Photographer in Gatlinburg TN | Family Reunion Photography Pigeon Forge | Amy's Family

Smoky Mountain Family Photographer

This beautiful family had a small family reunion during their trip to Gatlinburg TN and one of the daughters, Amy, asked me to meet up for some extended family pictures. I couldn't ask for a sweeter family; it was truly a pleasure to spend my evening photographing them and playing with their little ones. 

We chose a beautiful park in Knoxville, Sequoyah Hills, for their session to make it convenient for some of their family members to make it down.  It's been a super warm year with a fair amount of rain, so the greenery was just beautiful, and the bright colors they chose in their outfits, popped perfectly. Seriously, if you want to know how to do bright colors well for pictures, just look here. 

Without further ado, here are some of my favorites. 

The best part? They brought bubbles for the kiddos to play with at the end. So cute!!

Pigeon Forge Family Vacation Photography | Gatlinburg Photographers | Bayleigh's Family Session

Cades Cove Family Session

Bayleigh has such a sweet little family! I had the pleasure of meeting in them on their Gatlinburg family vacation; they decided it was the perfect time for updated pictures. Who wouldn't want beautiful family pictures in the Smoky Mountains?

They were just the sweetest couple with their beautiful big-eyed baby boy. He could melt your heart with one look and loved to have his Mom and Dad's attention during some of our fun, playful poses. Little man really loved the kisses and tickling that took place. 

Getting to spend time in Cades Cove during your vacation for pictures is such fun! We run into wildlife and soak in the natural beauty and really enjoy what the Smokies have to offer. I love using being able to help my clients make memories, as well as provide beautiful family pictures, unlike anything they could get back home. 

Photographers in Gatlinburg TN | Family Photographer | The Dahmans

Gatlinburg Vacation Photographer

This beautiful family of three booked their family photos with me during their Gatlinburg vacation. The Smoky Mountains are such a beautiful place, it always makes my heart happy when I get to photograph families in our beautiful scenery, with mountains and woods all around. Photographers in Gatlinburg are just so lucky to live in this beautiful area and capture memories for families enjoying a fun time together. 

The Dahman's sweet daughter is just three and she ROCKED! She was up for every challenge, from balancing on logs, to twirling her skirt, to loving on Mom and Dad. Sometimes little ones aren't quite so eager, but getting to play a little bit really brings them out of their shells. 

Showing off the best parts of a family is such a wonderful part of my job as a photographer. The Dahmans are a perfect example. There's so much love and energy in their pictures; just beautiful. 

Gatlinburg Photographers | Metcalf Bottoms Family Session | Family Portraits

Gatlinburg Family Photographer

A few weeks back, the beautiful Pfeffer family visited Gatlinburg on vacation from Nashville and requested a Smoky Mountain family session. We opted to use Metcalf Bottoms as our location for its wooded look, super easy river access, and relatively short drive from Pigeon Forge. I love how versatile it can be with woods, wildflowers, and water.

Their two sweet little girls were troopers! Our mountain session was awfully close to bedtime, but they did great and gave some shy smiles. Vacation pictures can be awfully hard on little ones, whose schedule is thrown for a loop, but with a little patience, we always get awesome pictures. 

We started out by the water, for some beautiful mountain stream pictures! The water stays SUPER cold, so we didn't venture into the stream, but enjoyed the soft babbling in the background. 

Next, I led their family down the trail just a bit, to an opening in the trees. I find the woods so peaceful and love when families want a picture there. The greens in the summer forest and just gorgoues! 

The Pfeffers ended their session in a patch of wild clover, playing with their beautiful girls. Tickles and giggles are a huge part of my family session with little ones and they are alwasy some of my very favorite images. 

