Tag: Senior Portraits

Downtown Columbia Senior Session | Spring Hill, TN Senior Photographer

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Senior girl photos in Downtown Franklin

Downtown Columbia never gets old for senior sessions. The textures, the brick, the way late afternoon light hits those old walls — it works every single time, and this session was no exception.

This senior was a dream to photograph. She came ready to just go with it, and that kind of energy makes everything easier. We wandered, we played with light, and found some genuinely fun spots — including a peeling concrete wall that I almost walked past and am so glad I didn’t.

My favorite moments were the ones where she stopped thinking about the camera. The laugh against the texture wall, the eyes-closed shot with the sun on her face, the shadow playing off the concrete behind her — those felt real, and that’s always what I’m going for.

Ready to book your senior session? I’d love to work with you. [Book here] or reach out through the contact page.

A Downtown Franklin Senior Session with Old Friends

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Senior pics in Downtown Franklin

When this senior’s parents reached out about booking his senior portrait session, I immediately said yes – not just because I love photographing seniors, but because they are dear old friends and I was excited to see them.

His parents and I go way back to our Tennessee Tech days, where we were all Engineering majors trying to survive thermodynamics and calculus together. When my husband and I moved to Spring Hill after a few years in Detroit, they happened to live here too, and we picked up right where we left off. Those were some of the best times – regular Spades games at each other’s houses, lots of laughter, and just enjoying that phase of life when you’re building your careers and starting families.

I’ll never forget visiting them in the hospital when their son was born. I was very pregnant with my second daughter at the time, and the hospital staff actually thought I was there to check myself in! We all had a good laugh about that one. Life happened, as it does, and they eventually moved away from Spring Hill, and we haven’t been able to see them much.

What makes this even more special is that they were some of my very first clients when I started my photography business. They believed in me from the beginning and were such incredible supporters during those early days when I was still figuring everything out. So clearly, I was thrilled for the chance to see them again and photograph their son at this milestone.

Downtown Franklin was the perfect backdrop. We wandered around the area, found some great light between the buildings, and he totally nailed every shot. We also included a few family shots, which are some of my favorites from the session.

The whole thing honestly felt more like catching up with old friends than work, which made everything so much more relaxed and fun.

Senior pics in Downtown Franklin

Ready to capture your senior’s personality and this important milestone? I’d love to photograph your family’s next chapter – reach out and let’s start planning a session that’s all about celebrating who they’ve become. Book now.

Colorful Senior Session at South 40 Farm | Nashville Senior Photographer

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Colorful Senior Session at South 40 Farm in Franklin TN

When this senior booked her session at South 40 Farm, I wasn’t entirely sure if the flowers would still be in bloom this late in the season. But when we arrived, the cosmos were absolutely gorgeous—one of those happy surprises that makes a session feel even more special.

And can we talk about her colorful hair? It was honestly perfect against every single backdrop we used. The vibrant teal popped beautifully against the pink and white flowers, created this amazing contrast with the rusty vintage cars, and looked incredible next to the weathered gas pump. Sometimes everything just clicks together exactly right, and this was definitely one of those sessions.

One thing I’ve been working on lately is pushing myself out of my comfort zone with lighting. For years, I avoided harsh light completely—I’d always look for soft, diffused light and plan sessions around that golden hour glow. But recently, I’ve been experimenting with more dramatic lighting, and I’m loving what it adds to senior sessions especially.

The photos by the camper are a perfect example. When we first walked over there, my instinct was to skip it because the light was pretty harsh. The same thing happened at the gas pump—the first time we shot there, the sun was still high and creating strong shadows. In the past, I would have waited or moved on entirely. But we went for it anyway, and those dramatic shots ended up being some of my absolute favorites from the session. We did come back to the gas pump later for some softer light as well, and both versions are beautiful in completely different ways.

I’m not saying harsh light is always the answer—soft, diffused light is definitely easier to work with and best for most situations. But there’s something about those bold, high-contrast images that feels right for a senior session. They have this confident, editorial quality that really showcases personality.

Colorful Senior Session at South 40 Farm in Franklin TN

If you’ve been thinking about booking senior photos, I have a few spots open for weekday sessions in November. The catch is that they need to start around 3:30 PM to finish before dark, which can be tricky for most people to get off work. But they’re perfect for seniors who can leave school a bit early. November has some of the best weather of the year, and because weekday sessions are harder for families, these spots tend to stay open longer. So if you’re a senior needing photos—or know someone who is—please share! These really are ideal times to shoot.

