Tag: Tennessee senior photographer

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.

Senior Guy Session at McEwan Northside | Franklin TN Senior Photographer

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Senior Guy Session at McEwan Northside Jenis Ice Cream

I absolutely love when seniors choose locations that actually mean something to them, and this session at McEwan Northside in Franklin was exactly that. When I learned this was where he and his friends hang out after school – especially at Jeni’s Ice Cream – I knew we’d capture something authentic.

I’d never shot at McEwan Northside before, but I knew it would work beautifully. I’m always up for considering a new location when clients suggest it, but I do sometimes worry if the lighting will be OK. But I knew this location had lots of taller buildings, creating open shade and opportunities for the sun to peek around corners or reflect off windows. I could already envision the variety of lighting we’d get to play with.

This place is a photographer’s playground – modern architecture with clean lines, vibrant murals that add instant personality to any shot, and thoughtful landscaping that softens all those urban edges. The only real challenge was trying to focus while the smell of North Italia’s kitchen kept wafting over. I’m definitely planning a dinner date there soon because those aromas were torture!

We centered several shots around Jeni’s since that’s where he spends the most time, and I couldn’t help but get excited at how perfectly his Tennessee orange coordinated with their branding. The murals were another unexpected bonus – that vibrant artwork gave us such dynamic backgrounds to work with.

There’s something about photographing someone in their element that just works. The modern vibe of McEwan Northside paired with the golden hour light created exactly the look we were going for. Between the architecture, the murals, and that perfect afternoon light, these images were so much fun to create.

I’m already excited to come back to McEwan Northside with future clients. It’s got everything I look for in an urban session spot, plus that bonus of actually meaning something to the local seniors who spend time there.

Ready to book your senior session at a location that’s meaningful to you? I’d love to capture your story! Contact me to get started.

Chasing the Perfect Theater Shot in Downtown Franklin

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Senior Photo in front of Downtown Franklin Theater

When one of my former Girl Scouts reached out for her senior session, I was absolutely thrilled to reconnect and capture this incredible milestone in her life. It’s amazing to see how much she’s grown since those Girl Scout days, and I love working with seniors during this exciting time.

She knew exactly what she wanted for her session – all of her favorite spots in downtown Franklin. I love when seniors choose locations that truly mean something to them, and downtown Franklin was absolutely perfect for her personality and style.

She had several spots that were meaningful for her that she wanted to include in her photos, including Starbucks, Kilwins and the Franklin Theater. The people at Kilwins were incredibly kind about letting us snap a few photos while she enjoyed some delicious ice cream. Those candid shots of her with that genuine smile and ice cream in hand are some of my absolute favorites from the session.

The real challenge came when we headed to the Franklin Theater after dark. I’ve always been drawn to that spot because of the way the marquee reflects through the window when someone sits on that bench – it creates the most beautiful, cinematic lighting. The only problem? It’s such a popular spot that the bench is almost always occupied. We actually circled back several times, waiting for our chance, and I’m so glad we did. When we finally got our moment, the shots were absolutely worth the wait.

What I love most about this session is how every single location told a piece of her story. These weren’t just pretty backdrops – they were places that mattered to her, places where she’s made memories during her high school years. Downtown Franklin captured her spirit perfectly, and I think that shows in every single image.

Sessions like this remind me why I’m so passionate about senior photography. It’s not just about taking beautiful pictures – it’s about celebrating who these amazing young people have become and honoring the places and moments that have shaped them.

Are you ready to capture your senior year with locations that are meaningful to you? I’d love to help you tell your story through beautiful images that celebrate exactly who you are. Let’s chat about creating something amazing together – reach out today to start planning your perfect senior session.

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.

A Downtown Columbia Senior Session | Finding Beauty in Unexpected Places

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Downtown Columbia Senior Portrait Session with an edgier vibe.

I’ll be honest—when I heard about the construction happening in downtown Columbia, I was a little bummed. Some of my favorite go-to spots were temporarily off-limits while the city works on enhancing 16 historic downtown buildings with their improvement grant. I might be the only person who actually loves those abandoned buildings exactly as they are, but I’m hoping they’ll preserve that unique character that makes Columbia so special for portraits.

As it turns out, being forced to explore beyond my usual spots led to something pretty amazing. While wandering around looking for alternatives, I discovered what might actually be my new favorite location—this incredible old brick wall with ivy cascading down it, and the best part? The sun was positioned perfectly behind it, creating the most gorgeous backlight.

This senior session was the perfect opportunity to test out this new find, and I couldn’t be happier with how it turned out. Columbia has always been one of my favorite portrait locations because it offers something different from downtown Franklin. There’s this edgier, more urban vibe with so many fun textures that come with old buildings.

It was a perfect pick for this senior session, and I absolutely love how it turned out. It was SOOOOO hot outside, but she braved it like a champ, and it’s turned out to be one of my favorite sessions. I hope she loves them as much as I do.

This session was a great reminder that while it’s wonderful to have those tried-and-true favorite spots, there’s so much value in continuing to look around and discover new locations. Even when construI’ll be honest—when I heard about the construction happening in downtown Columbia, I was a little bummed. Some of my favorite go-to spots were temporarily off-limits while the city works on enhancing 16 historic downtown buildings with their improvement grant. I might be the only person who actually loves those abandoned buildings exactly as they are, but I’m hoping they’ll preserve that unique character that makes Columbia so special for portraits.