Knoxville Maternity Photographer | Smoky Mountain Pregnancy Pictures | Gatlinburg Photographers

Cades Cove Maternity Session

A happy accident: that's exactly what Ashley's BEAUTIFUL Smoky Mountain maternity session was. This lovely lady had her heart set on beach maternity pictures while her little family was visiting Charleston, SC. Sadly, the weather had other plans and rained them out the entire week! She got in touch with me just as soon as she knew her original plans weren't going to be possible to get on my books. 

She had a vision of maternity pictures in the water, and it took some brainstorming on both of our parts to find the perfect location that would suit all of our needs. We settled on Cades Cove where we would have both a beautiful stream and the mountain views for her maternity session. Guess what happened on our first scheduled date? Rain! Of course it would rain us out on our first attempt. Thankfully, we pushed through, found a new date, and it was perfect for the session. It was cloudy the whole drive up, but the skies cleared just as we started. 

Maternity Pictures in Smoky Mountain Stream

I LOVE water pictures and the day was perfect for them. A beautifully warm July afternoon, where the water was cool and soothing on our feet as we waded out to the middle of the stream. Ashley looks so radiant and serene in water. While it's no beach, I adore the beauty the Smoky Mountains have to offer.

Smoky Mountain Maternity Pictures

After the water, we headed out into the fields and road with Ashley in my Harlow maternity gown to take in that beautiful view! Cades Cove has amazing views in every direction, making it one of my very favorite spots. 

Ashley looks fabulous! I just know her baby girl will be a beauty <3

Gatlinburg Photographer | Cades Cove Family Pictures | Jamie's Family

Gatlinburg Family Photographer

Jamie's little family was so sweet! They were visiting Gatlinburg all the way from Michigan. We spent the afternoon exploring and playing in one of my very favorite spots on earth, Cades Cove. The littlest member started off a bit grumpy, having fallen asleep on the trip over from Gatlinburg, but after a few minutes to warm up, he was laughing, and playing, and showing his truly joyful little personality just like his sweet brother. Those two sweet boys seriously cracked me up!

Family photos while you're vacationing in Gatlinburg are so fun! You get these beautiful mountain views, and to enjoy the serenity around you. It's so peaceful and beautiful there, I sometimes just stop and enjoy the views for a few minutes after my sessions, and watch the sun completely set. 

Sometimes little ones ( haha, okay, most of the time) don't enjoy standing still and looking at the camera for those above the fireplace shots, so I love to mix in some tickling and playing fun for them. This next one was a mixture of tickling, and playing who can not smile the longest! Fun is KEY to a great family session. 

Gatlinburg Child Photography

These two boys were amazing little characters! Seriously, we laughed and played through our poses (and silly faces). I adore their portraits; so cute! Their Mama picked out outfits that complimented their Smoky Mountain location beautifully. 

Gatlinburg Photographers

Pigeon Forge Photographer | Gatlinburg Family Reunion Photography | Cades Cove

Gatlinburg Photographer

The lovely Fourmans came to Gatlinburg to celebrate their parents anniversary! Their children thought it would be a wonderful time to have the whole family's pictures taken by a Smoky Mountain photographer and celebrate their parents love. 

We dedicated some time to just the parents to show off their love and adoration for each other. After all, they're the reason everyone else was there. It's an amazing experience to watch two people still in love after so many years. Aren't they the cutest?

My job may have long hours, and rough roads, but sessions like this make it so worth it.

Of course, when everyone is in Gatlinburg at the same time, we HAVE to get a great shot of the whole good lookin' gang!

During these family sessions, I love to grab different groupings. Who knows when your next opportunity for a beautiful, professional picture with you father or neices and nephews will happen. 

Of course, we also have to have some fun during our Smoky Mountain photography session! What better than "Dabbing" and silly faces to get some real grins out of kiddos!

Book your Gatlinburg Photographer today!

