We began at one of the Parkway’s iconic overlooks, where the rolling ridges of the Smoky Mountains stretched endlessly in every direction.

The soft breeze carried the scent of mountain air, and the clouds floated gently over the peaks, adding depth and drama to the Foothills Parkway pictures.
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Every time Sydney and Charles looked at each other, you could see the love and joy radiating between them - it made capturing their couple pictures at the Foothills Parkway an absolute joy.

As a photographer, one of the things I love most about the Foothills Parkway is the variety it offers.
We moved between wide-open overlooks for sweeping landscapes and more intimate spots along the road where the trees framed them in glowing light.

​Whether it’s a grand wedding celebration or an intimate wedding on the Foothills Parkway, the scenery adapts beautifully to the moment.

For Sydney and Charles, the Parkway was more than just a backdrop  - it became a part of their love story.

They laughed, they twirled, they held each other close, and in between, we soaked in every bit of the Smoky Mountain magic.
By the time they had to go to their dinner, they had a gallery of Foothills Parkway photos they’ll cherish forever.

If you’re dreaming of your own elopement at the Foothills Parkway or want wedding portraits with sweeping mountain views, I’d be thrilled to help you plan every detail.

​This stretch of road offers some of the most stunning vistas in East Tennessee, and your Foothills Parkway pictures can be as adventurous, romantic, or timeless as you want them to be.

Here are some of my favorite Cades Cove locations for maternity sessions—and why each one is so special:

• Historical Mill – The rustic texture of the old mill and its surrounding wooden structures add a timeless, storybook feel to Cades Cove maternity photos. 
• Old Churches – These preserved churches offer simple yet striking backdrops, with white wooden walls and mountain views beyond. 
• Meadows – Wide open spaces filled with tall grasses and seasonal wildflowers give a dreamy, romantic atmosphere to your photos, especially during golden hour.
• Mountain Streams – Cool, clear water winding through the Cove creates a refreshing, peaceful setting. 
• Scenic Views – The mountain ridges surrounding Cades Cove make for breathtaking backdrops, especially when framed by the soft light of early morning or late afternoon.
• Barns – Rustic wooden barns offer texture, depth, and a touch of Smoky Mountain history to your maternity portraits.
• Old Cabins – These preserved pioneer cabins feel like stepping back in time, adding a unique historic charm to your session.

Last October, Jaylinn traveled to Gatlinburg with one special goal - to have her senior photos taken in the heart of the Smoky Mountains, at the old Daisy Town, or Elkmont.

On the way to our location, we got separated and it took us more than two hours to finally reconnect. But once we found each other, everything fell into place, and the session turned out beautifully.

Elkmont was the perfect backdrop for her senior pictures.
In October, the Smoky Mountains transform into a painter’s dream - rolling hills draped in shades of gold, crimson, and amber. The crisp air, the gentle rustle of leaves underfoot, and the way the sunlight filters through the trees all combine to create pure magic.

As a Gatlinburg photographer, fall is one of my favorite times to work in the Smokies. Every location feels alive with color, and every turn in the road reveals another breathtaking view.

Elkmont, with its historic charm and variety of scenic spots, offers endless opportunities for senior portraits that are warm, vibrant, and full of life.
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Whether it’s senior photos, family portraits, or just capturing a special moment in time, autumn in the Smoky Mountains gives you a backdrop you’ll never forget.

The Gatlinburg Overlook is one of my absolute favorite spots for photography - when the conditions are just right.

As a Gatlinburg photographer, I usually don’t recommend it for every session. The gnats can be relentless, there are often many people around, and on sunny days the mountains can look washed out in photos.

But on cloudy or rainy days? It transforms into pure magic, with soft light and clouds rolling gently over the peaks, creating dreamy photos with Great Smoky Mountains views.

For this session, we had originally planned to use a riverside location. However, after recent rain, the river spot wasn’t accessible.

Instead, we decided to head to the Gatlinburg Overlook, and it turned out to be a perfect choice. The rain had cleared the air, the clouds hung low over the mountains, and the light was soft and flattering.
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Even though the gnats made their usual appearance, we managed to get every shot we needed - and plenty of genuine smiles along the way. The results were stunning Gatlinburg family pictures that perfectly captured both the joyful energy of the day and the breathtaking mountain scenery.

Whether you’re planning Gatlinburg family photos during your vacation or simply want portraits with an unforgettable Smoky Mountains backdrop, this location can be absolutely spectacular in the right weather.
It’s a reminder that sometimes, the most beautiful moments happen when plans change.