One of my favorite parts of being a photographer in the Smoky Mountains is meeting families from all over who travel here to enjoy the beauty of this area. The Winter Family came all the way from Kansas for their summer vacation, and I was so excited to capture some special memories for them during their trip.

From the start, I could tell this was going to be a fun session. Not only are they such a good-looking group, but their personalities are just as wonderful. Everyone came with great attitudes—even with the summer heat—and that made for a relaxed and easygoing session.

I loved capturing the big group photos, but also breaking things down into smaller family moments. From the sweet connection between grandparents, to the laughter shared among the cousins, it was easy to see how close-knit this family really is. Sessions like these are a reminder that family photos are about more than just smiling at the camera—they’re about documenting the joy, the laughter, and the bond that holds everyone together.

The Smokies were the perfect backdrop for the Winter Family’s photos, and I’m so glad I got to play a small part in helping them remember this trip. These moments will be treasures for years to come, and I couldn’t be more thankful they trusted me to capture them.

Winter Family, thank you for letting me spend an evening with you. I hope these photos always bring back memories of your time in the mountains!