A Downtown Franklin Senior Session with Old Friends

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.

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.

Why Downtown Columbia Never Gets Old for Senior Sessions

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.

A Special Senior Session in Chattanooga

Senior Girl Portrait Session in Downtown Chattanooga

There are certain sessions that feel extra special, and this was definitely one of them. This beautiful senior isn’t just any client—she’s the daughter of one of my oldest and dearest friends from college. She’s like a niece to me, and I can’t believe she’s already getting ready to head off to college herself! It feels like just yesterday we were all young and figuring out life, and now she’s about to embark on her own incredible journey.

When it came time to plan her senior session, we wanted to capture her in a place that holds meaning for her. Since she lives in Chattanooga, I made the trip down to photograph her in some of her favorite spots. We originally scheduled the session last month, but as luck would have it, it ended up raining on us and we had to try again for another date. This past weekend, we finally made it happen! Though it was absolutely freezing and the wind had a mind of its own, we at least dodged the rain. And honestly? I wouldn’t have changed a thing—the overcast skies gave us the most gorgeous, soft lighting that made every shot feel magical.

We explored some truly stunning locations, from scenic riverside spots to the iconic pedestrian bridge. If you look closely, you can even see the Tennessee Aquarium in the background of some of the images! One of my absolute favorite stops was a vibrant alley covered in chalk art, which added such a fun and dynamic feel to the session. It was the perfect mix of edgy and whimsical.

I am so honored to have captured this milestone for someone so special to me. I have no doubt that she’s going to do amazing things in college and beyond.

Enjoy this little sneak peek from her session! I can’t wait to see all the adventures that await her. 💕