August 13, 2026

If you’re searching for a Knoxville family photographer who understands that family photos don’t always go exactly according to plan, you’ve come to the right place.
Hi! I’m Taryn, the photographer behind Taryn Yager Photography, and while I’m known for photographing newborns and babies, some of my favorite sessions are when I get the whole family in front of my camera. And here’s something you should know about me: I have four boys. So trust me when I say that your kids do NOT have to be perfectly behaved for family pictures.I’m used to crazy. I’m used to noise. I’m used to kids who don’t want to stand still, brothers who can’t stop touching each other, toddlers who suddenly decide they’re done, and parents wondering if we’re getting a single good picture. We are. In fact, I use that craziness to my advantage.
Family Photography That Actually Feels Like Your Family
Of course, I want to capture the beautiful family portrait where everyone is looking at the camera. Those photographs are important. But I also want the personality. The laughs. The hugs. The sibling relationships. The silly faces. The way your little one looks at you. The moments that happen when everyone stops worrying about the camera and simply enjoys being together. As a mom of four boys, I’ve learned that sometimes the best way to get a beautiful photograph of a child is to stop trying so hard to make them pose.
We’ll play. We’ll laugh. We’ll move. I’ll give your kids something to do rather than expecting them to stand perfectly still and smile on command. That approach allows me to create a gallery that includes the classic family portraits you want and the fun, personality-filled images you’ll probably end up loving the most.
Studio Family Photography in Knoxville
If you love a clean, timeless look, a studio family photography session may be perfect for you. My studio sessions give us a controlled environment without worrying about rain, wind, humidity or the unpredictable East Tennessee weather. Studio family portraits are especially beautiful if you prefer simple images that keep the focus completely on the people you love. They’re also a great option for families with young children. We’re in one place, distractions are limited, and I can work quickly to keep little ones engaged. My goal is never to make your family look like someone else’s family. I want your photographs to look like you.
Outdoor Family Photography in Knoxville Prefer being outside?
I also offer outdoor family photography sessions in the Knoxville area on specific, predetermined dates throughout the year.
Instead of offering outdoor sessions at any location on any date, I carefully select specific session dates and locations. There’s a reason for that. I’ve photographed families for years, and I know how much the location, season, lighting and time of day can affect the final photographs. By choosing specific outdoor dates and locations, I can plan sessions around places and conditions that I know photograph beautifully. Outdoor family sessions are especially popular during the spring and fall in East Tennessee, as well as during my seasonal photography events. Availability is limited, so families interested in outdoor portraits should keep an eye on my scheduled session releases.
“But My Kids Are Crazy…” I hear this ALL the time. And this is usually where I remind parents: I have four boys. You’re not going to scare me. Your toddler doesn’t want to sit? That’s okay. Your kids are wrestling? We can work with it. Someone suddenly decides smiling is the worst thing they’ve ever been asked to do? Been there. Kids feed off the energy around them. If every adult is stressed about creating the “perfect” photograph, kids feel it too. I’d much rather let them have a little fun. That’s often when their real smiles come out. Being a mom has helped shape the way I photograph families. I know when to redirect a child, when to make something into a game and when to just let a moment happen. Sometimes a little chaos creates the best photographs of the entire session.
Your Family Doesn’t Need to Be Perfect for Beautiful Family Photos One of the biggest misconceptions about professional family photography is that everything needs to be perfect. Perfect outfits. Perfect kids. Perfect behavior. Perfect smiles. It doesn’t. Your family photographs should preserve what this season of life actually feels like. Maybe right now that means tiny hands wrapped around yours. Maybe it’s a toddler belly laugh. Maybe it’s siblings who are best friends one second and driving each other crazy the next. Maybe your babies aren’t babies anymore and you’re realizing how quickly they’re growing. Whatever season you’re in, it’s worth documenting.
Choosing a Knoxville Family Photographer
When you’re searching for the best Knoxville family photographer for your family, look beyond the pretty photographs. Choose someone whose style feels like you. Choose a photographer who knows how to work with children. Choose someone who understands that family photography is about more than getting everyone to look at the camera at the exact same time. I’ve spent years photographing babies, children and families throughout Knoxville and East Tennessee, and one thing I’ve learned is that every family brings something different to a session. That’s what makes this job so much fun. I don’t want to photograph a “perfect family.” I want to photograph YOUR family.
Knoxville Family Photography with Taryn Yager Photography Taryn Yager Photography offers professional family photography in Knoxville, Tennessee, including both studio family portraits and specially scheduled outdoor family photography sessions. My studio is located in Farragut and serves families throughout Knoxville, Farragut, Hardin Valley, Lenoir City, Oak Ridge, Powell, Friendsville, Louisville, Seymour and surrounding East Tennessee communities. Whether we’re creating timeless portraits in the studio or laughing our way through an outdoor session, my goal is the same: Beautiful photographs + genuine personality + a session your family actually enjoys. So if you’ve been putting off family pictures because you’re worried your kids won’t cooperate, don’t. Bring me the chaos. I’m a mom of four boys. I know exactly what to do with it.
Ready to Book Your Knoxville Family Photography Session? If you’re looking for a Knoxville family photographer for updated family portraits, I’d love to photograph your crew. Choose a studio family session or watch for one of my specially scheduled outdoor family photography dates throughout the year. Your family doesn’t have to be perfect. It just has to be yours. Taryn Yager Photography Knoxville Family Photographer | Farragut Family Photographer | Family Photography in Knoxville, TN

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© 2025 Taryn Yager Photography
Taryn Yager Photography is based in Knoxville and serves clients from: Farragut, Friendsville, Hardin Valley, Lenoir City, Louisville, Oak Ridge, Powell, and Seymour
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