I get it—being in front of the camera can feel a little weird. But don’t worry, I’m here to make it fun and totally chill. Think of me as your photo BFF who’ll help pick the best spots, keep the nerves at bay, and catch all those real, laugh-so-hard-you-cry moments. No awkward poses—just good vibes and great memories.
Don't know what to expect?
Authentic Moments over perfectly posed photos
relaxed vibes over rigid routines
Nature's Beauty over faux backdrops & props
i'm your person if you value:
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What do we do if it rains?
A: We wish we could control the weather to guarantee perfect conditions every time! Since most sessions take place outdoors in the Smoky Mountains and there aren’t indoor venues with great natural light nearby, we rely on a weather window built into your contract. For locals, rescheduling is usually simple, but for our visiting clients with limited time, we do our best to adjust your session time on the day to fit in photos before any rain or bad weather. If that’s not possible, we’ll try to move your session to another available day during your stay. If neither option works within the agreed weather window, the retainer will be refunded to the original form of payment. This policy helps keep everything fair and clear for everyone.
Q: Why are you so strict about shooting around sunrise and sunset?
A: Lighting is the most important part of photography, and the mountains make it even more challenging than most places. We shoot near sunrise and sunset to capture beautiful, soft light that flatters your portraits—no harsh shadows or dark circles under your eyes. This timing also lets us properly expose both you and the mountains, so the stunning landscape and your smile are perfectly lit together.
Q: Why do you require a weather window?
A: You might find photographers nearby who offer lower prices, but you truly get what you pay for. If you’re carving time out of your vacation and investing in portraits that match the quality you see on my website, it’s my job to deliver a fantastic experience and stunning photos. Sometimes, that means adjusting session times to avoid rain, harsh weather, or fading light on overcast days. The weather window exists to make sure you get the best possible lighting and a photo session during your stay—without cancellations—so your portraits turn out as beautifully as you deserve.
Q: Why do groups of 8+ or more than 2 young children need to book a deluxe or higher session?
A: With 15 years as a family photographer, I’ve learned that larger groups and multiple young children naturally require more time. More people means more photo combinations, and little ones often need extra time to feel comfortable in front of the camera—especially when there’s more than one child. Sometimes kids get car sick, take naps on the way, or people arrive at different times, which can affect the flow. Booking a longer session helps avoid stress, gives everyone a chance to relax and have fun, and ensures I capture those genuine, joyful moments you’ll love. Our goal is always a joyful, relaxed experience for your whole family!
Q: What should we wear to the session?
A: Choosing the right outfits really helps your photos shine! I recommend sticking to neutral palettes and coordinating colors rather than matching exactly—this keeps the look natural and timeless. Comfort is key, so pick outfits that feel like you. After you book, you’ll get a complimentary style guide full of tips and inspiration to help you pull together the perfect look for your session.
Q: If I cancel, will my retainer be refunded?
A: It’s standard practice in the photography industry to require a non-refundable retainer when booking. This retainer reserves your specific date and time on my calendar—meaning I turn away other bookings to dedicate that spot to you. Since this income supports my family and covers the time and work spent preparing for your session beforehand (including paying my team, coordinating, booking, and paying for permits to the National Park, drafting contracts and invoices, etc), the retainer helps protect that commitment.
For local clients, the retainer is always non-refundable because we can easily reschedule. For vacationing clients, if bad weather prevents us from shooting during your stay and we cannot find another available day within the weather window outlined in your contract, your retainer will be refunded.
- Jennifer DuShield
“We were traveling to the Smoky Mountains for our family vacation and wanted to get professional photos done while we were there. We ended up using Chelsey and we couldn’t have been happier! She was quick to respond to questions, a great value, professional, great with kids, and she had great ideas for poses and backgrounds. She also had our photos ready for us very quickly. I highly recommend using her!”
“We ended up using Chelsey and we couldn’t have been happier!”
love letters from past clients
After booking, I’ll send you all the info you need—like style tips and what to expect—so your session is relaxed and fun!
03. Prepare + Enjoy
Once we connect, you’ll receive your custom package and contract to book your spot with a retainer.
02. Book
Fill out the contact form and Tell me a little about your session and what you’re dreaming up!
01. Contact
the process
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