siblings Archives - Crystal Freemon Photography

The Impact of Weather-Appropriate Attire on Your Photo Session

November 8, 2023November 8, 2023Posted in Family, Newborns & Babies, Portrait SessionsTagged baby, fall, family, november, outdoors, photography, Sarah Benson Park, siblings, Spring Hill TNLeave a comment

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

This week, we’ve experienced an unexpected twist in the weather – 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

November 7, 2023November 7, 2023Posted in Family, Little Kids, Newborns & Babies, Portrait Sessions, Sarah Benson Park, (formerly known as Thompson's Station Park)Tagged baby, fall, family, Family of 5, joy, little kids, outdoors, Sarah Benson Park, siblings, Spring Hill TN, Thompson StationLeave a comment

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 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 beautiful families year after year

November 6, 2023November 6, 2023Posted in Family, Marcella Vivrette Smith Park, Portrait SessionsTagged Autumn colors, fall, family, Marcella Vivrette park, Nashville Family Photographer, outdoors, Repeat Clients, siblings, Smith ParkLeave a comment

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.

Morning Photo Session: Joyful Moments at Percy Warner Park

October 3, 2023October 3, 2023Posted in Family, Little Kids, Percy Warner ParkTagged family, family of 4, Family photography, morning, Nashville, outdoors, Percy Warner Park, siblingsLeave a comment

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 – stay connected for more!

Family of Five Photos in Franklin TN

September 25, 2023September 25, 2023Posted in Eastern Flank Battlefield Park, Family, Portrait SessionsTagged creek, fall, Family of 5, franklin, outdoors, siblings, sisters, sunset, TennesseLeave a comment

Family of 5 photo session in Franklin TN

I’m getting to that part in the annual portrait photography busy season where my neck is stiff from editing and I’ve run out of words. It inevitably happens every year. But I’m never lacking in images.

I loved hanging with this beautiful family. These sweet sisters were so much fun to photograph. The sunset and the giggles were my happy place.

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.

Family Pics at Bowie Nature Preserve

September 9, 2023September 9, 2023Posted in Bowie Nature Preserve, Family, Little Kids, Portrait SessionsTagged Bowie Nature Preserve, Fairview, fall, family, family of 4, little kids, outdoors, portraits, siblingsLeave a comment

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!

🍁 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.

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

At-Home Newborn Photo Session in Columbia TN

August 21, 2023August 21, 2023Posted in Home Sessions, Newborns & BabiesTagged at-home, babies, baby boy, Columbia Tn, home, newborn, newborn photographer, nursery, siblings, toddlersLeave a comment

Columbia TN Newborn Portrait Photography

I first met this lovely family a little over two years ago for their maternity photo session, and then shortly thereafter had the honor of shooting an at-home newborn session for their first baby.

This week I got to return for baby #2. It is such a joy and a privilege to be able to capture a newborn session and then to be able to return a couple years later and see that newborn growing into the BEST big sister. Congratulations to this new family of four.

Morning Photo Session at Bowie Nature Preserve

August 1, 2023August 1, 2023Posted in Bowie Nature Preserve, Family, Little Kids, Newborns & BabiesTagged Bowie Nature Preserve, Fairview Tennessee, family, Family of Four, outdoors, pond, siblings, summer, woodsLeave a comment

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. 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.

Downtown Columbia Family Photo Session

November 15, 2022November 15, 2022Posted in Downtown Columbia, FamilyTagged Downtown Columbia TN, family, family of 4, outdoors, siblings, urbanLeave a comment

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.

Fall Family Photo Session in Spring Hill TN

October 31, 2022October 31, 2022Posted in Family, Sarah Benson Park, (formerly known as Thompson's Station Park)Tagged "Spring Hill tn", autumn, fall, Fall color, family, outdoors, Sarah Benson Park, siblings, Thompson Station TNLeave a comment

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?

Fall Family Portrait Session in Nashville

October 24, 2022October 24, 2022Posted in Family, Little KidsTagged fall, family, joyful, little kids, Nashville Family Photographer, outdoors, siblingsLeave a comment

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?

Family Portrait Session in Columbia Tennessee

October 6, 2022October 6, 2022Posted in Family, Little Kids, Yanahli ParkTagged "crystal freemon photography", Columbia Tn, family, outdoors, siblings, Yanhali ParkLeave a comment

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.

