Exciting News! 📸
I’m excited to share that my collection of photos is now available for purchase! Featuring my favorites of the Great Smoky Mountains, vibrant scenes of Knoxville, a few Colorado highlights, all the way down to the warm vibes of southernmost point of Florida. And everything else in between!
Print products include paper prints (metallic paper is always my #1), canvases, and metal prints.
Chances are, if it’s been posted, it is here to be printed!
The Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) and its partners are moving forward with the 122-mile Ridgeline Expansion Project, a major natural gas infrastructure project designed to support the region’s growing energy demands. The project will help provide additional natural gas capacity for TVA’s power generation needs and is part of the utility’s broader strategy to modernize its energy portfolio across East Tennessee and the Tennessee Valley.
While the Ridgeline Expansion Project is intended to strengthen energy reliability and support economic growth, many East Tennessee landowners are experiencing the direct effects of the project as construction moves through private property. From new easements and land clearing to concerns about property values and future land use, homeowners along the pipeline route are navigating significant changes.
My family has a personal connection to this project. My brother is one of the landowners whose property is affected by the Ridgeline Expansion Project. Watching the process unfold firsthand has provided insight into the challenges many rural property owners face when large-scale energy infrastructure projects cross their land.
For many residents, the issue extends beyond a natural gas pipeline. Questions surrounding property rights, easements, environmental impacts, land restoration, and compensation have become important topics of discussion throughout East Tennessee communities. Landowners often invest years of work into maintaining their property, and construction activity can have lasting effects on forests, farmland, wildlife habitats, and future development plans.
The Tennessee Valley Authority has emphasized the importance of expanding energy infrastructure to meet increasing electricity demand across the region. As population growth and economic development continue throughout East Tennessee, reliable energy delivery remains a priority. However, projects of this scale also highlight the balance between regional energy needs and the rights of individual property owners.
The Ridgeline Expansion Project serves as a reminder that major infrastructure investments affect more than utility systems and power generation. They also impact families, homeowners, farmers, and communities throughout the Tennessee Valley. As construction progresses, many affected landowners will continue to advocate for transparency, fair treatment, and careful stewardship of the land that makes East Tennessee such a special place to call home.
Every spring, the mountains of East Tennessee come alive with one of the most beautiful sights of the season, the blooming mountain laurel. Tucked away on the Cumberland Plateau, Morgan County celebrates that beauty in the best way possible through the annual Tennessee Mountain Laurel Festival in Wartburg.
What started in 2014 as a simple mountain laurel walk has grown into a beloved festival that brings together locals, visitors, artists, musicians, hikers, and families from all over the region.
Held each year around the historic courthouse square in Wartburg, the festival is full of small-town charm and Appalachian culture. Visitors can enjoy live music, handmade crafts, local vendors, delicious food, classic cars, hiking events, and activities for all ages. The festival has become a celebration not only of the mountain laurel blooms, but also of the history, beauty, and community spirit that make Morgan County special.
One of the most unique parts of the festival is its connection to the outdoors. Morgan County is home to some of Tennessee’s most breathtaking natural areas, including the Obed Wild and Scenic River, Frozen Head State Park, and portions of the Cumberland Trail State Park. During mountain laurel season, trails across the county are lined with soft pink and white blooms that create an unforgettable backdrop for hiking and exploring.
The festival has also gained recognition for its growth and impact on tourism in East Tennessee. In just a few years, attendance grew from around 100 visitors to thousands, helping shine a spotlight on Morgan County’s culture and natural beauty.
What makes the Tennessee Mountain Laurel Festival stand out most is the feeling you get while you’re there. It’s the kind of event where you can stroll through downtown with live music playing, talk with friendly vendors, grab homemade food, and feel completely welcomed. It perfectly captures the heart of East Tennessee, the beautiful scenery, rich history, and genuine community.
