Tag: Spring Hill family photographer

Santa Minis at Sarah Benson Park: A Holiday Tradition

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Santa Photos with Crystal Freemon Photography in Spring Hill TN baby crying on Santa's lap.

My Santa Mini sessions have become one of my favorite traditions over the years. Sunday at Sarah Benson Park was absolutely gorgeous—though I have to admit, nothing will ever quite top the time it snowed during my Santa Minis back in 2020. That was pure magic.

It’s hard to believe I’ve been photographing Santa pictures in some form since 2015. It started when I volunteered to shoot photos at the elementary school Santa Breakfast that I helped organize through the PTO. My own girls were little then—now one is in college and the other starts next year. Time really does fly. As my kids moved on to middle school, my friend Michelle and I shifted gears and started doing Santa photos for the middle school band’s holiday marketplace fundraiser.

But 2020 changed everything. That year, I started these outdoor mini sessions with Nashville Santa. I wanted families to have a safe way to visit with Santa during the pandemic, so we took everything outside. What began as a solution to an uncertain time has turned into something I look forward to every single year.

The best part? So many of the same families come back year after year. I get to watch these kids grow up, see the little ones who were shy and unsure become confident and chatty. It’s become woven into their Christmas traditions, and honestly, it’s become part of mine too. These sessions are how I officially kick off my own holiday season—surrounded by families who trust me to capture this fleeting moment in their lives, with a Santa who truly embodies the spirit of the season.

A Peek Behind the Magic

Here’s a little secret about Santa photos with the youngest ones: sometimes they want absolutely nothing to do with sitting on Santa’s lap. And you know what? That’s completely okay. I’ve gotten pretty good at a little Photoshop magic to make it all come together. We’ll get sweet shots of the kids on their own, capture Santa being his wonderful self, and then blend them together so families still get that classic Santa photo they’re hoping for. It’s all part of making sure every family walks away with images they’ll treasure, even when the littlest ones aren’t quite ready to embrace the jolly man in red.

There’s something about seeing familiar faces come back, about being a small part of how they mark the passage of time and celebrate together. It reminds me why I love what I do.

A Multi-Generational Family Session at the Perfect Fall Moment in Spring Hill

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Multigenerational Photo Session in Spring Hill TN

There’s something incredibly special about photographing multiple generations together. When this family reached out to schedule a session that would include not just mom, dad, and their adorable six-year-old daughter, but five of her grandparents as well, I knew it would be meaningful. What I didn’t know was that the timing would work out so perfectly.

I first photographed this sweet girl when she was just a baby, so getting to see her again—now full of personality and energy—was such a treat. But having the opportunity to capture her with all of her grandparents together? That’s the kind of session that reminds me why I love what I do.

We lucked out with the weather in a big way. This session happened right before the cold snap we’re experiencing now, on one of those perfect fall days where the temperature is just right and the leaves are at peak color. The lighting was gorgeous, and everyone was relaxed and happy to be together.

The real fun happened at the end of the session when this little one asked me to join her at the playground for some photos. How could I resist? We spent those final minutes capturing her joy and energy as she played, and honestly, it was the perfect way to end the session. Sometimes the best moments happen when you let kids just be kids.

Ready to capture your own family’s story? I’d love to work with you to create authentic, joyful images that you’ll treasure for years to come. Reach out to schedule your session, and let’s find the perfect time to document your family’s connections and crazy, beautiful mess.

Photographing My People: A Yahnali Park Family Session

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Family Photos at Yahnali Park in Columbia TN with Crystal Freemon Photography

Some people come into your life and become so much more than friends—they become your village, your cheerleaders, and the people who believe in you even when you don’t believe in yourself. This beautiful family holds such a special place in my heart, and every time I photograph them, I’m reminded of just how grateful I am for the people who’ve supported this journey from the very beginning.

If I could give any new parent one piece of advice, it would be this: find your people. Find the friends you can count on, the ones you can cry to, and the ones who will cheer you on through every season of motherhood. Trust me, it makes all the difference.

I get a little emotional every time I shoot and edit sessions for my closest friends because looking through my camera lens, time feels like it moves at lightning speed. The very first “real” photo shoot I ever did was for her middle daughter. Looking back, the photography was pretty rough, but somehow she stuck with me anyway. I was even in the room with my camera when their youngest was born, capturing those first precious moments. Now that same little one is in middle school, and I honestly don’t know where the years went.

It’s such a privilege to capture these precious moments for every family I work with, but there’s something extra special about photographing the families of my closest friends. It doesn’t hurt that they happen to be one of the most fun families to photograph. She has the best eye for picking outfits that coordinate without being too matchy, and they’re all so willing to try whatever silly thing I suggest during our session.

She also picked one of my absolute favorite spots for photographers—Yahnali Park. I find that a lot of clients feel like they need to find a particularly pretty or interesting location for their images. But honestly, my favorites almost always end up being a simple field with beautiful lighting. Don’t get me wrong, Yahnali is definitely pretty, but in that simple, natural way that lets the people be the real focus of the images.

This session was filled with so much laughter and genuine connection, and I loved being able to capture their family exactly as they are right now—fun, loving, and completely comfortable being themselves.