Combination Senior and Family Portrait Session | Downtown Franklin

September 21, 2022September 21, 2022Posted in Downtown Franklin, Family, Seniors & TeensTagged Downtown Franklin, family, Nashville senior photographer, outdoors, Senior Guys, siblings, TeensLeave a comment

Family with Teens portrait session in downtown franklin

Sometimes I have moms who are booking senior photo sessions for their teens who ask if I could also get photographs of the entire family. It’s often the case that we schedule lots of photo sessions when our kids are little, but that gets harder to do as they get older. I am absolutely happy to combine a senior and family session.

My portrait sessions are about an hour long, and we can focus that hour on whatever best fits your needs. Some parents just want a quick family shot with the majority of the session focused on the senior. Others prefer a more even split between a family session and a senior session.

I find that particularly when all the subjects are older, with no very young children to manage, a one-hour session gives plenty of time to get a wide variety of shots. A combination session works particularly well when perhaps your senior isn’t super excited about photos and is willing to share the time.

Family of Four Photo Session at Winstead Hill in Franklin

September 14, 2022September 14, 2022Posted in Family, Little Kids, Newborns & Babies, Portrait Sessions, Winstead Hill ParkTagged "Spring Hill tn", baby, family, Franklin Portrait Photographer, Franklin TN, outdoors, preschooler, siblings, Winstead Hill ParkLeave a comment

Siblings at Family Portrait Session at Winstead Hill Park

I love seeing my favorite repeat clients yearly for their annual family portrait session. But I especially love it when the kids reach my favorite ages for photographing. Kids ages one to four have always been my favorite to capture, and this family portrait session shows why.

Young children are so authentic and true to their own feelings. They are filled with wonder about the world around them. Even a leaf on the ground becomes fascinating, and a hike through a park is an adventure. Photo sessions with young children involve a playfulness that I love to capture.

Family of Four Photo Session in Downtown Columbia

May 18, 2022May 18, 2022Posted in Big Kids, Downtown Columbia, FamilyTagged "crystal freemon photography", Downtown Columbia, family, outdoors, siblings, sisters, twins, urbanLeave a comment

Downtown Columbia Photo Session with Crystal Freemon Photography

It was so good to see this family again, after our last family photo session four or five years ago. These twin sisters were so easy to photograph. The family wanted a more urban setting for their session, so we chose to meet in Downtown Columbia.

Family of Four Portrait Session at Marcella Vivrette Park

April 20, 2022April 20, 2022Posted in Big Kids, Family, Little Kids, Marcella Vivrette Smith Park, Portrait SessionsTagged brothers, family, franklin, joy, Marcella Vivrette park, outdoors, portraits, siblingsLeave a comment

Family photo session at Marcella Vivrette Park

I look forward to seeing these boys at their family photo session every year. They are getting so big. This year we had a good talk about superheroes. We agreed that Spiderman, Thor, and Ironman are all pretty awesome.

How to rock your family portrait session

April 12, 2022April 12, 2022Posted in Big Kids, Family, Portrait SessionsTagged "Catholic Church of the Nativity", "crystal freemon photography", "Spring Hill tn", family, girls, outdoors, portraits, siblings, sisters, spring, What to wearLeave a comment

Family of five Lifestyle portrait session in Spring Hill TN

Yesterday, I shared with you Emily’s First Communion Photos. We combined those photos with a family portrait session, just like we’ve done in previous years. That meant we had about an hour to do Emily’s pictures inside the church, change her, and do family photos outside the church.

I did not feel we needed extra time to do the session because I’ve been taking photos of these girls all their lives, and they are old enough to follow directions. But even still, after we finished the session, I felt like it was too easy. I wondered to myself, “Did I get enough photos?”

Well, it turns out that I have too many photos. So many that it’s hard to narrow them down to a reasonable level. A big part of why the session feels so effortless is that I’ve been taking photos of these kids literally since they were born, and they know what to expect.

So I thought I would list a few things that make them so easy to photograph in the hopes that it might help others better know what to expect from a family photo session.