How I Scout Every Session: A Henry Horton Senior Portrait Behind the Scenes

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Behind the Scenes as I scope out a Session location at Henry Horton State Park

One of my favorite parts of every session happens before my client even arrives. I show up early—often even an hour before our scheduled time—and I walk. I’m looking at light, noticing textures, mentally marking spots that might work beautifully in by the time the session starts, when the sun shifts just a little lower.

For this senior session at Henry Horton Park, I pulled out my phone and captured a few quick snapshots of what I was seeing. That’s the thing about being a photographer—you start to notice potential everywhere. Those tall weeds that most people would overlook? I saw how the evening light would filter through them, creating that dreamy backlit glow. The chain-link fence by the tennis court isn’t exactly a classic backdrop, but I knew the angle of the light would hit it perfectly, adding interesting lines and texture that you can’t get in an open field.

And that old building with the weathered walls? Not traditionally pretty, but those colors and textures were exactly what I needed to add variety to the gallery. Same with the gravel path—perfect for those natural walking shots that show movement and personality rather than just another posed portrait.

The best part? This senior made my job easy. She was natural, relaxed, and gave me so much variety in her expressions. When you’re working with someone who trusts the process and brings genuine energy to the session, those little spots I’d scouted earlier transform into something special. The weeds became a golden backdrop for her laughter. The fence created dramatic shadows. The building’s texture made her vibrant outfits pop even more.

This is exactly why I love what I do. It’s not just about finding pretty locations—it’s about seeing light and possibility in unexpected places, and then watching it all come together when the right person steps in front of the camera.

If you’re ready to book your own senior session and see how we can create something unique together, reach out! I’d love to show you how the ordinary becomes extraordinary when we look at it through the right light.

Stunning Senior Portraits at South 40 in Franklin, TN

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Senior pics with Crystal Freemon Photography at South 40 Farm

I am absolutely in love with everything about this senior session at South 40. When this senior reached out wanting something with flowers and fields, she was originally interested in Harlinsdale. But with Pilgrimage festival prep shutting down the park, I suggested a few other options including South 40 – and I’m so glad she chose it because it turned out to be absolutely perfect.

The timing couldn’t have been better. The flowers were in full bloom, and were a perfect fit for what she was looking for. But honestly? I think I loved the tall weeds and grasses even more. There’s something about that natural, untamed look that just speaks to me, especially when the light hits them just right.

I’ll admit I got a little nervous when I spotted some sprinkles on my drive to the farm, and we could see storm clouds building in the distance. But sometimes the best sessions happen when you embrace a little uncertainty. As we were wrapping up, that approaching storm delivered the most incredible dramatic clouds and wind that made her hair dance perfectly against the moody sky.

Her outfit choices were spot-on. That blue dress looked absolutely stunning against the dramatic sky we lucked into, and I loved how the color popped against all the natural tones around us. Her second look with the vintage camper and old car was so perfect– sometimes those rustic elements just complete the whole vibe of a session.

What made this session even more special was getting to work with a family I’d photographed before. I had captured their family photos a few years ago during her older brother’s senior session, and there’s nothing quite like working with clients you genuinely enjoyed the first time around. We even snuck in a few family shots during this session, minus big brother who’s away at college.

If you’re considering South 40 for your senior session, just know there is a location fee of $75 per hour. I typically recommend booking two hours so I have time to scout the light before we start shooting, plus it’s a big farm and we need time to move between all the gorgeous spots. The flowers won’t always be in bloom like they were for us, but honestly, I love this location even when everything isn’t in bloom.

Ready to capture your senior year in a setting that feels authentically you? Let’s chat about creating something beautiful together – whether that’s at South 40 or finding the perfect location that speaks to your style. I’d love to help you tell your story. Book Now.

Seeing Through a Photographer’s Eye: A Downtown Franklin Senior Session

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Senior Session in Downtown Franklin TN and Pinkerton Park

There’s a saying in photography that you should always “get it right in camera.” While I mostly agree with this philosophy, I’ve learned that sometimes the most beautiful shots come from seeing potential where others might not – and knowing what magic you can create later.