Pigeon Forge Photographer | Family Photographers in Smoky Mountains | The Carter Family

Pigeon Forge Family Photographer

Last week was quite a week! We've recently had some big storms roll through the Smoky Mountains, and it's caused us to lose quite a few trees, and caused a ton of traffic issues. The sweet Carter family got stuck right in the middle of fallen trees and blocked roads, with me already out of service. Sadly, we missed out entire scheduled session due to them not being able to reach the location. 

Luckily, they were awesome and trusted me to find a great new location. Even if it meant keeping their youngest sweet boy up way past his bedtime on the day before the headed home to Ohio. I'm SO glad they did, the results were fantastic!

Smoky Mountain Family Pictures

The Carters told me they love candid, unposed pictures, so we went for a great mixture of fun pictures, with a few posed ones thrown in for variety. 

Smoky Mountain Children Portraits

If time allows, I love to grab some different groupings and individual pictures of little ones during a family session. Some of those small moments between parent and child are my favorites! A quick hug or kiss can make a stunning portrait. 

Book your own Pigeon Forge Photography session

Gatlinburg Photographers | Cades Cove Maternity Session | Lexi

Gatlinburg Maternity Photographer

This Mama-To-Be had a beautiful (although cold!) Maternity session in Cades Cove. It's one of my very favorite places on earth, so I'm always super excited when I get to photograph there! It has so much to offer from the creek, to mountain views, and forest, just endless possibilities. It's really the perfect spot for those looking for a vacation photographer in Gatlinburg to capture all the Tennessee beauty. 

Lexi did an amazing job combating the chilly day for beautiful maternity pictures in Gatlinburg. Her family is expecting two adorable new little ones in the next few weeks, to make them a lovely family of 6. 

Maternity Gown Rental

Lexi wore two of my rental maternity gowns that come free with your maternity session. This first one is the Aurora in Lilac by Leah Marie Couture. It's beautifully soft and feminie and can be worn sheer, or with a slip for full coverage.

Gatlinburg photographer photographs maternity in purple gown.

Beautiful view in Cades Cove for maternity session in rental purple tulle gown.

Pregnant belly bump in purple tulle gown

Green Maternity Gown

The second dress Lexi wore was my sage Jamie gown by Sew Trendy. It showed off her perfect bump beautifully! I just love how it looked for her session. 

Family poses in Cades Cove for family pictures.

Mom-to-be poses on mossy log in Gatlinburg for maternity pictures. 

Aren't they just the cutest family with a beautiful Mama?

 

Gatlinburg Photographer | Smoky Mountain Maternity | Kendra's Session

Gatlinburg Maternity Pictures

Meet Kendra! Her and her hubby met me at a beautiful Smoky Mountain location for their maternity session. The river and rock faces made amazing backdrops for her beautiful maternity pictures. I am so fortunate to live close enough to photograph in the mountains and rivers of East Tennessee. 

She wore one of my maternity gowns, the Kiara is wine. It is available to rent for your very own session, absolutely free when you book with me. That red is SO her color, she was STUNNING in it. I adore all of the images from her session. 

I cannot wait to meet their beautiful baby in just a few weeks! Sweet babies are my favorite!

5 Super Easy Steps to Schedule a Gatlinburg Photographer | Alisha Bacon Photography

Gatlinburg and Smoky Mountain Vacation Photographer

Gatlinburg and Smoky Mountain vacations are magical. Whether you're getting away with your immediate family, or have the pleasure of getting the whole gang together for a family reunion, take advantage of your time here with beautiful family portraits in the mountains or meadows. 

Step 1. Start Planning Early

Gatlinburg photographers stay busy in the "tourist season", which runs Spring through late Fall. As soon as you have your dates pinned down, I recommend reserving your photographer. Personally, I love to help my clients choose a date early during their trip, to give us a bit of wiggle room if we need to re-schedule for any reason. 

Step 2. Choose the Right Photographer for You

When looking for a photographer, look for someone whose work you love, who is licensed to shoot in the National Park ( if you want mountain images) , and that fits your budget and needs. Check their packages and fees; every photographer has a different business model, some include only prints, and some digital images.