As it turns out, being forced to explore beyond my usual spots led to something pretty amazing. While wandering around looking for alternatives, I discovered what might actually be my new favorite location—this incredible old brick wall with ivy cascading down it, and the best part? The sun was positioned perfectly behind it, creating the most gorgeous backlight.

Columbia has always been one of my favorite portrait locations because it offers something different from downtown Franklin. There’s this edgier, more urban vibe with so many fun textures that come with old buildings.

It was a perfect pick for this senior session, and I absolutely love how it turned out. It was SOOOOO hot outside, but she braved it like a champ, and it’s turned out to be one of my favorite sessions. I hope she loves them as much as I do.

This session was a great reminder that while it’s wonderful to have those tried-and-true favorite spots, there’s so much value in continuing to look around and discover new locations. Even when construction temporarily changes your plans, it might just lead you to something even better than what you had before.

Downtown Columbia Senior Portrait Session with an edgier vibe.

Ready to capture your senior year with portraits that reflect your unique personality? I’d love to help you create images you’ll treasure forever. Let’s find the perfect location that speaks to who you are and tells your story.

Senior Photography at The Factory at Franklin: Tips for Parents Attending the Session

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Senior portrait session at the Factory at Franklin by Crystal Freemon Photography - senoir guy with arms crossed in green sweatshirt with string of lights in background.

I’m absolutely loving The Factory at Franklin for senior sessions lately! There’s something about the rustic brick walls, industrial elements, and gorgeous natural light that creates such a perfect backdrop for showcasing senior personalities. (Just a quick note: The Factory does charge a $50 photography fee, but I promise it’s worth every penny for the variety of backdrops we get to use!)

One question I get asked fairly often is whether parents should come along to their senior’s portrait session. I think the answer is really personal and depends on your specific senior. While most of my seniors bring someone—usually mom—to their session, some teens might feel more relaxed without an audience. It’s worth having a conversation about what makes your senior most comfortable.

For this particular senior session, both the senior and his mom were absolute naturals, creating such a relaxed, fun atmosphere that made capturing these images a joy. I just love the way everything turned out! I said this during the session, but I’ll repeat it here for all of you: blue-eyed people should almost always include at least one blue outfit choice at their sessions. That’s just facts! The blue really makes those eyes pop in photos.

We were a bit worried about the weather turning on us—it looked like rain might interrupt our plans—but the sun came out at the perfect moment, blessing us with a gorgeous sky for those outdoor shots.

Parent’s Guide: The Dos and Don’ts of Attending Your Senior’s Portrait Session

If you’re a parent who will be accompanying your senior to their session, here are a few helpful tips to make the experience amazing for everyone:

The Dos:

  • Do help with small, easily fixed details. Feel free to point out minor wardrobe adjustments like an unbuttoned button, a collar that needs straightening, or the outline of a phone in a pocket.
  • Do hold their phone, keys, and extra items. This practical help is genuinely appreciated and prevents awkward pocket bulges in photos.
  • Do maintain a relaxed atmosphere. One of the most valuable things you can do is help keep the mood light—chat about whatever, tell stories, or just be a calm, encouraging presence.
  • Do trust the process. Just like I tell parents of toddlers, I’ll take tons of photos, and plenty of them will capture perfect, genuine expressions.

The Don’ts:

  • Don’t criticize their expressions. The most common concern I hear from parents is about “fake smiles.” I completely understand wanting natural photos of your teen, but pointing out forced expressions never makes it better—it just makes them more self-conscious.
  • Don’t tell them to smile. I know parents really want those smiling photos, but many teens actually prefer more serious expressions. I love both and will work to capture a variety, so we don’t need them smiling in EVERY pose.
  • Don’t hover too closely. Give your senior and me some space to work together and build rapport.
  • Don’t worry if they seem uncomfortable at first. Teens are often most awkward at the beginning of the session, and that’s completely normal! As we chat, move around, and get into the flow, we’ll find many 1/500ths of a second of natural, authentic expressions.

Remember, the goal is to create images that reflect who your senior truly is at this milestone moment. Sometimes that means letting them take the lead on their expressions and poses, even if they’re different from what you might choose.

Looking at these images from our Factory session, I’m reminded of why I love photographing high school seniors so much. There’s something magical about documenting this transition—capturing who they are right now, while hinting at who they’re becoming.

Interested in scheduling your senior’s portrait session at The Factory at Franklin or another location? I’d love to hear from you! Get in touch soon as my calendar is filling quickly.

Senior Session at Fall Creek Falls

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Fall Creek Falls Senior Guy Portrait Session with Crystal Freemon Photography

This session was a special one—this senior is the son of one of my best friends from college, and we met up at Fall Creek Falls for his photos, just like we did for his older sister’s session. I love this location and wish it were closer because it has so much variety to work with.

We spent more time on this session than I usually do, just roaming around and hanging out, which made for a really fun, relaxed shoot. We started earlier in the day than I normally would, so I got to play around with harsher light more than usual. While I still love the soft glow of golden hour, it was fun experimenting outside my comfort zone. The biggest challenge was avoiding squinting in the bright sun, but honestly, the sunglasses he brought made it work—and they looked really cool, too.

There were moments in this session where he had such a ‘70s vibe, which I loved. Whether it was the lighting, the setting, or just his overall look, it really worked, and I’m so happy with how these turned out.

Fall Creek Falls is always a dream location, and it was great getting to explore it again for this session. If only it were a little closer!

Fall Creek Falls Senior Guy Portrait Session with Crystal Freemon Photography

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.

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.