This senior guy’s session was the perfect example of how a photographer’s eye works differently. We started in downtown Franklin, and I’m sure my perspective looked a little unusual to anyone watching. While most people see the bustling street with too many cars, crowds of tourists, and trash cans scattered everywhere, I’m scanning for that perfect light hitting a brick wall or the way shadows fall across the architecture.

Yes, I could wait for the exact moment when no cars are driving by and no people are walking through my shot. But that’s just not practical when you’re trying to capture genuine expressions and keep the energy flowing. Instead, I strategically position myself so that any distracting elements fall in areas I know I can easily clean up later. I might be aiming for the dreamy way afternoon light pours over a building, fully aware that I’ll need to remove that delivery truck in the background during editing.

We had planned to end the session at the bridge at Pinkerton Park. His mom suggested we park on the opposite side of the bridge from Pinkerton Park. I’m so grateful she made that suggestion because it led me to discover this little patch of weeds that became absolutely perfect for our final shots. Now, I’ll be honest – to anyone else, this spot probably looked like nothing special. It was in a dingy gravel lot right next to some dumpsters. Not exactly scenic.

But that’s where the photographer’s eye comes in. I could see that the patch of weeds was just large enough to create a beautiful natural backdrop, and the light was filtering through in the most gorgeous way. Sometimes the most unexpected locations give you the most stunning results.

This is what I love about photography – constantly looking beyond the obvious to find those hidden gems. Every session teaches me to stay flexible with my plans while keeping my eyes open for something even better than what I originally envisioned.

Ready to create some senior portraits that capture your unique personality? I’d love to work with you to find those perfect moments and unexpected beautiful spots that tell your story. Contact me to book your session – I promise we’ll find the magic, even in the most unlikely places!

Senior Session at Centennial High School Baseball Field

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Senior Baseball themed portraits at Centennial High School

I love when seniors want to include something that actually matters to them in their portraits. When I heard that baseball was important for this session, I immediately started thinking about how we could make that work. We began at Pinkerton Park by the river, but I knew the baseball field at Centennial High School would be where we’d get the shots that really mattered.

I’d never photographed at this field before, so I spent some time on Google Earth beforehand to see how the sun would set. I was right about the light being perfect behind the field, which made all that planning worth it.

What excited me about this location was getting to work with harsh light instead of my usual soft, shaded approach. The dugout shots ended up being some of my favorites because of how the late afternoon sun created those dramatic shadow patterns. There’s something about that contrast between bright sunlight and deep shadows that just works with sports photography.

Once the sun started setting, we got some beautiful silhouettes, and I used my flash to add some dramatic lighting. I love how they turned out.

Baseball has clearly been a big part of his story, and being able to capture that in a setting that holds meaning makes these portraits more than just senior pictures. They’re a genuine reflection of this moment in his life.

Ready to create senior portraits that tell your story? Let’s talk about incorporating what matters most to you into your session.

Downtown Columbia Senior Session | Class of 2025

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Downtown Columbia TN Senior Pics - Senior girl browsing records at Variety Record Shop

With graduation parties filling up my calendar these next few weeks, I’ve been thinking about all the parents of this year’s seniors. Last year, I was in your place with my oldest graduating, and I’ll be there again next year with my youngest. It’s definitely an emotional time.

I miss my oldest, but seeing her grow and experience new adventures during her first year of college has been one of the great joys of my life. The next stage is different, but it has its own kind of awesome too.

I’ve enjoyed getting to know so many seniors from the Class of 2025 this year. Each one has their own unique personality and interests, which makes every session different.

This session downtown was particularly fun. When she mentioned wanting photos at Duck River Books and Variety Record Shop, I was immediately on board. Her mom contacted both businesses ahead of time for permission (which I always require when shooting in local businesses), and I’m glad they said yes.

I love how each location showed a different side of her personality. The bookstore had a quieter vibe while the record store brought out more energy. She brought along a favorite book and record to include in her portraits, which I loved. I’m not into elaborate props, but meaningful personal items that tell something about who someone is? Those always make for better photos.

After our indoor locations, we moved outside to capture some portraits at a few of my favorite downtown Columbia spots. The light was perfect, and she moved easily between poses and genuine smiles.

