With spring quickly approaching, the search for photo locations in Knoxville for family photos has started for many of you. There’s no doubt that Knoxville is full of beautiful locations, but some truly come to life in the spring. Today, I want to share one of my absolute favorite locations for spring photos with you.

Tucked away just 5 minutes from downtown Knoxville, you will find the most enchanted garden. With over two miles of stone walls and timeless buildings, the garden’s vast beauty can be admired from every direction. The Knoxville Botanical Garden and Arboretum (KBGA) is located on 44 acres of former Howell Nurseries. The gardens feature walking trails, display gardens, and unique historic horticulture. The gardens are also privately owned and operated with the support of donations and membership. 

As a member, I frequently document family memories here. The gardens offer an abundant selection of backgrounds and variety perfect for family dynamics of all kinds. In the spring, the gardens look like a page straight out of a fairytale. For as far as you can see, flowers line the pathways throughout the gardens. The grounds come to life offering magnificent color and wonder. Deciding where to venture first is the hard part. You simply have to explore everything!

To be honest, I am a complete sucker for family photos. I have photographed many unique family dynamics over the years. Each family brings a different vibe to the table. The natural beauty of the season enhances the emotions that take place during these sessions. The way the light hits and the soft colors of springtime here make these moments all the more special. 

One of my favorite sessions took place at the gardens in the spring. I still can’t get over how emotionally beautiful it was. A funny backstory for this session: I’ve learned that babies don’t always enjoy feeling different textures on the ground. They need time to adjust, contemplate, and gather their emotions about this new discovery. Although you don’t notice this in the photos, this sweet baby girl was NOT a fan of the ground. The tears were flowing right out of the gate. I honestly wasn’t expecting any less of a reaction. I knew that this might happen and I kept calm and carried on! Wow, I haven’t said that phrase in years! 

I took a step back and allowed space for her to gather her bearings. Mom and dad had planned well. They quickly whipped out the snacks and comforting techniques we’d discussed during their phone consultation. The adjustment was slow to happen, but I was able to capture some truly beautiful moments in between the tears. As I tell all of my parents, the kids need to lead the session. When your children need a moment, we give it to them. When the tears flow, we wipe them with love in our hearts.

My mission is to provide you a safe space to tell honest stories of parenthood so you can hold onto this season of life fiercely and without bounds. Allowing your babies to cry when they need to is more than ok, it’s welcomed in fact. I want them to find comfort in your arms. I want them to feel safe on their own terms. They have to become comfortable with my camera and sometimes that takes a bit of time. Playing with them and showing them that you’re completely ok with my camera is a good place to start. I also encourage a lot of discussion with with your children prior to your session if they’re old enough. If they’re still infants, your comforting touch and smile will be your secret weapon.

Following my lead and meeting moments of tears with grace will allow you to stay calm while your child adjusts. When the tears begin flowing, speak softly to your child. Be their safe space and they will feed off your emotions. With time, the tears steady and are very likely to stop. Until then, I focus on the moments in between the tears and on the moments of you comforting them. What’s more honest and beautiful than that?

For more tips like these, make sure to check out my blog post here giving you my top 3 ways to have stress free family photos.

The stunning beauty of the gardens told the most honest reflection of this season of life for this sweet family. They were growing into these new discoveries alongside their daughter and embracing each emotion with so much love. From the gorgeous sunlight to the whimsical blooms, this emotional family session at the gardens was simply breathtaking. Without a doubt, baby girl came around and laughter soon filled the air. Honestly, you can’t help but get a tad emotional viewing these.

If you’ve been searching for an enchanting location to have your family photos taken this spring, I can not recommend The Knoxville Botanical Gardens enough. This location offers more variety than almost any other location I frequent. From flowers, to stone buildings, numerous pathways, and even a peak at the mountains, you can have it all here. Your kids have plenty of room to roam and play. You can spend your time frolicking among the flowers and stroll the many pathways. There are several enchanting stone buildings to explore and open fields to enjoy. Your session here can be very fancy, very laidback, or something in between! I work with each of my families to find which sections of the gardens will reflect their family dynamic best. 

Not a fan of being on location for family photos? Check out this blog post about the benefits of an at home photography session. The tips I share apply just as easily to family photography and we can always plan your session to be in the place you feel most comfortable, at home!

To book your spring session, click here! Allow me to tell your honest story of parenthood in a way that artfully and accurately reflects this season of life for you. 

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