Whether you come for the flowers, the hiking, the music, or simply the experience of a classic mountain-town festival, the Tennessee Mountain Laurel Festival is a reminder of just how special springtime in Morgan County can be. 🌸
For more information about the festival, visit Tennessee Mountain Laurel Festival
I first photographed this sweet crew a while back, and now I’ve had the honor of capturing another special season for them. Every session with them has been a joy, filled with laughter and genuine moments that reflect their unique bond. It’s incredible to see how families grow and change over time, and it brings me immense joy to be a part of their journey as they create lasting memories together.
Watching families evolve and, despite the passing years, come back to trust me with their memories never gets old! Each visit adds a new layer to our connection, and I cherish the opportunity to document their lives through my lens.
Cool fact: all 3 of these guys row! They were right in their element when we ventured to the Oak Ridge Rowing Association to finish up our session!
The Blount County K-9 Chili Cookoff in Maryville, TN was the perfect way to spend a chilly day, warming up with great chili while supporting an even greater cause. With cold temperatures in the air and delicious aromas everywhere, it was easy to see why this event brings the community together.
Local teams brought their best chili recipes, and every bowl was packed with flavor. From spicy to savory, there was something for everyone to enjoy.
Best of all, the event supported the Blount County K-9 units, whose dedication to our community never goes unnoticed. A big thank you to everyone who cooked, donated, and came out to show their support. Cold weather, good food, and a great cause. What more could you ask for?
Barrelhouse in Knoxville, Tennessee hosted a dill-icious Pickle Festival!
If you’ve never been to a pickle festival, let me tell you—you’re missing out on some of the most unexpectedly fun chaos imaginable. From the second I arrived, camera in hand, I knew this was going to be a blast. The energy was contagious, the air smelled like vinegar and fried goodness, and everywhere I turned, people were laughing, eating, and embracing the pickle spirit.
The highlight? A pickle toss!
Then came the pet costume contest and parade, which was every bit as adorable as it sounds. Tiny dogs in pickle costumes? Yes!! The crowd was living for it, and I loved capturing every hilarious and heartwarming moment.
By the end of the day, everyone—human and pet alike—was grinning ear to ear and stuffed with pickles. I walked away with some fantastic shots and a newfound appreciation for the fine art of catching food midair.
On Saturday, March 22, 2025, a series of coordinated protests known as the “Tesla Takedown” occurred across Tennessee, reflecting a broader national movement addressing concerns about Elon Musk’s involvement in government affairs. Organized by Indivisible Tennessee, these demonstrations took place at 1 p.m. near Tesla showrooms in Bartlett, Franklin, Chattanooga, and Knoxville.
These photos were taken in Knoxville, Tennessee.
*The photographs presented are a reflection of the subjects, scenes, or moments captured and do not necessarily represent the personal beliefs, opinions, or perspectives of the photographer.
An early morning photo stroll down Gay Street before the first storm rolled in made for a moody experience. I was glad the street lamps were still on, contrasting with the darkening skies. Timing is everything, and while walking through the quiet streets, I aimed to capture the light from the lamps against the stormy clouds.
Buy prints of this photo and others of Downtown Knoxville, Tennessee here!
As a photographer, every session brings something special, but working with this family was an absolute joy! From the moment we met, their energy was infectious, and you could instantly feel the love they have for one another. It’s families like these that remind me why I love what I do.
We decided to do the session right in the heart of downtown Knoxville, Tennessee, and it couldn’t have been a better setting! The blend of urban charm and historic spots gave us the perfect backdrop for capturing their fun personalities. From Market Square to the scenic streets, every location added something unique to their already beautiful vibe.
Not only were they a blast to work with, but they were also just so naturally beautiful—inside and out! Their smiles, laughter, and playful spirit made it easy to capture candid, heartwarming moments. They had this incredible way of making each shot fun, relaxed, and full of personality.
To this sweet family: thank you for letting me capture your love! You made my job so easy and so much fun. I’m already looking forward to the next time we can work together!
To really get into the summer vibe, you’ve gotta check out the Jackson Square Lavender Festival in Oak Ridge, Tennessee! It’s your chance to enjoy yummy lavender-infused treats, stroll through the market filled with fragrant lavender goodies, and discover all kinds of lavender-themed creations from the vendors. So much to explore and enjoy!
Mary Davis Photography 