Melton Hill Family Session | Knoxville Family Photographer

There’s something so pure and joyful about capturing the bond between a mother and her child—and this mom and son photo session at Melton Hill Park in Knoxville, TN was the perfect reminder of just how special that connection is.

It was one of those quintessential East Tennessee summer days—warm, sunny, and filled with laughter. From the very beginning, these two brought so much energy and playfulness to their session. We ran through the tall grass, shared tickle fights, and played silly games that had them both laughing non-stop. My favorite sessions are always the ones where families can just be themselves—and this one was overflowing with genuine smiles and sweet, unposed moments.

As the evening light softened and the summer heat lingered, we decided there was no better way to end the session than by cooling off in the water. The little guy splashed around with the biggest grin, and Mom joined in, creating some of my favorite candid photos from the day. Those images—wet hair, giggles, and all—perfectly capture what childhood (and motherhood) is all about: connection, joy, and being present in the moment.

Melton Hill Park is one of my favorite family photography locations in Knoxville because it offers so much variety—beautiful open fields, wooded trails, and the perfect water background for sunset photos (and a little splash session at the end!).

If you’re dreaming of a playful family photo session in Knoxville that feels relaxed, natural, and full of heart, Melton Hill Park is always a favorite spot. Whether you want to run barefoot through the grass, snuggle by the water, or let the kids splash and play, I’ll help you create images that truly feel like you.

Fort Loudon State Park

Fort Loudon State Park is a great spot with water views, a dock and easily accessible beaches to play in the water. There are hiking trails with trees and nature backdrops. The park closes at sunset, so planning to end our session a little earlier than sunset is a must at this location.

Black Fox Farms, Cleveland, TN

Black Fox Farms in Cleveland, Tennessee is a beautiful location with A LOT of variety for backdrops! My favorite part is the pond with dock over the water which gives so many opportunities for beautiful photos all around it. Then, on the way to the pond, there are beautiful little nooks and crannies to take advantage of, like a small building that looks like something out of a fairytale. This farm is a working nursery, so in the spring and summer they have flowers and flowering trees that would provide a beautiful and unique setting for some close-up photos. And last but not least, at the back of the property is a river and really cool bridge going across, and there is a perfect spot for subjects to stand where the river would be in the background.

This is a great location with lots of opportunities for beautiful photos!

Mommy and Son Photo Session :: Benton Falls

This sweet mama went on an adventure with me and her 2 year old little boy. We met at a lake up in the hills, it’s a spot that my husband and I hiked in the fall and I just knew I had to photograph someone here. I had a vision of a mama and her child in the lake, and this mama made my vision come to life! It was the perfect setting to let her son explore, throw rocks in the water and climb on tree limbs.

Apple Valley Orchards, Cleveland, TN

Apple Valley Orchards in Cleveland, TN is a beautiful apple orchard with a variety of apples. The trees bloom towards the end of March or early April, and it all depends on the weather, but if flexible on dates this could be a beautiful and unique setting for your session! The apples turn red in October, and that is when they are harvested, however, there are a couple rows of deep red apples that don’t get harvested until November.