Portraits

Blooming Good Times at the Tennessee Mountain Laurel Festival

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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

Gus is graduating!!🎓🎉

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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!

Pickles, Pets, and Pure Joy: A Day at the Pickle Festival!

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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.

Photos Now Available for Purchase!

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Click here for gallery prints!

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!

Click here for gallery prints!

Johnson Family

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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!

Taylor & Christian’s Big Announcement

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As a photographer, there’s something truly special about having repeat clients. It’s not just about capturing moments; it’s about building relationships and becoming part of someone’s story. Having loyal clientele means more than just another photoshoot. It means celebrating milestones, witnessing growth, and being there for the moments that matter most.

I photographed Taylor and Christian shortly after they had moved to Tennessee about a year and a half ago. I was honored when they contacted me with the news of their pregnancy and wanting announcement photos. Being able to document the evolution of their journey from settling into a new place to expecting a new member in their family has been an incredibly rewarding experience.

Fall Family Session

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In the midst of nature’s breathtaking autumn display, family photo sessions become an opportunity to capture cherished moments against a backdrop of vibrant colors. The warmth of family bonds, combined with the season’s rich palette, creates timeless images that not only reflect the beauty of Fall, but also encapsulate the love laughter, and connection shared among family.

2023 Fall Apple Festival

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Those apple pies at the Fall Apple Festival were worth standing in line for!! This annual festival is hosted by the Washington Presbyterian Church in Corryton, Tennessee and all proceeds are given to a mission chosen by the Church Session. Baked goods, apple cider, cornmeal ground on-site, and of course the famous fried apple pies make this festival a Fall favorite!