What I appreciated most was how her personality came through in every photo. Whether she was surrounded by books, looking through records, or standing on the downtown streets, she was just being herself.

If you have a senior heading into their final year of high school, I’d love to create a session that captures who they really are at this point in their lives.

Downtown Columbia TN Senior Pics - Senior girl browsing records at Variety Record Shop

Why Rush? The Benefits of Booking Your Senior Session Early

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Senior Guy Photos on a road at Yahnali Park in Columbia TN

I spent yesterday evening with this amazing senior guy at Yahanali Park in Columbia – one of my absolute favorite natural spots for senior pictures. The park put on quite a show for us with these gorgeous patches of yellow and red wildflowers (weeds? I don’t know, but I love them anyway) creating the perfect natural backdrop. And that newly paved road? What used to be a quiet gravel drive has transformed into what looks like a major highway with fresh paint and all. It made for some surprisingly cool and unique backdrops that really pop in his images!

This session was extra special because we also captured a few shots of his little sister during our time together. This is something I’m always happy to accommodate! Sometimes I even combine senior sessions with full family sessions – it’s really up to you how you want to use your session time. These moments of siblings together during such a milestone year are often some of the most treasured images from the session.

This past week has been filled with senior sessions, and my calendar for next week is just as packed, even though we’re already into May and just weeks away from graduation day. All these families had perfectly good reasons for scheduling their sessions this late in the year, and the photos are turning out beautifully, but I’m noticing something too – there’s definitely an added layer of stress when we’re working this close to the wire.

The biggest challenge? Weather. Since my sessions are exclusively outdoors, we sometimes need to reschedule for rain or storms. This is normally no big deal, but when you’re already down to your last few weeks before announcement orders need to go in, having to reschedule can create some serious stress. Plus, these seniors have so much happening right now – prom, awards banquets, final exams, graduation preparations – finding another time slot that works can be like solving a complex puzzle!

While spring senior sessions are absolutely beautiful and I’m happy to accommodate them, I want to make a gentle case to those of you with rising seniors (yes, parents of juniors, I’m talking to you!): Summer is actually the perfect low-stress time for senior portraits.

I know what you’re thinking – “But Crystal, it’s so hot in Tennessee summers!” And you’re absolutely right. But here’s my promise: I’m completely open to rescheduling for extreme heat within reason. We won’t be shooting on those 100-degree days, and we schedule for evenings when the light is magical and the temperatures are more bearable.

Booking your senior’s session in the summer means:

  • No competition with busy school schedules
  • Plenty of time for any weather reschedules
  • Zero stress about meeting announcement deadlines
  • More flexibility with dates and times
  • A relaxed experience rather than one more thing on an already-packed senior year to-do list

When your teen comes back from their summer session with me, they’ll have their entire senior year to enjoy their images, share them with friends, and you’ll have all the time you need to thoughtfully select announcement photos without rushing.

While I’m absolutely loving these May sessions (those spring blooms are worth it!), I just want to plant that seed for those of you with juniors at home. Let’s make your senior’s portrait experience as stress-free as possible by planning ahead!

And now, I can’t wait to share some of my favorite images from this recent Yahanali Park session.

Winstead Hill Senior Session & Best Timing for Senior Pictures

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Senior portraits at Winstead Hill park in Franklin TN

Well it’s been a crazy weather week in Middle Tennessee. This was actually the second session in just a few days where we had to navigate around rain clouds, but I’m so glad we persisted. One of the things I enjoy most about photographing seniors is getting to know these teens as individuals. This particular session was special because we incorporated this senior’s love of reading and the outdoors. Including his favorite book in the photos added a personal touch, and as a book lover myself, it’s one of my favorite props to include in sessions. Despite the weather challenges, we found breaks in the rain to create some great shots in the natural setting he was hoping for.

Timing Options for Senior Portraits

As the Class of 2025 begins their last few weeks of school, this seems like a good time to address questions about senior portrait timing. There’s no single “best” season—each time of year offers different advantages depending on your senior’s schedule and preferences.

Summer

Summer sessions offer a wonderfully low-stress option before the whirlwind of senior year activities begins. With more flexible schedules, we can easily work around family vacations and summer jobs. Plus, that summer glow can make for radiant portraits! Don’t let concerns about heat deter you—early mornings or evenings provide beautiful light and comfortable temperatures.

