March 15, 2023
Photography
HOW TO PREPARE FOR YOUR SMOKY MOUNTAIN SESSION (NATURE TRAIL EDITION) | Smoky Mountain Photographer
Discovering the beauty within the smokies
The Great Smoky Mountains National Park has more than 150 hiking trails! By choosing the “In The Elements” package, you’ll have the opportunity to explore one of them while capturing beautiful memories in the process!
Although these trails provide us with a beautiful backdrop for photos, it’s important to remember precautions should be taken. Here are a few ways you can prepare for your Smoky Mountain Session at a nature trail!
"Mosquito Magnets" Beware
Especially during warmer months, mosquitos and other insects may want to join in on our fun. When in the mountains, I use minimal perfume and instead use lavender oil, peppermint oil and other natural oils that help repel bugs. It works like a charm! Of course, you can always opt for wearing standard bug repellent instead.
Bring Walking Shoes
While there are paved trails in the Smokies, it’s important to keep in mind that many are not. I recommend bringing a pair of comfortable closed toe shoes that you can wear when we are not capturing moments.
Don't Overdo it
Please make me aware of any medical conditions (i.e. asthma) or physical injuries/pains that could make getting around difficult. There may be trails that are less strenuous and a shorter distance that I can suggest for the session.
It’s also helpful to know if you’re an unexperienced, beginner, intermediate or advanced hiker so I can plan accordingly!
PARKING PASSES ARE REQUIRED
The GSMNP requires each car to have a parking pass. I’ll be happy to send you an invoice and purchase the passes before our session so you don’t have to worry about it the day of!
TIMING IS EVERYTHING
The GSMNP is the most visited park in the US with June, July, August and October being the busiest months of the year. I highly recommend scheduling your session first thing in the morning during these months to beat the crowds that will make commuting and parking a hassle.
Although my schedule is typically pretty flexible to accommodate your itnerary, I’ll generally recommend a session close to sunrise/sunset for soft natural lighting anyway!
Communication is Key
I want to be able to plan for the most ideal location for your session. Knowing a few things can help me greatly when location scouting for your session:
Where are you staying? When possible, I’ll attempt to find location options that may be closer to you.
What features would you like to see in your images? (i.e. creek, waterfall, bridges, forest, etc)
Be KIND TO THE ENVIRONMENT
Please remember we are venturing into the natural habit of many living things. Let’s work together to keep protect the plants and animals that live in the Smokies!
YOUR GSMNP
Photographer
Hi friends, I’m Kandace!
I’m a Kansas City gal who relocated to East TN in 2022.
I’ve specialized in weddings, branding and lifestyle portrait photography since I began my career nearly a decade ago.
After spending the last year exploring the mountains and documenting memories with my fiancé, I became a licensed Great Smoky Mountain National Park photographer so I can capture locals and travelers who want to photograph their time in Smokies just like us.