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Family Photography Session near Gatlinburg, TN | Views from Gatlinburg Overlook, Gatlinburg by-pass road

6/11/2024

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Family Photo Session at the Gatlinburg Overlook

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.

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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.
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That’s part of what makes working with experienced Gatlinburg photographers so valuable - we know where to go and when to capture the mountains at their very best.
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Family session in Gatlinburg, TN | Mountain river and Gatlinburg Overlook Photo session | Photos from Family Session

5/27/2024

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Family Photos by the Mountain river in Greenbrier, and Gatlinburg Overloook

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When summer heat settles over the Smokies, many of the most popular river spots fill up with swimmers as early as 9 a.m.
If you love this peaceful location by the mountain river in Greenbrier Cove, you’ll want to plan an early morning session - ideally around 8 a.m. - to enjoy it at its quietest.

The cool air, soft morning light, and the gentle sound of rushing water make it a perfect backdrop for Gatlinburg family photos.
This hidden gem in Greenbrier offers a beautiful mix of natural scenery and serene atmosphere that photographs beautifully year-round.

Another early-morning favorite location for a Gatlinburg family picture is the Gatlinburg Overlook.
The views are truly spectacular, especially when the mountains are draped in a soft layer of clouds. While sunny days can sometimes make the distant ridges appear washed out, overcast mornings give the Smokies a moody, romantic quality that looks incredible in portraits.
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Whether it’s the cool riverside charm of Greenbrier Cove or the sweeping vistas of the Gatlinburg Overlook, starting your session early not only helps you avoid the crowds—it also gives you the best light and the most peaceful experience for your photographs.
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Greenbrier, Gatlinburg Wedding Session | Gatlinburg Wedding Photographer | Hannah and Elijah's elopement photos

5/23/2024

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Small Chapel Elopement in Gatlinburg

Considering an intimate wedding?
There’s something magical about keeping your celebration small, personal, and completely focused on the people who matter most.

One of my favorite ways to create this kind of day is by blending the charm of a small chapel ceremony with the breathtaking beauty of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.

Imagine exchanging vows in a peaceful, intimate chapel surrounded by your closest family and friends.
It’s quiet, heartfelt, and free from the stress of a large wedding.
You can focus entirely on your promises, your connection, and the emotions of the moment.
Once the ceremony is complete, the celebration continues in the most stunning way - by heading into the mountains for portraits.

​This is where 
Greenbrier Cove shines.

As a photographer, local to Greenbrier, I know this area as one of the most beautiful and versatile spots in the Smokies for wedding photos.
Towering trees create soft, dappled light over mossy riverbanks, while the cool, rushing water adds peace and romance to the scene.
The combination of rugged natural beauty and gentle mountain charm makes it a perfect choice for couples who want their Greenbrier wedding pictures to feel authentic and timeless.

Whether you’re wading barefoot in the river, sharing a kiss on a sunlit boulder, or holding hands along a quiet forest path, your Greenbrier wedding photos will tell the story of your love in a deeply personal way.

Each season brings its own magic—spring’s vibrant greens and wildflowers, summer’s lush foliage and refreshing water, fall’s golden and crimson leaves, and winter’s calm, peaceful beauty.
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The best part about a intimate wedding at the small chapel and Greenbrier is that it offers both tradition and adventure.
You can enjoy the meaningful, classic moments of a chapel ceremony, followed by the wild beauty of the Smokies as your backdrop. Your Greenbrier pictures will be filled with genuine joy, stunning scenery, and memories you’ll treasure forever.
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If you’re dreaming of a wedding day that blends romance, simplicity, and nature, this combination is truly hard to beat. Let’s make your Greenbrier Cove wedding an unforgettable experience filled with love, laughter, and photographs you’ll cherish for a lifetime.
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Mountains and River Family session | Gatlinburg, TN family lifestyle photographer | Photos of lifestyle family session near mountain river and with the views

5/18/2024

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Photo session with small children near mountain river

Introducing a little play into a photoshoot is the best way to make sure everyone has a great time- especially during a family session!
Kids relax, parents laugh, and the memories we capture feel natural and full of joy.

On this recent session, we enjoyed beautiful weather, shared plenty of smiles, and even splashed in the cool mountain river.
While rivers and meadows are always fun, one of my favorite scenic spots for families is the Gatlinburg Overlook.

As a Gatlinburg family photographer, I love bringing families here because the panoramic mountain views are absolutely breathtaking.
The Smoky Mountains stretch out in layers behind you, making every shot feel epic yet still intimate.
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I’m especially great with small children - whether it’s helping shy little ones feel comfortable in front of the camera, turning a photoshoot into a game, or catching those quick, unplanned moments of laughter.
Patience, flexibility, and a sense of fun make a big difference in creating relaxed and happy Gatlinburg Overlook family pictures.

The best time for Gatlinburg Overlook photos is early morning or just before sunset, when the light is soft and flattering.
On cloudy days, the mountains take on a moody, dramatic beauty that makes your images even more stunning.

If you’re planning a trip to the Smokies and looking for picture-perfect mountain backdrops, the Overlook is a perfect choice.
​From cozy family hugs to kids running and playing against that iconic view, your gallery will be filled with images that bring you right back to the moment.
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Elopement Photo Collection | Gatlinburg Elopement Photographer | Smoky Mountains Elopement Photos

5/14/2024

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Foothills Parkway elopement photos

An elopement-style session for just the two of you is such a wonderful idea - part adventure, part celebration, and a chance to create stunning photographs you’ll treasure for a lifetime!

Imagine wandering through the beauty of the Smoky Mountains together, hand in hand, with the golden light spilling over the hills as you laugh, kiss, and savor every moment in your wedding attire.

Whether you’re planning a Gatlinburg elopement or simply want more portraits in your wedding dress after your ceremony, the Foothills Parkway offer endless possibilities.

You can have your official wedding back home and then bring your dress here for an unforgettable session, or you can choose to say your vows in the mountains themselves after having ceremony at the Sevierville courthouse or at your cabin.

Both options allow you to combine breathtaking views with intimate moments that feel entirely your own.

If you decide to have your elopement 
ceremony within the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, you’ll need to apply for a special wedding permit from the Park Service. This process can take at least two months, so it’s best to plan ahead to ensure everything is in place for your big day.
The permit allows you to hold your ceremony at one of the Park’s approved locations, each offering its own unique charm—from quiet forest clearings to dramatic mountain overlooks.
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If you’re just bringing your wedding dress for portraits, no additional permits are required. As a local photographer to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, I can guide you to the most scenic and romantic spots of the Foothills Parkway without any extra paperwork.

You’ll be able to relax and enjoy your time together while I capture the magic in photographs that blend natural beauty of the Smokies with the emotions of your love story.
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No matter which path you choose, the combination of your wedding attire, the Smoky Mountains, and the intimacy of an elopement-style session will create memories and images you’ll cherish forever.
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Best Locations For Family Sessions near Gatlinburg, TN | Best Great Smoky Mountains Locations for Family Session | Locations for Families, Photo Collection

5/14/2024

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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. 
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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 
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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
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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
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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
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Your moments deserve to be captured beautifully.
As a local Pigeon Forge photographer and Gatlinburg photographer, I know the most scenic spots and hidden gems in the Smoky Mountains. From family portraits to vacation memories, I’ll help you create images you’ll treasure forever.
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