A Fun Creekside Family Session at Frozen Head State Park

There’s something extra special about photographing a family year after year and getting to watch their story unfold in front of my camera. I’ve been photographing this sweet family for at least six years now, and every session gives me a chance to see just how much their family has grown and changed.

This time, we headed to Frozen Head State Park in East Tennessee for a fun family session centered around one of my favorite things: letting kids be kids.


Playing in the Creek at Frozen Head State Park

With Mom, Dad, a five-year-old boy, a three-year-old girl, and their one-year-old little sister, this session was made for exploring.

Instead of worrying about everyone sitting perfectly still and smiling at the camera, we spent our time playing, exploring the creek, splashing in the water, and letting the kids enjoy the beautiful surroundings.

Creek sessions are some of my favorites because they naturally create the kind of genuine moments that make family photographs feel like your family. Little feet in the water, siblings playing together, parents laughing with their kids, and all those in-between moments that happen when everyone is simply having fun.


Six Years of Photographing Their Family

One of my favorite parts of being a family photographer is getting to build relationships with my clients that last far beyond one session.

Six years ago, this family looked a little different. Now, their family includes three growing kiddos, each with their own personalities and little quirks. Getting to photograph those changes year after year is something I never take for granted.

There’s something incredibly rewarding about seeing a once-little kid suddenly become the big brother, watching a new baby grow into a toddler, and documenting all the little stages in between.

These are the sessions that remind me why I love what I do.


Family Photography That Feels Like Your Family

I’m a big believer that family photos don't have to feel stiff or overly posed. Some of my favorite images happen when families are moving, laughing, playing, cuddling, or simply enjoying each other.

For this Frozen Head State Park family session, the creek gave the kids plenty to explore and made it easy for everyone to relax and have fun. And when the kids are having fun, the genuine smiles and connections usually take care of themselves.

Whether we're exploring a creek at Frozen Head, chasing golden light, playing in the backyard, or documenting your family at home, my goal is always to create photographs that feel authentic to you.


East Tennessee Family Photographer

I’m a family and lifestyle photographer serving Oak Ridge, Knoxville, and surrounding East Tennessee areas, including outdoor locations like Frozen Head State Park.

If you’ve been putting off family photos because you’re worried your kids won't sit still or cooperate, don't worry — they don't have to! Some of the best photographs happen when we give them room to move, explore, and just be themselves.

And if you're one of my returning families, thank you. Getting to photograph your family year after year is one of the greatest parts of this job. 🤍

Here’s to many more years, many more growing kiddos, and many more family adventures in front of my camera.

Family of five posing in autumn forest with fallen leaves, two parents and three young children smiling outdoors.
A smiling young girl in a floral top and jeans stands barefoot in a shallow woodland creek.
Young girl holding an orange autumn leaf over a rocky stream.
Family of four playing in a forest creek on a sunny autumn day, parents embracing while children explore the water.
Family of four with a dog posing by a forest creek in autumn.
Happy family of five posing in autumn forest with fallen leaves and tall trees.
Three barefoot children pose by a forest creek surrounded by autumn leaves and lush green trees.
Family of four playing in a shallow forest creek surrounded by autumn leaves and tall trees.
Family of five posing together in a sunlit autumn forest with rocky ground and tall trees.
Family of four embraces in autumn forest by rocky stream.
A smiling mother hugs her young son outdoors near a forest creek surrounded by autumn leaves.
Family of five smiling together in a sunlit forest creek, surrounded by lush green trees and rocky terrain.
Family of five laughing and tossing autumn leaves by forest creek.
Family of five walking together through shallow creek in autumn forest.
Smiling mother wading in rocky creek with two young children in forest.