Best Locations For Family Sessions near Gatlinburg, TN | Best Great Smoky Mountains Locations for Family Session | Locations for Families, Photo Collection

Gatlinburg and Smoky Mountains best locations for family pictures

Most of my clients travel to the Smokies and often not sure what location would work best for their family. Here's a list of my favorite family session locations with the best time to take photos at
On overcast days, any time of the day will work, but on sunny days there are better times for each location
I hope you find the location you like!

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Foothills Parkway, Wear's Valley to Townsend stretch

Foothills Parkway offers many beautiful locations that are not only spacious enough for larger families, but also safe to take photos at with smaller children.
​Best time photos here is closer to sunset on the sunny days. 

Gatlinburg Trail

With a cute bridge and a small rock beach, this location is great with small children - we can either keep them away from the water, or let them play near river for additional fun shots! 
Gatlinburg trail is a pet friendly trail. If you have a dog that you'd like to bring to the session, make sure to mention that and we can schedule an early session while the trail is mostly empty!
For families without pets, best time to shoot is either early in the morning, or 4-6 pm in the summer time and may vary throughout the year 

Gatlinburg Overlook

Views of Gatlinburg Overlook show best with overcast or moody weather. Although, on the sunny days i would recommend either sunrise or sunset

Greenbrier entrance of the park

Mountain river really shows off in the sun, with the best time between 8 am to 11 am, depending on the time of the year. Evening sessions are also available, with best time between 4-6 in the summer

Cades Cove Loop

There are so many different spot to take photos at the Cades Cove! So there is no best time particularly. For the best light, I prefer to either start at the sunrise, or come closer to the sunset. Cades Cove is a magical place, and attracts a lot of tourist. Being first or last can help beating the crowds