Fall

The rich colors of autumn create a stunning backdrop, which is why fall becomes my busiest season. If you’re dreaming of those golden-hour portraits with colorful leaves, book well in advance! These slots fill quickly every year, sometimes months ahead.

Winter

Winter sessions yield some of my most unique and striking senior portraits. The dramatic bare trees and soft, diffused winter light can create distinctive, striking images. Success with winter sessions comes down to flexibility—we may need to reschedule if temperatures drop too low, but the results are worth the extra coordination.

Spring

There’s something poetic about spring sessions that capture seniors right on the cusp of graduation. The blooming flowers and fresh greenery symbolize new beginnings perfectly. However, this time of year often coincides with the peak of senior activities, sports competitions, and academic commitments, which can make scheduling and potential reschedules more challenging. That said, for athletes with fall or winter seasons or students with particularly demanding extracurricular schedules, spring might be the only practical option.

Consider All Options

Many people rule out winter and summer because of weather concerns, but I encourage you to consider these seasons as they might be less stressful and perfect for your senior’s schedule. Any time can work great depending on your specific situation.

What matters most is capturing this milestone authentically, regardless of the season. Sometimes the less obvious choice ends up being the best fit for your senior’s schedule and personality.

Just like this week’s session that worked out despite weather challenges, flexibility often leads to great results.

Rain in the Forecast? Embracing Flexibility for Stunning Senior Portraits

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Senior guy close up wearing Summit Letterman Jacket at portrait session in downtown Franklin, TN

As a portrait photographer in Tennessee, I’ve learned to embrace the unexpected – especially when it comes to weather!

Adapting to Weather Challenges

The forecast called for rain on our scheduled session day. And like many of my seniors, this young man’s calendar was packed with sports, academics, and other activities that made rescheduling difficult. After discussing options with his mom, we decided to try our best to stick with our Sunday appointment.

Rather than cancel, we adjusted. His mom suggested meeting earlier at 1:30 PM to try to beat the incoming storm – and she absolutely nailed it! We completed a full, wonderful session, and it actually started pouring on my drive home.

The Silver Lining of Overcast Skies

Here’s a little photography secret: while I typically avoid early afternoon sessions because of harsh sunlight, cloudy days completely change the game. Overcast skies create a natural softbox effect that gives us:

  • Even, flattering light without harsh shadows
  • Vibrant colors that pop
  • The freedom to shoot in locations that would normally be challenging in direct sunlight
  • No squinting in bright sunlight!

What to Consider When Rain Threatens Your Session

If you’re scheduled for a portrait session and rain is in the forecast, here’s how we can handle it:

Option 1: Reschedule in advance – If your schedule allows and the forecast is certain, we can reschedule a day or two ahead of time. I’m always flexible with this option.

Option 2: Embrace the moment – If you prefer to wait and see how the weather develops, we can make a game-time decision. Sometimes, like with this session, we find perfect windows of opportunity! And if it starts sprinkling lightly? I’ve been known to pull out a clear umbrella, which not only keeps you dry but also makes for some creative and unique portraits.

Every client has different preferences when it comes to weather decisions, and I’m happy to work with whatever approach makes you most comfortable. What matters most is capturing this special milestone in your life – rain or shine!

Looking to book your own senior portrait session? Contact me to discuss your vision – and don’t worry too much about the weather forecast. As this handsome senior’s session proves, we’ll make it work beautifully!

Why Downtown Columbia Never Gets Old for Senior Sessions

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Senior girl in beautiful flowing pink dress in front of an old white building in Downtown Columbia TN

I’ve lost count of how many times I’ve photographed senior sessions in Downtown Columbia, but no matter how many times I return, it never feels the same twice. There’s something special about this little downtown—its mix of historic charm, worn brick, and urban textures creates the perfect canvas for any senior’s personality.

This session was a perfect example of that. As I was shooting, I realized I had placed this senior in some of the same spots I’ve used before—leaning against the same old brick, walking past the same weathered doors, standing in the same golden light. But the vibe? Completely different.

That’s what I love about senior photography. The location stays the same, but the energy, the personality, and the story are unique every time. This senior brought her own style, her own confidence, and her own presence, making familiar backdrops feel brand new. One moment, she looked effortlessly elegant in a soft pink dress, the next, she exuded bold confidence in a sleek black outfit. The contrast of styles against Downtown Columbia’s timeless textures made for such a stunning variety of images.

