Knoxville Botanical Garden and Arboretum

Knoxville Botanical Garden is a beautiful and popular area for maternity photos in Knoxville. It does require your photographer to have a permit to shoot there.

I love the variety this location offers. From blooming trees in Spring to evergreens in the Winter, it's beautiful year round. There's stonework, buildings, a greenhouse, a field, a ridge, and a garden area. Whatever vibe you are going for, you can probably find something here to suit your needs.

As with most locations, the lighting is best during golden hour, although it's possible to shoot an hour or two before golden hour and still have plenty of places with good light. 

I recommend this location for those who love beautiful grounds with a touch of architecture. 

Check out a maternity session example from Knoxville Botanical Gardens here. 

Best for: sessions featuring nature and architecture.
Best season: Spring, Summer, and Winter. Limited Fall Colors.
Best time of day: Golden Hour.
Bonus tip: Check the event calendar on their website before you go to be sure there's no major events.

Melton Hill Park

Not to be confused with Melton Hill Lake, Melton Hill Park is one of my favorite locations for maternity photos in Knoxville because it is so beautiful. There's tall grass and fields, a lake with a beautiful ridge, and plenty of picturesque walkways and trees. There's also a playground in case you have kids who need to play for a bit before or after your session. 

Located just outside of Knoxville, in Oak Ridge, Melton Hill Park is also good for Winter because the tall grass can still look golden and photogenic. I actually chose Melton Hill Park for my own maternity photos that I had done in December. 

There is one caveat to this gorgeous spot. It's very popular with photographers, particularly in the Fall and on weekends. If you can swing booking your photo session for week night, it is literally perfect. 

The best light is at golden hour and into the start of blue hour, but if you try to shoot too long after Sunset, the street lamps by the parking lot by the water will be lit.

This location is ideal for those who love scenic views with mountains and lakes without having to drive the Cades Cove loop.

Best for: sessions featuring scenic views.
Best season: Beautiful Year Round.
Best time of day: Golden Hour.
Bonus tip: Go on a weeknight to avoid the crowds.

Seven Islands State Birding ParK

Located just outside Knoxville, in Kodak, TN, Seven Islands State Birding Park is another great option for your maternity session. I usually stick a bit closer to the parking lots, but you can totally go for a hike and find tons of amazing and secluded spots for your photos. 

My personal favorite is the boat dock as there's hardly ever anyone else around and the scenery is so lush in the Summer. This is another location I'd recommend shooting a touch earlier than usual because the elevation is lower.

This location is perfect for nature lovers who don't mind taking their time with their session and walking a little bit.

Check out a recent maternity session I shot at Seven Islands here.

Best for: sessions for nature lovers who don't mind a walk.
Best season: Spring, Summer, and Fall.
Best time of day: Slightly before Sunset.
Bonus tip: Check out the boat dock.

Founders Park at Campbell Station

The Holmstead Studio

Your Own Home's BackYard

Don't Stress, I'll help you plan

You don't actually have to figure this out alone.

I include a planning consultation with every session. This is when we'll walk through your vision for your session and I'll help you choose the right location for you. We'll also plan outfits together so you don't have to stress about anything.

If you're planning maternity photos in Knoxville, I'd love to help you find the right location for you. Let's create something beautiful and meaningful together.