The Smoky Mountains have a way of keeping me on my toes, especially when it comes to weather. I’ve been battling rain all week, and the Lemons Family session was no exception. The day looked promising until about an hour before our start time, when the drizzle and fog rolled in. Still, I had a good feeling that if we headed up the mountain, we might just find a pocket of clear skies—and I’m so glad we kept going!

Our first few stops along the way were nothing but thick, smoky fog. The “smoke” in the Smoky Mountains can be beautiful and moody, but sometimes it hides those sweeping mountain views we’re all hoping for. With the Lemons Family’s easygoing spirit, we decided to keep driving, exploring, and chasing a little light. Eventually, we found a spot where the clouds lifted just enough to give us that magical backdrop.

Little Lola and Landyn were absolute troopers. They didn’t let a little drizzle slow them down one bit. We took shelter under the trees during a quick shower, but before long they were laughing, playing, and even picking wildflowers along the trail. Their sweet pup, Lilly, joined in the fun and added so much joy to the session—she really is the goodest girl. 🐾

What I loved most about this session was the family’s attitude. Instead of letting the weather put a damper on things, they embraced the adventure. Those in-between moments—the kids giggling while shaking raindrops from their hair, the family huddled under the trees, the dog happily running around—made the photos even more special.

The Lemons Family reminded me once again why I love photographing here in the Smokies. The weather might be unpredictable, but with the right people, every session becomes an unforgettable story.

Thank you, Lemons Family, for trusting me with your memories. Rain or shine, I loved every moment of our mountaintop adventure together.