Tag: summer

Morning Photo Session at Bowie Nature Preserve

Posted in Bowie Nature Preserve, Family, Little Kids, Newborns & BabiesTagged , , , , , , , , Leave 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.

Family of 3 Portrait Session at Sarah Benson Park

Posted in Newborns & Babies, Sarah Benson Park, (formerly known as Thompson's Station Park)Tagged , , , , , , Leave a comment
Family Portraits at Sarah Benson Park

This family portrait session at Sarah Benson Park turned out so great that it makes me want to schedule more morning sessions. I schedule most of my portrait sessions for magic hour. The hour before sunset is my favorite light for photographing portraits. But sometimes those magic hour sessions are too late for little ones, especially in the summer. While I do love evening light, the MOST important thing is that my little clients are happy.

For clients who can’t manage a magic hour photo session, I am happy to schedule a morning session. The only caveat about booking during the day is that we need a location where there is plenty of shade. Harsh sunlight is not great for photos, so location is particularly important for daytime sessions. Sarah Benson Park (formerly known as Thompson Station Park) is a great spot.

It’s kind of funny because Sarah Benson Park is not one of my favorite spots for evening sessions. There is just one reason. It’s the sunset – the sun sets right behind the recycling station. As someone who likes to shoot into the sun, the recycling station is not my idea of a great backdrop. But in the mornings, the sun is coming through the trees on the other side of the park. That’s why it’s a great spot for morning photos.

I’m so glad it worked out well. Little Easton is the absolute cutest, and it was a great day hanging with this new family of three.

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 of Four Portrait Session at Harlinsdale Farms

Posted in Little Kids, Newborns & Babies, Portrait Sessions, The Park at Harlinsdale FarmsTagged , , , , , , Leave a comment
Family Portrait Session at the Park at Harlinsdale Farms

I don’t ever remember photographing a summer family portrait session in such pleasant weather as this one. I was in shock that it wasn’t suffocatingly hot. It was especially nice because I felt like I had botched the first scheduled date for this photo session by rescheduling it prematurely. The forecast was calling for rain for most of the day on our originally scheduled date. I texted the client to decide what to do. We discussed whether we should wait and see or just go ahead and reschedule. I suggested we reschedule because every time I take the “wait and see” approach, we end up having to reschedule anyway. But of course, this time it ended up being clear and sunny that evening after we had already rescheduled. So I felt vindicated when the weather was so perfect on our make-up date.

Everyone knows that 2-3-year-olds are my favorite age of kids to photograph at family portrait sessions. One thing that makes this age group even more fun to photograph is when they are still getting to know a new brother or sister. It’s so much fun watching that new relationship and capturing the changes happening in the family.

When I am prepping for a family portrait session, I often think about my own family, and what it was like when my girls were the ages of my little clients. For this session, I thought back to how my oldest reacted when we brought home her little sister. We weren’t sure how she would react, but he was so enamored with this new human. If I put Kayla in her crib and walked to another room, Megan would say, “Mommy…you forgot your baby!” She was very protective. I remember the sweet way her little than would pat Kayla when she cried.

These were the things I was thinking about when I met this beautiful family. Hopefully, I was able to capture some of those special memories for them.

Contact me today if you’d like to book a session to capture your families precious memories.

Family Portrait Session at the Park at Harlinsdale Farms

I am a photographer serving families in Spring Hill, Franklin, and Columbia in Middle Tennessee. I photograph families at all stages, from newborns to seniors. See my website for more information or to book a session from my online calendar. I would love it if you would consider following me on Facebook and/or Instagram.

Senior Portraits at Natchez Trace Bridge

Posted in Natchez Trace Bridge, Portrait Sessions, Seniors & TeensTagged , , , , Leave a comment
Franklin High School Senior Portrait Session at Natchez Trace Parkway Bridge

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

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

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

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

I am a photographer serving families in Spring Hill, Franklin, and Columbia in Middle Tennessee. I photograph families at all stages, from newborns to seniors. See my website for more information or to book a session from my online calendar. I would love it if you would consider following me on Facebook and/or Instagram.

