Hayley Knight Photography
Hi friends!
I am Hayley!
Family and portrait photographer
I am the face and heart behind the camera. My roots were planted in a small country town in IL, my branches have grown in the Great Smoky Mountains of East TN.
I started my journey with photography in 2010. In 2014, I received my Bachelor's degree in Photography from Southern Illinois University Carbondale. I spent countless late nights in the studio, developing film in the darkroom, and learning the technical and creative side of photography.
I believe that if you are going to do something, you must go all in. So, I guess that's kind of how my photography journey began. I told myself I am going to be a photographer and failing was not an option. Twelve years later and I still haven't put my camera down. Creating art has always come so naturally to me. I love what I do, and I know without a doubt that photography is what I am meant to be doing!
I will almost definitely say something a little goofy or awkward when you first meet me... consider it part of the experience. I have a deep love for the Smoky Mountains, cozy cabins, and capturing real family moments. I'm extremely passionate about my work, and at the heart of it all is my desire to see the good in people and the world around me.
When I'm not behind the camera or editing photos, I'm homeschooling my two kiddos and soaking up the everyday chaos of family life. In my free time, you'll usually find me binge-watching Outlander (because once is never enough), planning our next mountain adventure, or getting outside. I love kayaking, exploring the Smokies, and just about any excuse to be outdoors.
I truly believe life is meant to be fun, exciting, and never taken too seriously.
Have questions? Just ask! I want you to feel comfortable from the moment you book until your gallery is delivered.
If you're worried about not knowing what to do, don't be. I'll guide you the whole way with simple prompts and natural posing, so you never have to wonder where to stand or what to do with your hands. I'll keep things moving while giving your family plenty of room to interact, laugh, cuddle, play, and just be together. Those in between moments are often the ones you'll treasure the most.
Every family is different, and I love getting to know the people I'm photographing. Whether your little ones are shy, full of energy, or somewhere in between, I work with their personalities instead of expecting them to sit perfectly still. My goal is for your session to feel relaxed, fun, and true to your family while creating images that you'll love looking back on for years to come.
Love,
Hayley K.
