Yahnali Park Archives - Crystal Freemon Photography

Yahnali Park Family Session with Dramatic Skies

October 7, 2025October 7, 2025Posted in Family, Yanahli ParkTagged dramatic clouds, Family photography, Family Portraits, Outdoor Family Session, return clients, Spring Hill Photographer, Tennessee family photographer, Yahnali ParkLeave a comment

There’s something really special about photographing families year after year. This family has been coming back to me for their sessions for a while now, and I always look forward to seeing how much has changed.

Yahnali Park gave us some incredible light to work with. Those dramatic clouds rolling in created this beautiful, moody backdrop that kept changing throughout the session. The shifting light gave us so much variety – from soft and even to those gorgeous dramatic moments when the clouds broke just right. It’s the kind of weather that makes a session feel dynamic and interesting.

Working with return clients is honestly one of my favorite parts of this job. There’s an ease to the session because we’ve done this before. No one’s nervous, everyone knows what to expect, and we can just focus on getting great images.

I loved editing this gallery and I’m excited to share a few favorites from their session.

Ready to book your family session? Contact me to schedule yours!

A Senior Session at Yanahli Park: Finding the Perfect Outdoor Location

November 26, 2024November 26, 2024Posted in Seniors & Teens, Yanahli ParkTagged Columbia TN photography, natural senior photos, outdoor photoshoot, photography locations, portrait photography, senior photography tips, Senior Portraits, Tennessee photographer, Yahnali ParkLeave a comment

I’ve never had the pleasure of meeting this family in person before, but we’ve crossed paths through mutual friends and shared Facebook groups. It was such a joy to finally connect and spend a gorgeous fall day together at Yanahli Park in Columbia. Their senior session turned out beautifully, and it got me thinking about one of the most common questions I get from clients: Where should we do the photos?

Choosing the Right Location for Your Session:

When planning a portrait session, selecting the right location is key. I offer a variety of parks and outdoor areas to choose from, and I always encourage clients to browse my portfolio on my website to see examples of past sessions. If they’re not sure what they’re looking for, I’ll ask a few guiding questions:

Do you prefer an urban backdrop with buildings, like Downtown Franklin or Columbia, or would you rather be surrounded by nature?
How do you feel about crowds? Some locations, like Downtown Franklin, can be lively, while quieter spots might feel more comfortable.

For this session, nature was the clear winner. That’s why I suggested Yanahli Park. It has so many elements I love in a location: beautiful fields, textured trails, and even access to the river, which many clients enjoy as a serene feature in their portraits.

Why Yanahli Park Was a Perfect Fit:

What I look for most in a location is great lighting and texture. Yanahli Park offers warm, backlit areas with tall grasses and fields that create the perfect dreamy look at golden hour. Honestly, one of my favorite spots for portraits is simply a patch of tall weeds with the sun streaming through. Yanahli has plenty of those (as long as the fields haven’t been freshly mowed!).

For this senior, the natural setting was a perfect match.

Sessions like this remind me why I love what I do—capturing authentic moments in beautiful, meaningful places. If you’re considering a senior session or family portraits, let’s talk about what kind of location speaks to you. Whether it’s urban charm or rustic nature, we’ll find the perfect spot to tell your story.

Senior Session at Yanahli Park

November 4, 2024February 14, 2025Posted in Seniors & Teens, Yanahli ParkTagged fall colors, fall photography, high school senior, natural light photography, outdoor session, Senior Portraits, senior session, Tennessee photography, Yahnali ParkLeave a comment

Photographing seniors is always a special experience, but when it’s someone I’ve watched grow up, it takes on a whole new level of meaning. I still can’t believe it’s time for this one to have her senior session. Since her mother and I served on the PTO together almost ten years ago, I couldn’t tell you how many pictures I’ve taken of her.

We chose Yanahli Park for this special session, and let me tell you, it couldn’t have been a more perfect day. I know that in Miss Congeniality, it’s said that April 25 is the most perfect date, but I disagree. November 3 is where it’s at. The colors on the trees were in full glory, the air was crisp but comfortable, and the light was simply magical. It’s one of those days that feels like nature itself is celebrating with you.

I had so much fun photographing this session, and she really nailed it. She was so easy to work with, and her outfit choices were fantastic.

I don’t really get emotional during sessions. I’m in work mode, making sure I capture every important shot. But editing is a different story. That’s when the emotions hit me. As I worked through her gallery, I felt fine until I got to the photos of her with the book. Something about those images brought all the feelings rushing in. Probably because I’m also a book nerd.

This session was a beautiful reminder of why I love what I do. Watching her grow up through my lens has been an honor.

Thank you so much for letting me capture this special moment! If you’re interested in booking a session or have any questions, feel free to reach out. I’d love to hear from you! Don’t forget to follow me on Instagram @crystalfreemonphotography and on Facebook to see more of my wrk and stay updated on upcoming sessions and promotions.

Fall Family Photo Sessions: Embracing Jewel Tones and Textures

October 25, 2023October 25, 2023Posted in UncategorizedTagged Columbia Tn, fall, family, Nashville Family Photographer, Teens, What to wear, Yahnali ParkLeave a comment

Family portrait session in Columbia TN with gorgeous fall colors. Crystal Freemon Photography

Fall is a magical season, filled with vibrant colors and a crisp, refreshing air that makes it the perfect time for family photo sessions. While the backdrop of nature’s beauty is set, choosing the right clothing can be an essential aspect of capturing stunning and memorable portraits. In this blog post, we’ll explore the delightful world of rich jewel-toned colors and how they can transform your fall family photos.

1. Jewel Tones: A Symphony of Elegance

Gone are the days of everyone wearing matching outfits in family photos. A more modern and visually appealing approach is to have each family member wear a different rich jewel-toned color. Consider deep wine red, royal blue, emerald green, and other luxurious hues. These colors bring an immediate touch of elegance to your photos and create a vibrant, yet harmonious, composition. The play of distinct colors can reflect your family’s unique personalities and dynamics.

2. Coordination Over Matching

To achieve a coordinated look without looking too uniform, it’s helpful to establish a color palette in advance. Discuss and choose a range of complementary jewel tones that everyone will incorporate into their outfits. By sticking to this color scheme, you’ll create a harmonious look without the need for identical ensembles. This approach adds depth and individuality to your family portraits.

3. Texture and Layers: Adding Dimension

Fall is all about cozy comfort, and this can be translated into your wardrobe choices. Incorporating different textures in clothing adds visual interest to your photos. Sweaters, scarves, and cardigans can provide that much-needed texture and warmth. The interplay of different fabrics against the backdrop of autumn’s natural textures, such as falling leaves and bark, creates a visually appealing contrast.

4. Accessories: The Final Flourish

Don’t forget about the little details that can make a big difference. Statement jewelry, cozy hats, and scarves can elevate your family’s look. These accessories can add individuality and create focal points within the composition.

5. Express Yourself

Lastly, it’s essential to be comfortable and feel like yourself during the photo session. Clothing choices should reflect your family’s unique style and personalities. When everyone feels good in their chosen outfits, it shines through in the photos.

In conclusion, fall family photo sessions are a perfect opportunity to capture the beauty of the season alongside your loved ones. By embracing rich jewel-toned colors, choosing coordination over matching, adding texture and layers, and incorporating accessories, you can create memorable and visually striking family portraits. Remember to select your clothing with intention, ensuring that it represents your family’s authentic spirit while adding a touch of elegance to your photos.