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

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.

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.

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

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!

The Impact of Weather-Appropriate Attire on Your Photo Session

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

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.

Senior Guy Session: A Football-Themed Shoot

Football themed Senior guy photo session at Summit High School

During a recent senior photo session, I had the pleasure of capturing the essence of a young man whose life revolves around football. This session took us to the heart of his passion – his high school football field.

I typically work with natural light, but this time, we ventured into the locker room and played with dramatic flashes. It was an exciting departure from my usual style, and it added a layer of intensity that perfectly reflected his dedication to the sport. It was a fun departure from my comfort zone, and the shots turned out to be some of my favorites.

After the locker room, we made our way to the football field, right as the sun was setting. It’s a location I’m quite familiar with because it’s the same school my own kids attend, so I knew that the sun would dip below the horizon just behind the bleachers.

What made this session even more memorable was the inclusion of his family, including their dogs. I often get asked if we can include some family shots in a senior session. I frequently receive requests for family portraits during senior sessions, and I’m always more than willing to accommodate these requests. Plus, it’s worth mentioning that our four-legged friends are always welcome to join in the fun.

If you’re interested in your own unique senior photo session or have a creative idea in mind, I’d love to be part of your story. Get in touch, and let’s capture your story through my lens.

Family Pics in Spring Hill TN

Family portrait session at Sarah Benson Park in Spring Hill TN

Everyone knows that family sessions with toddlers and little kids are my favorite to photograph, but that doesn’t mean they aren’t challenging. But these three sisters were so easy to work with that it made my job a breeze! We had so much fun exploring Sara Benson Park in Spring Hill.

I’ve been photographing this sweet family since big sister was an only baby, and just love seeing how their family has grown.

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.

Spring Hill Family Portrait Session with Grandparents

Spring Hill Family Portrait Session with Grandparents

This sweet baby boy was so easygoing for his family portrait session. And it is so clear how much he is loved and adored by his parents and grandparents.

It’s getting into my busy season and I have a ton of editing to do, so forgive me if I’m short on words. They say a picture is worth 1000 words, so if that’s true, I should be good.

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 of Four and the Family Dog at Sarah Benson Park

Family Photos in Thompson Station Tennessee with Family Dog

Oh my goodness, there is so much sweetness in this family portrait session. These girls were so much fun to photograph. And as a bonus, they brought along their family dog. I am always game for families to include their pooches in family photos sessions, but it’s especially fun now that I’ve added my own puppy to my family. Our pets are so important to us and are part of the family, so it makes sense to include them in family pictures.

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.

Summit High School Senior Portraits | Spring Hill TN

Senior Portrait Sessions Spring Hill TN

I’m still struggling with the fact that all these kids I knew as little ones in the MOMS club are now growing up and getting Senior portraits done, but here is another one. Mason went to Chapman’s’ Retreat Elementary when he was little, so the walking trail there seemed like a perfect, sentimental choice for his Senior Portraits.

He also wanted to include his love of Soccer in the sessions. Since Summit High School wasn’t far away, we were able to get in both locations. Shooting the Soccer pictures was so much fun. The light was beautiful.

We had to reschedule this session several times (thanks, Covid), but it worked out perfectly in the end. I’m so glad everything came together for Mason’s Senior Portrait Session.

If you need me, I’ll be editing.

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.