Capturing Sunshine and Adventure: A Senior Girl Session at South 40 Farms

This week, I had the pleasure of photographing a senior portrait session at South 40 Farms. It was the first time I had shot at the farm this early in the year, and I loved it just as much as I did in the fall. I admittedly have always loved photographing in the weeds just as much as in a field of flowers, and this session is a perfect example of that.

We encountered some unexpected challenges with the creek due to recent rains, which left what was usually a large dry rock area in the creek, almost completely covered with water. The creek photos were very important to this senior, so she didn’t let the high water deter her, but braved the mud and the water.

After that, I found this little patch of weeds that had the sun shining through them in the most lovely way. The texture created by the stalks along with the hazy sunlight is lovely. Nearby, there was a gorgeous dogwood, which I love. I wish the flowers lasted longer because they photograph beautifully.

I think my favorite photos of the session are of her standing in the tall weeds. So gorgeous.

I ended the session at the pond, which I hadn’t shot at before because there are so many options at South 40 that it’s impossible to get to them all in one session.

This session had me thinking again about how much I enjoy Senior sessions. When I first started shooting professionally almost 10 years ago, I was much more comfortable photographing little kids, and wasn’t so sure about Seniors. But now they are some of my favorite sessions. I love being able to capture their individual personalities, and also being able to play around with light more than I am able to with younger kids or family groups.

Searching for a photographer in Middle Tennessee, covering Spring Hill, Franklin, and Columbia? Visit my website for further details or schedule a session through my online calendar. I’d greatly appreciate it if you considered joining my journey on Facebook and/or Instagram.

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.