Step 3. Contact Your Photographer

Reach out to your favorite photographer and see if they're availability matches up with the time you're in town. From there, they can help you plan your perfect session. From location: Do you want downtown Gatlinburg, the mountains, or maybe in one of the beautiful rivers? To best time of day for lighting and working with your family's schedule. I even offer wardrobe consultation  and planning to help you look your very best. 

Step 4. Get Booked

To secure your slot, most photographers require a contract and retainer to hold your date. This will ensure the date and time you chose will be there waiting for you on vacation, so you don't have to give it a second thought.

Step 5. Have Fun and Take Gorgeous Pictures!

On the day of your session, your Gatlinburg Photographer will direct you into flattering poses and encourage you to have fun with your spouse or little ones. Relax and have a great time! During my sessions, I love to do a mix of posed and candid pictures that show fun and love from your trip. 

Gatlinburg Family Pictures | Pigeon Forge Photographer | Melanie's Family

Cades Cove Family Pictures

Extended Families are the best! When Melanie contacted me to capture her fun family while they were all on vacation together, I was thrilled! I love getting to be a part of these big families while they visit the Smoky Mountains. Plus, Smoky Mountain pictures are to die for! Sharing the natural beauty I experience on a daily basis =). I seriously can't tell you how much I love being a Gatlinburg photographer!

Big Family Picture in Cades Cove

Of course, we had to get a picture of all of the family together with the mountains! No stay in Gatlinburg would be complete without it! They are such a lovely bunch, and such pleasant company!

Candid Smoky Mountain Picture

So much of my work is beautiful, posed portraits, which are GREAT, but sometimes the candids are my very favorites. This sweet little family had fun playing in the field and we got some candid fun on camera with the stunning Smoky Mountains in the background. oh, and that light!!

Gatlinburg Family Pictures

Now it's time to share a few more of my favorites! We took so many awesome pictures that it was super hard to narrow them down for a blog post! 

Gatlinburg Photographer | Child Photography | Make-a-Wish Colten

Knoxville Child Photographer | Lumberjack Session

A few months back, I was contacted by the Make-A-Wish foundation after they found me searching family photographers in Gatlinburg TN to do a photography session for a very special little boy named Colten. Colten's wish was to be a lumberjack and where better to be a lumberjack than the Great Smoky Mountains! The Make-A-Wish Foundation made all the arrangements for Colten and his family to travel to Gatlinburg and make this dream come true.  They made sure he got to see the brand new Lumberjack Adventure show in Pigeon Forge, TN, supplied his lumberjack outfit, and even sent the family to enjoy Dollywood! 

Gatlinburg Photography in the Mountains

Colten was just a bit reluctant at first for these pictures, and unsure if he wanted to wear his super-adorable overalls, but once he warmed up, this little guy was a ham!!! He looked so proud of himself in these poses! I cannot even begin to tell you what a joy he was. We took the first few in just jeans until he was ready for those darling overalls. Chopping railroad ties must be a ton of fun!

Smoky Mountain Pictures

Everything perfectly aligned for these images, we had a slightly overcast day with beautiful lighting, which made the Smoky Mountain backdrop perfect!!! I couldn't ask for better conditions. Colten was the perfect model, in the perfect location to be a lumberjack. 

Pigeon Forge Family Photographer

At the end of the session, I had the honor to photograph Colten with his whole family who made the trip to Tennessee with him. I cannot even begin to tell you how grateful I am for the opportunity to provide these memories for this sweet little boy's beautiful family. As a Pigeon Forge photographer, I see a lot of families here on vacation and I adore being able to capture their trip, but this one is my very favorite <3. 

At the very end of the session, Colten gave me a hug and chatted away to me for a few minutes on the front steps of their cabin. I asked his mom to snap a picture for me on my cell phone. It might not be a great quality picture, but it's a wonderful memory.