One of my favorite surprises from this session happened near the green table. I’ve shot in that exact spot so many times before, but it had never really stood out to me. Then I noticed her fabulous pink shoes and suddenly knew—the colors would be fantastic together. That pop of pink against the bright green brought a whole new life to the space, turning it into one of my favorite shots of the day.

This session also had a special layer of nostalgia for me. I’ve known this senior’s mom since my moms’ club days, and she has always been such a kind supporter of my work. As I was preparing this blog post, I realized that I featured a photo of this senior—when she was just a little girl hugging her brother—in my 10-year anniversary video. Where does the time go? It’s such a surreal feeling to look back at that sweet moment from years ago and now see her all grown up, stepping into this exciting new stage of life.

It’s proof that a great location isn’t just about the buildings or the scenery—it’s about how a senior makes it their own.

Are you a senior looking for the perfect spot to showcase your personality? Downtown Columbia is always one of my top recommendations. Whether you want something soft and dreamy, bold and confident, or a mix of both, it’s the kind of place that adapts to YOU.

And for a fun throw-back, here is the photo I mentioned from my Anniversary Slideshow, taken in 2016.

A Winter Senior Session in Downtown Franklin

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Downtown Franklin TN Senior Portrait Session

Even though it was a chilly day in downtown Franklin, this senior brought all the warmth and style to her session! She was such a champ, never letting the cold dampen her spirit. I couldn’t get enough of the gorgeous coat and shoes she borrowed from her mom—they added such a cool vibe to the whole look. Sometimes the best pieces come straight from your mom’s closet, right?

One of my favorite parts of this session was how personal it felt. She brought along her clarinet and the coolest clarinet case decked out with stickers, making her photos truly her own. We even popped into Shuff’s Music, where she had taken lessons, for a few special shots. It was such a fun full-circle moment, and I love when seniors incorporate meaningful details like this into their sessions.

✨ Senior Mini Sessions Are Here! ✨


If you’re a senior (or the parent of one) and haven’t had a chance to book a full session, these upcoming senior mini sessions are the perfect opportunity! They’re also great if you just want a few updated photos—you don’t have to wait until you’ve made your college decision to capture this milestone.

Spots are limited, so if you’ve been on the fence, now’s the time to grab your session! Reach out today, and let’s create something beautiful. 💕

A Special Senior Session in Chattanooga

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Senior Girl Portrait Session in Downtown Chattanooga

There are certain sessions that feel extra special, and this was definitely one of them. This beautiful senior isn’t just any client—she’s the daughter of one of my oldest and dearest friends from college. She’s like a niece to me, and I can’t believe she’s already getting ready to head off to college herself! It feels like just yesterday we were all young and figuring out life, and now she’s about to embark on her own incredible journey.

When it came time to plan her senior session, we wanted to capture her in a place that holds meaning for her. Since she lives in Chattanooga, I made the trip down to photograph her in some of her favorite spots. We originally scheduled the session last month, but as luck would have it, it ended up raining on us and we had to try again for another date. This past weekend, we finally made it happen! Though it was absolutely freezing and the wind had a mind of its own, we at least dodged the rain. And honestly? I wouldn’t have changed a thing—the overcast skies gave us the most gorgeous, soft lighting that made every shot feel magical.

We explored some truly stunning locations, from scenic riverside spots to the iconic pedestrian bridge. If you look closely, you can even see the Tennessee Aquarium in the background of some of the images! One of my absolute favorite stops was a vibrant alley covered in chalk art, which added such a fun and dynamic feel to the session. It was the perfect mix of edgy and whimsical.

I am so honored to have captured this milestone for someone so special to me. I have no doubt that she’s going to do amazing things in college and beyond.

Enjoy this little sneak peek from her session! I can’t wait to see all the adventures that await her. 💕

Senior Session at the Factory at Franklin

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When it comes to capturing senior portraits, finding the right location is key. I was thrilled to return to The Factory at Franklin for this session after not having shot there in a while. I’m happy to report that the new owners still allow photography with a paid permit, which is great news because The Factory remains one of my favorite spots for its endless variety of stunning backdrops and unique charm.