COVID Killed the County Fair – Modifying traditions for 2020

Posted in Family, PERSONAL, Port Royal ParkTagged , , , , , , , , , , , Leave a comment
Finding new traditions during the coronavirus pandemic - Crystal Freemon Photogrpahy

We ALWAYS go to the Williamson County Fair on my birthday (or at least within a day or two). I love taking photos of all the beautiful lights and the atmosphere. It’s been a special tradition since Megan was a baby. Last year I still made them go through the little farming exhibit for photos.

As you can imagine, there is no county fair this year. I miss it but also decided that the absolute BEST thing about our trips to the fair is that no one complains. They let me take all the photos I want because it’s my birthday.

I often say that my toughest family portrait session all year is when I take family photos of my own family.

It’s probably best that they canceled the fair because you know, we are in a Pandemic. But also, what if they brought back that weird double Ferris wheel? 2020 does not need that Ferris Wheel.

I think the best thing we can do to get through all of this crazy year is to modify traditions and make the best of what we can. For example, my family has chosen not to eat inside restaurants. But last weekend, my husband and I went on a date where we picked up food from Costa Vida and took it to a picnic shelter at Evans park to have a quiet meal together. Honestly, it was better than eating in a crowded restaurant.

So even though the fair was canceled, I didn’t let that opportunity pass me by to take advantage of my birthday to get family photos I wanted. They cooperated better than they usually do and I’m pleased with the results.

What kind of traditions have you altered for 2020?

Now that I’ve managed to get some family photos of my own family, I’m ready to book Fall family portrait sessions for everyone else!

You can book a session directly from my online booking calendar or contact me if you have any questions. Don’t wait to book because I can only fit in so many portrait sessions in the Fall. I always hate turning people away.

Finding new traditions during the coronavirus pandemic - Crystal Freemon Photogrpahy

Family of 3 Summer Photo Session | Spring Hill Baby Photographer

Posted in Family, Home Sessions, Newborns & Babies, Portrait SessionsTagged , , , , , , , , , Leave a comment

“Does she realize she looks like a sunflower, ready to rain sunlight on all who look down upon her?”

Simone Elkeles

Yesterday, I had the wonderful opportunity to meet one-year-old Ada and her family. I was a gorgeous day for a summer family portrait session, and the heat was totally reasonable. Kayla decided to have the photo session at their Spring Hill home, and I’m so glad she did. They have a beautiful backyard that was just right for a family portrait session. And it allowed the family’s sweet pets to get in on the action.

Summer is almost over and now is the time to book your Fall family portrait session. I have recently added fall dates to my calendar. Unlike last year, I’m going to spread the sessions out more and let clients decide on a location (though I will happily help you choose a good fit for your family). You can see open dates and book one now on my online booking calendar. Don’t wait to book yours. These session will sell out.

Summer Family Portrait Session by the Creek | Spring Hill, TN Photographer

Posted in Family, Little Kids, Portrait Sessions, Seniors & Teens, Spring Hill CreekTagged , , , , , , , , , Leave a comment

“Then followed that beautiful season… Summer…. Filled was the air with a dreamy and magical light; and the landscape. Lay as if new created in all the freshness of childhood.”

Henry Wadsworth Longfellow

I had so much fun at this family portrait session in Spring Hill last night. There is something about summer photos that I find magical, despite the heat. I think the quote from Longfellow above sums up why….I love the magical light and the wonder of childhood that you don’t get in the other seasons.

Backyard Portrait Session with Grandparents | Franklin Family Photographer

Posted in Family, Home Sessions, Little Kids, Portrait SessionsTagged , , , , , , , , , Leave a comment
Little boy sliding on pool slide in Nashville

Memories are being made in this backyard. Summer fun with cousins splashing in the pool, jumping on the trampoline, and creating art with chalk…is there anything better? I love being able to photograph families in locations that are special to them, and this home is certainly special and full of love.

It’s been five years since I first photographed this beautiful family as they gathered together for summer fun. I last photographed them around this time three years ago. It was so great to see them again and see how much the kids had grown.

Just like at their very first family session, we started out with more formal portraits, but then let the kids play in the back yard as I shot fun lifestyle pictures. Then they got to change to have fun in the pool. I even brought my GoPro along for a few underwater shots.