Their wardrobe is perfection. The colors are gorgeous. They coordinate without being too matchy-matchy. Everyone seems comfortable in what they are wearing. I love the textures in the corduroy. The little details like Hannah’s belt and bracelet really add interest and bring it together. And Christy looks absolutely stunning in red.
They take direction from me but also understand that I’m not looking for super posed images. They know they are free to be silly. I love the photos below of the three girls hugging and falling to the ground. This is the kind of circumstance where parents who are less used to my style might have been fussing at the children to be serious and stand up straight. But Christy and Brian know my style, and they know that sometimes those photos where the kids are being silly are the best ones.
They weren’t in a hurry. Sometimes people (usually dad) have this idea that we will “get a few photos” and then be done. That mindset makes it really hard to capture candid, authentic images. Brian has been showing up for my family photo sessions for many years and absolutely does his part to be patient and fun.
They get that authenticity is the goal. Everyone was encouraged to be themselves, which shows through in the images.

Did I miss anything? What do you think is the key to a fantastic family portrait session?

Family Photography with a touch of Chaos

March 29, 2022March 29, 2022Posted in Big Kids, Family, Little Kids, Portrait Sessions, Uncategorized, Yanahli ParkTagged chaos, Columbia, Family of 5, lovie, Nashville Family Photographer, outoors, portraits, siblings, spring, Yanhali ParkLeave a comment

Family of Five Portraits at Yanhali Park

I have this theory that if someone uses the word “chaos” in my portrait client questionnaire, then I’m going to adore them and love photographing their family. First of all, you’d be surprised how often that happens. And secondly, I’ve been completely correct so far. (See also “wild” and “hot mess”.)

One of my survey questions asks how you want to remember your family at this stage. This mom wrote, “How precious these years are as we watch all 3 kids’ unique personalities unfold. I want to remember how we all love each other deeply, even if it’s chaos sometimes!”

Yes, please! You have no idea how much I’d prefer to read something like that, rather than a list of specific poses or Pinteresty backdrops you’d like included. My number one goal as a photographer is to capture those unique personalities, oftentimes with a little touch of chaos.

And really it’s not really chaos at all that these families bring, but a sense of fun, adventure, and embracing the moment. And for me as a family photographer, that’s everything.

Bonus points if they mention “beautiful light” as their main desire for a portrait location. Because I tend to also prefer simpler backgrounds with beautiful light that make the people in the portraits the main focus. This is the second time I’ve shot at Yanhali Park in Columbia, and I’m definitely adding it to my favorites list.

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.

Large Family Photo Session at Marcella Vivrette Park

November 9, 2021November 9, 2021Posted in Big Kids, Family, Marcella Vivrette Smith Park, Portrait SessionsTagged cousins, extended family, fall, Franklin Family Photographer, grandparents, Large groups, Marcella Vivrette park, outdoors, siblingsLeave a comment

I’m going to tell y’all a little secret. I don’t usually love large family sessions. Don’t get me wrong – I LOVE that clients want to do them. I think it’s so great to capture that beautiful relationship with extended family. Getting grandparents, cousins, aunts, and uncles together for photos is a great idea.

It’s just that having SO many people at a session can make it hard to do what I really love, which is to capture candid moments of connection. Sometimes, just capturing the more posed large group photo along with every combination of smaller families within the larger family can be pretty stressful.

I know what you are thinking – just make the sessions longer. I could, but I find that going much more than an hour has diminishing returns. That’s about the optimal time to keep the kids (and adults) engaged and focused. But also, sometimes it takes clients a while to warm up and become relaxed. This is fine when I’m photographing a family of four, for example. I tend to like the photos at the end the most, once the kids have gotten used to me. At a large family session, there isn’t much time to waste in “warming up.”

But I’ve been photographing this family for several years now, and they are like magic. Somehow, even with so many kids, they make it easy. They are used to me and my style by now, which helps (but also were a great fit, to begin with). I’m always super impressed with their clothing and accessory collection (isn’t this pop of animal print amazing?).

But mostly, I think it’s just that they have fun and I have fun with them. They make me love large family sessions.

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.

Family Portraits at Marcella Vivrette Park

November 4, 2021November 4, 2021Posted in Family, Little Kids, Marcella Vivrette Smith Park, Portrait SessionsTagged fall, family, Marcella Vivrette park, outdoors, siblingsLeave a comment

Family Portrait Session in Marcella Vivrette park

It was a bit chilly for the family portrait session at Marcella Vivrette Park, but these sweet kids were troopers. This was my first time at Marcella Vivrette and I will definitely be back! It was such a pretty spot.

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.

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