We began the session at Studio TN, to celebrate this senior’s love of the theater. The theater provided a meaningful and personal setting that beautifully reflected his passion for performing. The dramatic lighting and intimate atmosphere made it a fantastic place to start, and it set the tone for a creative and fun shoot.

Next, we headed to the colorful and eclectic shops within The Factory. A big thank-you to Luna Record Shop and CR-71 for letting us take photos in their stores. These spaces were a perfect fit for this senior’s personality. Whether posing among the vinyl records or exploring the treasures at CR-71, these indoor locations added such a unique and personalized touch to the session.

We wrapped up the session with The Factory’s gorgeous outdoor spaces, which I have always loved. The industrial brick walls, large glass panels, and beautiful architectural details provided a classic and timeless backdrop. I think the overcast day added a depth and contrast to the photos that is just beautiful.

What makes The Factory at Franklin so special is its versatility. From its creative indoor locations to the stunning outdoor settings, it’s a photographer’s dream. Every corner offers something unique, and it’s the kind of location that helps bring a senior’s personality to life in every shot.

This session was a wonderful mix of creativity, fun, and meaningful moments. Huge thanks again to Studio TN, Luna Record Shop, and CR-71 for being part of this incredible experience!

A Senior Session at Yanahli Park: Finding the Perfect Outdoor Location

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I’ve never had the pleasure of meeting this family in person before, but we’ve crossed paths through mutual friends and shared Facebook groups. It was such a joy to finally connect and spend a gorgeous fall day together at Yanahli Park in Columbia. Their senior session turned out beautifully, and it got me thinking about one of the most common questions I get from clients: Where should we do the photos?

Choosing the Right Location for Your Session:


When planning a portrait session, selecting the right location is key. I offer a variety of parks and outdoor areas to choose from, and I always encourage clients to browse my portfolio on my website to see examples of past sessions. If they’re not sure what they’re looking for, I’ll ask a few guiding questions:

  • Do you prefer an urban backdrop with buildings, like Downtown Franklin or Columbia, or would you rather be surrounded by nature?
  • How do you feel about crowds? Some locations, like Downtown Franklin, can be lively, while quieter spots might feel more comfortable.

For this session, nature was the clear winner. That’s why I suggested Yanahli Park. It has so many elements I love in a location: beautiful fields, textured trails, and even access to the river, which many clients enjoy as a serene feature in their portraits.

Why Yanahli Park Was a Perfect Fit:


What I look for most in a location is great lighting and texture. Yanahli Park offers warm, backlit areas with tall grasses and fields that create the perfect dreamy look at golden hour. Honestly, one of my favorite spots for portraits is simply a patch of tall weeds with the sun streaming through. Yanahli has plenty of those (as long as the fields haven’t been freshly mowed!).

For this senior, the natural setting was a perfect match.


Sessions like this remind me why I love what I do—capturing authentic moments in beautiful, meaningful places. If you’re considering a senior session or family portraits, let’s talk about what kind of location speaks to you. Whether it’s urban charm or rustic nature, we’ll find the perfect spot to tell your story.

A Unique Senior Session at Hidden Seed Plant Co. and Fischer Park

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This senior session was such a treat! When this senior mentioned her love for Hidden Seed Plant Co. and asked if we could do part of her session there, I thought it was a great idea. Hidden Seed is this cozy little shop tucked away near Duplex and Main Street, right behind Groove Life. The owner was kind enough to let us take some photos in the shop, which made for a beautiful and unique backdrop.

I actually have a plant from Hidden Seed myself—a gift from friends for my birthday in August. I’m notorious for having a brown thumb, but three months later, it’s still alive and thriving, so I’m convinced this shop is a little bit magical. If you haven’t been there, you really should check it out!

For the second half of the session, we headed over to Fischer Park. It’s a place I know well, since it’s close to home, and we often walk our dog Mars there. While Fischer Park is mostly known for the playground, splash pad, and paved walking track, there’s a lovely little weeded area along the trail and even a hidden path down to the creek. I’d been wanting to try it as a photo spot for a while.

The path down to the creek is pretty steep—I usually slide down it on my bum—so I’d been hesitant to take families there. But I knew this senior was up for an adventure. She came prepared with sneakers to help her navigate the slope, and once we got down there, the setting was perfect. I’m so glad she was game because the photos turned out beautifully.