Percy Warner Park Family Session at the Bell Meade Steps

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Family Pictures at Percy Warner Park

There’s something so special about photographing a family year after year and watching them grow. This sweet family has become one of my favorites to work with, and I always look forward to our annual sessions together.

In the past, we’ve always done morning sessions, which honestly work beautifully for so many families. While most of my sessions happen during magic hour, I love that mornings are an option too—especially for families with little ones who might be tired and cranky by evening. There’s something to be said for capturing fresh faces and bright smiles when everyone’s still energized from a good night’s sleep.

This year the kids have grown enough that they were ready to try an evening session instead. Percy Warner Park’s Bell Meade steps provided the perfect backdrop, and we spent our time laughing and running up and down those iconic steps.

It was exactly what I want every family session to be—kids having fun and playing while I capture all those authentic moments that happen naturally. The genuine laughter, the spontaneous racing, the way they looked at each other when they thought no one was watching—this is what family photography is all about. Not stiff poses or forced smiles, but real life unfolding in front of my camera.

Are you ready to capture your family’s authentic moments? Whether you’re a morning family or ready to try magic hour, I’d love to create something beautiful together. Let’s chat about what would work best for your crew!

Spring Hill Family Photos at Sarah Benson Park | Fall Sessions Available

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Family photo session at Sarah Benson Park in Spring Hill TN

I absolutely love photographing families with older kids and young adults. There’s something so special about capturing these connections during this unique season of life—when everyone’s personalities have really developed and the family dynamic has this wonderful depth to it.

Let me tell you, I know from personal experience just how challenging it can be to coordinate schedules when you have teens and college students. Between work schedules, school commitments, sports, and social plans, finding a time when everyone can be in the same place feels nearly impossible sometimes. But when it all comes together? It’s everything you hoped it would be.

This Sarah Benson Park session was exactly that—everything I love about photographing families at this stage. The golden hour light filtering through the trees, genuine laughter instead of forced smiles, and those natural interactions that happen when everyone’s relaxed and just being themselves. These are the moments that make all the scheduling coordination absolutely worth it.

Speaking of timing and coordination, I’ve just added another Fall mini session date—Thursday, October 9th! If your young adults will be home for fall break, this could be the perfect opportunity to finally get those family photos you’ve been talking about. Mini sessions are especially wonderful for families who don’t have little ones to wrangle. We can focus on connection and conversation without worrying about naptime or meltdowns.

I still have several dates available for full fall sessions too, but honestly, these won’t last long. Fall is always my busiest season, and I’m already seeing my calendar fill up faster than usual this year. If you’ve been thinking about family photos, don’t wait too much longer.

Family photo session at Sarah Benson Park in Spring Hill TN

Ready to coordinate those schedules and create some beautiful memories together? I’d love to chat about which session option would work best for your family. You can book directly through my website or send me a message—I’m here to help make this as easy as possible!

A Family Session at Preservation Park | Spring Hill, TN Family Photographer

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Family of five at family portrait session at Preservation park in Spring Hill TN

There’s something special about discovering the perfect location for a photo session right in your own backyard. Preservation Park in Spring Hill is exactly that kind of spot – a place I should definitely use more often.

This park offers stunning natural backdrops, but I’ll be honest – there’s a bit of a hike up a hill to reach the best shooting locations. While this can be challenging for families with very young children or those with mobility considerations, it was perfect for this family of five with older children.

Football and Family Time

I loved that this family brought along a football to their session. I’m all for anything that helps create natural interactions during a photoshoot. The football wasn’t a prop in the Pinterest sense – it was something meaningful that showed who they are as a family and created authentic moments.

When people can engage with each other naturally, the camera fades into the background, and that’s when the most genuine expressions and connections happen.

Preservation Park’s Natural Beauty

What makes Preservation Park worth the climb is the variety of backgrounds – from open fields to wooded areas bathed in golden afternoon light. The natural landscape offered the perfect setting to showcase this wonderful family.

I enjoyed getting to know them and seeing the dynamic between the siblings. There’s something particularly rewarding about photographing teens and older children – they bring their own personalities and energy to a session in ways that make each photo unique.

Considering Preservation Park for Your Photos?

If you’re thinking about this location for your family session, here’s what to know:

  • There’s about a 5-10 minute walk uphill to reach the prime photo spots
  • Wear comfortable shoes you can walk in
  • It’s best suited for families with older kids or those comfortable with a short hike
  • The payoff in gorgeous backdrops is absolutely worth it

I’d love to help you create beautiful family memories at this hidden gem in Spring Hill or find another perfect location that suits your family’s needs.

Family of five at family portrait session at Preservation park in Spring Hill TN

Ready to Book Your Family Session?

Whether you’re drawn to Preservation Park or have another location in mind, I’d love to create a custom photography experience for your family. Sessions are filling up quickly, so reach out soon to secure your spot!

Contact me to book your session →

Crystal Freemon is a family photographer serving Spring Hill, Franklin, and the greater Nashville, Tennessee area, specializing in authentic, connection-focused family photography.