If you’re visiting Gatlinburg, Pigeon Forge, or Townsend for a Smoky Mountain vacation or wedding, a family photoshoot or couples session is one of the best ways to remember your trip.
Seeing the portfolio and highlight photos photographers share definitely makes it all look glamorous — flowing dresses in mountain fields, couples laughing by the river, families framed by Smoky Mountain views — and truly, it is! But behind those beautiful Smoky Mountain photos are a few real-life things many visitors don’t think about as they are daydreaming about vacation. Here are some tips to help you feel more comfortable during your shoot (it’s gonna be hot!) and create the best memories and photos possible.
- Be prepared for gnats! Avoid heavy lotions and perfumes. Instead, consider eucalyptus oil or bug spray. Unless you like photos of swatting bugs away (which I will capture some of those!) Unfortunately, gnats will swarm around your face, and while I may be used to it, you (and especially children) may be more likely to flinch during your session. The trickiest part of large family photos is getting everyone to not flinch and swat all at the same time. We can do it!
- Be prepared to sweat. I know it’s not glamorous to think about, but East Tennessee is hot and humid, and you are likely to sweat. A lot. In addition to swatting at gnats, you may find yourself also wiping away at sweat. Things you can do: wear lightweight clothes in lighter colors; choose fabrics that won’t show sweat as easily, and consider bringing a backup shirt or outfit. Or, instead of mountain scenery, let’s go to the river! Wear shoes that are easy to take on and off, plan to splash in the river, and have a towel and change of clothes or shoes available for if you decide to get soaked. I’m here for it!
- Consider a sunrise session. Yes, I know it’s early and you’re on vacation, but sunrise offers cooler temperatures, lower humidity, and dreamy golden sunlight. Also, traffic can get congested during the day, so you’ll have reduced travel time. And then you can go to one of our many famous pancake houses for breakfast and enjoy the rest of your day playing in the mountains!
- Plan extra travel time to your shoot. If you’re staying in a cabin or AirBnb in Gatlinburg or Pigeon Forge or Sevierville, give yourself extra drive time. Mountain roads always take longer than Google Maps promises. And, depending on when you check Google maps for travel time, traffic may be more congested when it’s actually time to travel to your shoot. Most locations are 30 minutes to 1-hour away.
A Smoky Mountain photoshoot is such a fun way to remember your vacation in Gatlinburg, Pigeon Forge, or Townsend. With a little preparation (and maybe a little bug spray), you’ll end up with photos that capture both the beauty of the mountains and the real joy of being together.
Ready to plan a Smoky Mountain photoshoot? Tell me about it!