If you’re local to Spring Hill, I can’t recommend checking out these two spots enough. Hidden Seed is a fantastic little business to support, and Fischer Park is perfect for a walk or some fresh air. It was a pleasure to incorporate both places into this session, and I’m thrilled with how everything turned out!

Winter sessions can be a beautiful and unique way to capture your senior year! I’m offering a special discount for January and February bookings (use coupon code ‘WINTER” when booking), so if you’re ready to create something unforgettable, let’s chat!

Senior Session at Yanahli Park

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Photographing seniors is always a special experience, but when it’s someone I’ve watched grow up, it takes on a whole new level of meaning. I still can’t believe it’s time for this one to have her senior session. Since her mother and I served on the PTO together almost ten years ago, I couldn’t tell you how many pictures I’ve taken of her.

We chose Yanahli Park for this special session, and let me tell you, it couldn’t have been a more perfect day. I know that in Miss Congeniality, it’s said that April 25 is the most perfect date, but I disagree. November 3 is where it’s at. The colors on the trees were in full glory, the air was crisp but comfortable, and the light was simply magical. It’s one of those days that feels like nature itself is celebrating with you.

I had so much fun photographing this session, and she really nailed it. She was so easy to work with, and her outfit choices were fantastic.

I don’t really get emotional during sessions. I’m in work mode, making sure I capture every important shot. But editing is a different story. That’s when the emotions hit me. As I worked through her gallery, I felt fine until I got to the photos of her with the book. Something about those images brought all the feelings rushing in. Probably because I’m also a book nerd.

This session was a beautiful reminder of why I love what I do. Watching her grow up through my lens has been an honor.



Thank you so much for letting me capture this special moment! If you’re interested in booking a session or have any questions, feel free to reach out. I’d love to hear from you! Don’t forget to follow me on Instagram @crystalfreemonphotography and on Facebook to see more of my wrk and stay updated on upcoming sessions and promotions.

Senior Portrait Session at Eastern Flank Battlefield

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I still have a few weekday sessions available in November. If you’re looking to fit in a last-minute senior session, these weekday spots can be a great option—especially for seniors who get out of school early due to online classes or flexible schedules. These spots tend to not fill up completely because they have to be so early in the day because of the early sunset. But the lighting is beautiful this time of year, and if you can make it to the session early, you’ll be rewarded with some gorgeous shots.

If November doesn’t work for you, January and February are also great times for senior photos without the hustle and bustle of the fall season. I’m currently offering a discount with the coupon code “WINTER” for $50 off when you book ahead for these months, and I’m always flexible about rescheduling if it’s too cold outside.

I had so much fun photographing this young woman recently at one of my favorite spots. We started by the creek and ended at the Eastern Flank Battlefield, where we were blessed with the prettiest pink sky as the sun was setting.

If you’re thinking about booking, don’t wait! Spots fill up fast, and now’s a perfect time to lock in a date.

Senior Guy Session in Downtown Franklin

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This week, I had the pleasure of photographing a senior session in downtown Franklin, and it was a fantastic time! This senior was really easy and fun to photograph, and we even got to incorporate some skateboarding shots.

His mom was fortunate to grab this session date last minute after another client rescheduled, and I’m so glad it worked out. So many people want fall photos and it’s just hard to accommodate everyone.

If you’ve been trying to get a last-minute fall session, I’ve got great news for you. I just added several new dates to my calendar! For weekends, I have openings on November 23 and December 7 & 8. Plus, there are some weekday slots available in November as well. I know weekday sessions can be tough because of the early sunset, but if you can take some time off work or if your senior gets out of school early, these spots are perfect for capturing fall’s golden hour.

I’m also offering a discount on January and February sessions. Use the code “WINTER” when booking to receive $50 off. Winter sessions bring their own unique magic, and I’d love to help you capture those moments. Reach out soon if you’re interested—these dates are sure to fill up fast!

Looking forward to hearing from you! 🙂



If you’re looking to schedule your own senior session or know someone who is, check out my updated calendar for availability! Fall dates are filling up fast, and I’m offering a special discount for January and February sessions with the coupon code “WINTER.” Share this post with your friends who might be interested in booking a session as well! Book a Session.