My Favorite Photography Locations in and Around Knoxville, Tennessee

Knoxville, Tennessee – Photography locations for Engagements, Family Sessions, and Maternity Sessions

As a Knoxville-based photographer, one of the questions I get asked most often is: “Where should we take our photos?” And the truth is — East Tennessee is full of incredible options. From mountain views and lakeside sunsets to charming historic buildings and quiet trails, we’re surrounded by beauty.

Over the years, I’ve photographed families, couples, and expecting mamas in so many places, and I’ve found a handful of locations that I come back to again and again. They’re not just pretty — they offer something special. Whether it’s the way the sun hits the water at golden hour or the peace you feel walking down a tree-covered trail, each spot on this list has its own personality.

So if you’re planning a family, maternity, or engagement session and need a little help deciding where to go, here are my absolute favorite locations in and around Knoxville — along with what you can expect from each one.

Melton Hill Park – Knoxville, TN

Best for: Couples, Family, Maternity
Aesthetic: Lakeside, open fields, mountain/quarry views
Cost: Free

Melton Hill Park is one of those spots that feels like a breath of fresh air. With access to the Clinch River, wide-open fields, and wooded trails, it’s a versatile location that offers both scenic beauty and room to roam.

Why I love it: It’s perfect for relaxed, lifestyle-driven sessions. Little ones can run through the grass, couples can sit along the water’s edge, and the sunset light here is truly golden. It feels calm and natural, which always helps people feel at ease in front of the camera.

Songbird Trail (near Norris Dam) – Norris, TN

Best for: Couples, Family, Maternity
Aesthetic: Wooded trail, riverside, peaceful, open
Cost: Free

Songbird Trail is a bit of a hidden gem tucked along the Clinch River near Norris Dam. It’s flat and stroller-friendly, making it ideal for young families or maternity sessions. The trail runs alongside the river and is shaded by tall trees. It’s beautiful year-round, but it’s especially dreamy in the fall.

Why I love it: It’s so quiet and peaceful, and that helps people really settle into the moment. The soft greens in spring and summer make for gorgeous natural backdrops, and the fall color here is unreal. It’s a nice place to take a walk with your family.

After a photography session, head on over to Clinch River Brewing for some food and drinks. It’s right across the street.

Ijams Nature Center (Quarry Side) – Knoxville, TN

Best for: Couples, Family, Maternity
Aesthetic: Natural, woodsy, quarry views, railroad tracks, sunflowers (sometimes)
Cost: Free aside from parking

Ijams has two main areas, but I’m especially drawn to the quarry side. This is the place to go if you want a variety of backgrounds for your photos.

Why I love it: It feels like a little escape from the city. The quarry is stunning at sunset, and there are so many great spots close to each other that give tons of variety in your images. South Knoxville is growing like you wouldn’t believe, and there is so much to do nearby! Explore Sevier Avenue and check out Red Bud Kitchen, Alliance Brewing Company, or High-Wire Brewing.

Spout Springs Winery – Blaine, TN

Best for: Couples, Family, Maternity
Aesthetic: Vineyard, rustic charm, mountain views
Cost: The owners of the venue ask that those that visit make a donation to their church youth group.

This one is a bit off the beaten path — but absolutely worth it. Spout Springs Winery offers a romantic, rustic atmosphere with rows of vines, open hillsides, and a peaceful country setting.

Why I love it: The setting is breathtaking in the spring and fall. And if you want to celebrate your session with a glass of wine afterward, you’re already in the right place. This is a great option for couples wanting to reconnect over a glass of wine after a session.

Little Egypt – Caryville, TN

Best for: Couples, Family, Maternity
Aesthetic: Waterfalls, creek, woods
Cost: Free

Little Egypt is known for its cooling waterfalls in the summer and fall and the beautiful views from the top of the mountain year round. When you get to the trail it immediately runs parallel to the creek about half a mile up the trail you will see the first waterfall after that the rest are in a in the rock. 

Why I love it: It looks like you’re in the heart of the Smoky Mountains, but you’re just right outside of Knoxville. Clients can also go to Cove Lake State Park before or after going to Little Egypt.

Cove Lake State Park – Caryville, TN

Best for: Couples, Family, Maternity
Aesthetic: Mountain views, lake, grassy areas
Cost: Free

Just a short drive north of Knoxville, Cove Lake State Park is worth the trip. With views of the Cumberland Mountains, lake access, and open green spaces, it offers a fresh, outdoorsy feel.

