoon, the clouds cleared out and the weather was pretty near perfect.

Senior Pics in Downtown Columbia

Downtown Columbia Senior Pics for Summit High School Student

I so enjoyed getting to know Kate and her mom during this downtown Columbia Senior Portrait Session on Sunday. I feel like her mom and I should have known each other already as it seems we have been on the edge of each other’s circles for years.

Downtown Columbia has become one of my favorite spots for Senior Pictures. There are just so many fun walls and textures, which is what Kate was looking for in her photos. Downtown Franklin is another fun spot for a downtown look but is often more crowded.

If you need me, I’ll be editing. It’s the busy season. ❤

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.

Senior Portraits at Natchez Trace Bridge

Franklin High School Senior Portrait Session at Natchez Trace Parkway Bridge

🎓 When this Franklin High School senior contacted me about booking her Senior Portraits, she asked if we could do them at the Natchez Trace Parkway Bridge. I had never taken photos at Natchez Trace before, and I’m not sure why because it was a fantastic idea, and a perfect fit for Lauren.

The one thing I wasn’t sure about with shooting at the Bridge, was if it would offer enough variety for a full session. That wasn’t a problem because there were lots of different natural features like tall grass, honeysuckle bushes (one of my favorite scents!), and trees to offer variety in addition to the bridge itself. Also, Lauren was adventurous enough to walk through the weeds with me to get to the base of the bridge itself for some fun shots.

Lauren actually graduated from Franklin High on Friday and then we took these senior photos on Sunday. Seniors book their photo sessions with me at all times throughout their last year of high school. But I thought it was especially fun to get photos on graduation weekend. It felt like I was a part of the celebration. I so enjoyed getting to know Lauren. She is such a fun, adventurous young woman, and I hope I’ve captured her beautiful spirit in these photos.

Best of luck to Lauren, Hadley and all of the class of 2021 as they are of to new adventures!

I am a photographer serving families 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.

Senior Pictures in Downtown Columbia

Senior Pictures in Downtown Columbia

🎓 I can’t believe I’m already shooting Hadley’s senior pictures. I became friends with Hadley’s mom, Shannon, back in my years in the Spring Hill MOMS Club when Hadley was just a little girl. I later went on to serve on the Elementary School PTO with Shannon. All of those things seem very recent, so it doesn’t seem feasible that Hadley will graduate from Summit High School this weekend and will be off to Sewanee this fall. I can’t wait to hear about her adventures there and where life will take her.

Hadley wasn’t sure where she wanted her Senior Pictures taken, so I suggested Downtown Columbia. I think Downtown Columbia is often overlooked as a photo location, in favor of Franklin. But both towns have a ton of great brickwork and architecture that I love for Senior Photos. The advantage of Columbia is that it’s often less crowded.

To Hadley & all of the Class of 2021 – congratulations to you all. May your week be filled with wonderful celebrations and memories that will last a lifetime.

I am a photographer serving families 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.

Senior Photos at Harlinsdale Farms in Franklin TN

Senior Photos at the Park at Harlinsdale Farms in Franklin TN

I’m pretty sure that I say this every year, but the best time to get Fall portraits done if you want Autumn color is the first or second week in November. This year’s most perfect Fall session was definitely snagged by Kendall for her Senior photos.

I was afraid that we might have to postpone this session for rain. But the rain cleared out in time for the portrait session and everything was just perfect. I love the lighting that you can find after the rain, and the overcast skies really make the fall colors pop. I’m in love with this senior portrait session. I hope Kendall and her family love them as much as I do.

To see other senior photo sessions I’ve photographed recently, click here and here.

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.

Downtown Franklin Senior Portrait Session

Downtown Senior Girl at Harlinsdale Farms in Franklin TN

Makayla and her family were visiting family from Michigan and wanted to have senior portraits made while they were in town. Makayla couldn’t decide if she preferred having her pictures taken in downtown Franklin or at the Park of Harlinsdale Farms, so we made both happen!

Kaelan in Downtown Franklin | Spring Hill Senior Photographer

Nashville Senior Photographer - Session in Downtown Franklin

I have always been sure that the most important subjects in my photos are the people. That is why I don’t tend to use a lot of props with my photography (unless they have some kind of emotional connection). However, I also strongly feel that place is important too. I love including places that have special meaning to a family. Kaelan’s family owns the Franklin Mercantile Deli so she has spent her entire life in the area. She went to preschool at the church down the street, worked at the family restaurant, and even attended music classes in the area.

I love shooting senior portrait sessions in Downtown Franklin generally, but having such a personal connection to the location makes it even more beautiful to me. I loved getting to know Kaelan and her family. She was so photogenic and a joy to be around, not to mention gorgeous.

Kaelan attended Independence High School. I understand that they are attempting to have a graduation ceremony at the end of June. I really hope that these kids are able to safely celebrate their achievements.