Family Photographer based in Maryville serving the greater Knoxville area and the Great Smoky Mountains National Park
There’s something so special about freezing this season of life, the gap-toothed grins, the way your toddler lights up when you tickle their belly, how everyone fits just right when you all snuggle in together. As a family photographer based in Maryville and serving Knoxville, I’ve designed every session to be playful, stress-free, and rooted in connection.
Whether this is your first family session or you're looking to update your walls with artwork that truly feels like your family, this guide will help you understand what to expect, when to book, how to prepare, and how to walk away with images that make your heart ache in the best way.
When is the Best Time to Book Family Photos?
In East Tennessee, the most popular time for outdoor family photos is September through early November, thanks to the glowing fall colors and soft golden light.
With the Great Smoky Mountains National Park being one of the most popular national parks, many families choose to have their family photos taken during their vacation (which I think is the coolest idea! How special to add that as part of your family vacation experience!)
My personal favorite though is spring/summer - the abundant spring blooms and early summer greens are absolutely gorgeous in East Tennessee, and the weather is so beautiful! Regardless of the season, golden hour, about an hour before sunset, is the sweet spot for natural light and warm tones.
Where Should We Take Family Photos in Knoxville?
You don’t have to hike a mountain to find a beautiful spot. Some of my favorite family-friendly locations include:
Lakeside parks with gorgeous cliff backdrops
Fields with tall grass and open skies
Historic spots around Knoxville with that classic southern charm
Mountain views on the peaceful side of the Smokies
Each location I suggest is toddler-tested and easy for little ones to run, play, and snuggle! Check out my blog post for Five Great Places to take Pictures in Knoxville TN
Want help choosing the perfect spot for your session? Here's what my family photography experience includes!
What Should We Wear for Family Photos?
What you wear matters, not in a Pinterest-perfect way, but in how it shapes the overall feel of your photos. Long, flowy dresses for moms (I have a lot in my client closet!) create movement and elegance. Soft textures and warm colors like rust, dusty rose, mustard, caramel, etc., photograph beautifully in nature.
If you’re overwhelmed picking outfits, you’re not alone. That’s why I offer full styling support and a curated collection of dresses just for moms (and a growing collection for girls too!)
Wondering where to buy outfits for family photos? I have a post on that! You can also check out my Client Closet.
What Happens During the Session?
You can expect a mix of sweet prompts, movement, snuggles, and space to just be together. I’ll gently guide you, but I’m never barking orders or forcing smiles. Toddlers are welcome to be toddlers, and that’s what makes it wonderful!
We’ll capture:
Lots of giggles
Snuggles
Wind-blown hair
The way your youngest holds your hand or tugs your dress
You’ll get gallery images that look like fine art but feel like real life.
Check out my blog on Ways to Help Kids have Fun During Family Pictures
How to Prepare (Without Stress)
I’m here to make the prep work easy and even enjoyable. Every family I work with receives personalized styling assistance, from curated outfit guidance to access to my client closet for moms. I’ll also help you choose a location that matches your family’s vibe, mobility needs, and the kind of light and backdrop that will make your photos shine.
Here are a few simple ways to set yourself up for a smooth session:
• Let go of the idea of perfection. Your kids don’t have to behave perfectly to have beautiful photos, but they are a lot more likely to have fun naturally and be good natured if they don't feel pressure from you to act a certain way.
• Make sure everyone is well-fed before we start (yes, snacks are welcome! Some mess free options that are perfect would be dried cranberries, mini marshmallows, etc.,)
• Dress early and leave early. Especially with Knoxville traffic, you and your hubby will feel more relaxed if you’re not rushing!
• Be ready to connect. The more you focus on loving your people, the more natural the photos will feel.
What Happens After the Session?
After your session, you'll receive a beautiful gallery as a slideshow to preview - Once you see your images, you're able to select the collection of images you want to purchase! That way, you know you are getting only the images that you love the most. You'll get to relive the connection, the laughter, and those sweet in-between moments you didn't even realize I captured.
Ready to get them off your phone and onto your walls? Using your conveniently integrated professional print lab you'll be able to choose from prints, albums, or framed artwork that fits your home and decor style.
Final Thoughts: These Moments are Worth Remembering
This season of life, messy, joyful, chaotic, heart-burstingly-wonderful and sometimes all of that at one moment - And it won't last forever. That's what I love about family photos - Being able to savor that special time of life over and over in a tangible way through photos means the world to me.
Learn more about my Knoxville family photography sessions by clicking here!
Quick FAQs
How long does a family session last?
About 45–60 minutes. I find that it gives enough time to warm up, play, and connect, but not too long for little ones. (I always make sure I get everything I need as fast as possible so that if littles are done early on, we don't have to push them! But I love giving plenty of time for families to really relax and have fun.)
What if the weather is bad?
If the weather ends up being bad, I always make sure to keep space on my calendar so that I can work with you to reschedule quickly.
Do you travel outside Knoxville?
Yes! I am actually based in Maryville, and I serve Maryville, Townsend, Alcoa, Knoxville, and other surrounding areas in East Tennessee.