Why I love it: There’s space for kids to play, walkways to explore, and a peaceful lake that reflects all the natural beauty around it. My husband spent every summer of his childhood camping in the park, so it will always feel like home.

Seven Islands State Birding Park – Kodak, TN

Best for: Couples, Family, Maternity
Aesthetic: Meadows, rolling hills, birds, foggy mornings
Cost: Free

If you love wide-open skies, zinnias, and mountain views, Seven Islands State Birding Park is for you. It’s especially beautiful in the early morning when the fog settles over the grass and the light filters through the trees.

Why I love it: Its a beautiful location for engagement sessions, family sessions, and maternity sessions. It’s between Knoxville and the Smokies and offers a non-crowded, peaceful place for people to relax and be themselves.

The Bleak House – Knoxville, TN

Best for: Couples, Family, Maternity
Aesthetic: Historic estate, formal gardens, Southern charm
Cost: Requires permission/$50 fee for a 1 hr session

The Bleak House is a stunning, historic venue in the heart of Knoxville. With ivy-covered brick, wrought-iron details, and perfectly manicured gardens, it’s ideal for more formal or romantic engagement sessions.

Why I love it: It’s full of Southern charm and elegance. If you’re envisioning something timeless and a bit more polished, this location is perfect. It’s also a great location if it rains because you take take photos inside.

Downtown Knoxville, TN

Best for: Couples, Family, Maternity
Aesthetic: Urban, city scape, river, architecture
Cost: Free

For a fun, modern feel, Downtown Knoxville has so much to offer. We can explore alleyways, appreciate old architecture, grab a coffee, or take a shot at one of Knoxville’s unique bars.

Why I love it: It’s upbeat, different, and great for clients who want a little more edge or personality in their photos. Every session here feels like it’s straight from a movie.

Knoxville Botanical Garden – Knoxville, TN

Best for: Couples, Family, Maternity
Aesthetic: Romantic, garden paths, stone walls, greenery
Cost: Photographers must purchase a $150 photography pass to take photos here.

The Knoxville Botanical Garden is a go-to for romantic, garden inspired images. With old stone walls, wide lawns, blooming flowers, and shaded paths, it has so much variety packed into one place.

Why I love it: It a hidden gem in east Knoxville. It’s ideal for sessions that feel soft and elegant, or engagements that look straight out of a storybook.

Aspire – Clinton, TN

Best for: Couples, Family, Maternity
Aesthetic: Fields, meadows, and mountain views
Cost: Free

Aspire is located in the heart of Clinton, Tennessee. It’s 370 acres of beautiful landscapes, endless activities and experiences.

Why I love it: This newer recreational area has a stunning wildflower meadow, and it is the perfect backdrop for photos. This is a great location for couples and families. Plus, there is a restaurant, The Pearl at Aspire, located in the park.

Sequoyah Hills Park – Knoxville, TN

Best for: Couples, Family, Maternity
Aesthetic: Open fields along the Tennessee River
Cost: Free

Sequoyah Hills Park is located just a few minutes outside of downtown Knoxville in one of the city’s most unique and expensive neighborhoods.

Why I love it: Driving through the Sequoyah Hills neighborhood is an experience in and of itself. This beautiful park is easily accessible and puts you right on the water. Make it a date night and go downtown for dinner and drinks after your session.

What Sets Hayley Howard Photography Apart

I know there are so many talented photographers in East Tennessee. I truly do. What makes my approach unique isn’t flashy or trendy — it’s personal. I care deeply about creating space for people to feel during their session. To slow down, breathe, and connect. Whether we’re in your favorite park or dancing barefoot through a field, I want you to feel safe, seen, and celebrated.

I don’t believe in stiff poses or perfect smiles — I believe in real moments. Laughter. Movement. The quiet in-between glances. And I’ll guide you through the entire session so it never feels awkward or forced.

My background in social work, my love for storytelling, and my experience as a mom help me see your story in a different light. Every session is a chance to honor that story — and I’d be so honored to tell yours. You can learn more about the client experience on my website.

Ready to plan your session?
If you’re interested in working together, I’d love to connect. Just head over to my contact page and send me a message. I’ll be in touch soon with next steps and we’ll dream up the perfect session — location, light, and all.

Let’s create something beautiful together.

— with love,
Hayley