WELCOME!
Hi, there! I'm Susannah!
|Lifestyle Family & Newborn Photographer | Mama | Jesus Follower | Storyteller|
I’m a wife, a mother of two, and a passionate lifestyle family photographer based in Knoxville, Tennessee. For me, photography isn’t just about capturing smiles; it’s about telling the story of your family, exactly as you are—playful, loving, and beautifully imperfect in the midst of the chaos!
Why I Love What I Do
Growing up, I was really close with my mom (and still am!) She hated having her picture taken and always felt nervous and awkward. As I started photographing, I made it my mission to find a way to photograph my mother so that she would feel comfortable and natural. It was always my aim to draw out the beautiful smile that she showed in real life when interacting with her kids and friends.
After working with children for over 15 years and becoming a mother myself, I truly began to appreciate how quickly those moments fade, especially in the early days of parenthood. This deepened my love for capturing real-life family interactions—the belly laughs, the quiet cuddles, the messy, wonderful chaos of it all.
These two passions combined - Making people feel comfortable and natural in front of a camera, and capturing those absolutely precious moments that go way too fast - Whether it's an in-home newborn session where your baby’s first days are documented in the warmth of your own space, or a family session full of playful games and sweet prompts, I’m here to help you capture the memories of this time.
What You Can Expect
My approach is relaxed, fun, and centered around authenticity. I know firsthand that children, especially toddlers, don’t always sit still or follow a script—and that’s okay! I guide families through sessions with games and playful prompts, creating an environment where everyone can relax and just be themselves. No forced poses. No expectations. Just your family as you are.
I focus on evoking feelings of nostalgia, delivering photos that transport you back to this stage of life every time you look at them.
Why In-Home Sessions Matter to Me
As someone who has moved away from homes I’ve loved, I know how important those spaces can be. They hold your memories, your stories, and the life you’ve built together. That’s why I’m so passionate about offering in-home sessions, especially for newborns. There’s something sacred about capturing your family’s beginnings in the very place where they happen.
Heirlooms You Can Hold
I’m not just here to take your photos—I’m here to help you create tangible memories. I work with a professional print lab to offer high-quality canvases, albums, and prints that will become family treasures. In a world where so many photos live on our phones, I believe in giving you something you can hold, frame, and display in your home. Because the moments we capture shouldn’t be hidden away—they should be displayed where they can be enjoyed on a daily basis!
A Little More About Me
When I’m not behind the camera, you can find me chasing after my two little ones or exploring the great outdoors with my family. We love discovering new spots around Knoxville, whether it’s a cozy coffee shop in Maryville, or a scenic hiking trail in the Smoky Mountains National Park. My husband is my hardworking mechanic who loves the mountains, and together we embrace the messiness and joy that comes with raising a family.
I can't wait to meet your family and help you capture the moments that matter most.
Let’s Connect!
If my style resonates with you, I’d love to chat and learn more about your family. Feel free to reach out so we can create something beautiful together!
The Story Behind the Name:
SUSANNAH RAYE PHOTOGRAPHY
As a young girl, I remember sitting on the floor of my grandpa's cabin and gazing admiringly at the sunlight that cast a pattern on the floor through the smoke of wood and cigars.
There is a depth of beauty that can be hard to put into words in emotions, relationships, language, and nature.
As a child, I loved to write - With every piece of poetry or prose I sought to evoke emotion in my reader and found great pride in being able to bring the reader to tears.
I self-published a children's book while I was engaged to my husband - Because I was planning to be married and didn't want to use my maiden name on the cover, I decided to use my middle name to create the pen name "Susannah Raye"
I like to think that now as Susannah Raye Photography, I am still honoring the child in me who loves to watch dust dance along a sunbeam and ached with painful joy to hear an emotive turn of phrase by creating images with families that conjure up memories and emotions of time well spent together, chubby little hands, tender caresses, and sunkissed laughter.
Whether it's documenting your beautiful pregnancy glow, frolicking through fields of wildflowers with your family, or rocking softly to soothe your newborn in the quiet of your own home, I look forward to creating for your family someday soon! 🤎
Photographer St. Cloud