What To Wear To Your Smoky Mountain Session
I’ll never claim to be a fashionista, but after snapping portraits for over a decade I know my way around a wardrobe and can tell you what photographs well. I’m here to provide you a little bit of guidance to help you look and feel good in front of the camera during every season in the Smokies.
JUMP TO YOUR SEASON
A QUICK LOOK
Spring
Summer
Fall
Winter
GENERAL STYLE TIPS
Keep Patterns Minimal
Solid colors or subtle prints photograph best and won’t compete with the scenery (or distract from those sweet moments).
Neutral Always Works
If all else fails, go with creams, beiges, soft blues, sage, and muted earth tones. They photograph timelessly and blend beautifully with the mountain scenery I every season.
Dress For Movement
When selecting your outfit, make sure it’s something you feel comfortable moving around in. There will likely be walking, lifting arms, and interactive poses during your session.
Coordinate, Don’t Match
Aim for a cohesive color palette instead of identical outfits. Mixing textures and tones keeps your photos natural and relaxed.
Plan for Mountain Weather
The Smokies can be unpredictable, so checking the forecast and having a backup layer or two is always a smart move.
Try EVERYTHING On
Whether your clothes are ripped in the wrong places, jeans are a little snug, child has hit a growth spurt, shirts have shrunk in the washer or clothes are oversized after weight loss, these are all things that are hard to hide on camera. Do yourself a favor and make sure everything fits comfortably before your session.
Footwear Matters
Nature trails and overlooks can be uneven, so choose shoes you can confidently walk in. Cute and practical is always the win.
Keep It Comfortable
Choose outfits that feel good on your body. When you’re comfortable, it shows in your photos through relaxed movement, genuine smiles, and natural connection.
SPRING STYLING INSPO
Style Advice
For spring sessions in the Smokies, I always recommend keeping things soft, neutral, and effortless. Think gentle colors that blend beautifully with the landscape like cream, khaki, sage green, light blue, and soft blush.
A Few Notes From Your Photographer
In Late March we still have some cool mornings and evenings so I recommend light layering pieces just in case (i.e. light sweater, jean jacket, etc). Temperatures warm up later in the season by late June.
The scenery does not typically begin turning green until mid to late April.
SUMMER STYLING INSPO
Style Advice
Soft tones and neutrals are always a safe and beautiful choice for summer sessions. Light, breathable fabrics are ideal since temperatures in the Smokies can get quite warm. Gentle colors from spring still work wonderfully, along with shades of blue, which are a favorite for many families and pair beautifully with the lush greenery. Soft whites, creams, sage, muted colors, and light denim tones also photograph effortlessly while keeping your look relaxed and timeless.
A Few Notes From Your Photographer
Late June to late September are warm and often humid months.
The scenery is very lush and green during this time of year. The grass is typically beautiful and full during the beginning of the season, but may begin to brown towards the end of the season as temperatures increase and rain decreases.
FALL STYLING INSPO
Style Advice
Prints, flannel and pops of color are perfect for this season! I recommend pairing these pieces with solid and neutral ones to keep things balanced. Warm, earthy colors like mustard yellow, burnt orange, rust, deep greens, and soft creams photograph beautifully this time of year.
A Few Notes From Your Photographer
Our falls typically start pretty warm in late September and sometimes don’t cool off until much later in the season (late November).
Though the time frame varies each year, fall colors typically peak around mid to late October.
The scenery goes through an entire transformation from the beginning to end of fall. Because of this, I’ve included photo examples from each time frame of the season.
Early Fall (late September to early October)
Middle of Fall (mid October to early November)
End of Fall (mid November to early December)
WINTER STYLING INSPO
Style Advice
For winter sessions, I recommend leaning into creams and neutral tones for a classic, timeless look, or incorporating rich jewel tones to bring warmth and life to photos against the softer, brown winter scenery. Colors like emerald, burgundy, navy, and deep plum photograph beautifully in this season. Cozy textures like knits, coats, and scarves add both warmth and style!
A Few Notes From Your Photographer
Late December to late March can surprisingly have warm temperatures for winter at times, but I always recommend wearing warm clothing and layers because when it gets cold, it’s REALLY COLD. Please pay attention to the low temperatures of the day, not the high when planning.
Your Gatlinburg Photographer
Hey beautiful people! I’m Kandace, a professional wedding, family and brand photographer based in Gatlinburg, nestled in the heart of the Great Smoky Mountains. With over a decade of experience capturing love stories and life’s precious moments, I specialize in creating timeless photographs that reflect your unique journey. My passion for photography is matched only by my love for the natural beauty of East Tennessee!
Whether you’re planning an intimate elopement in the Smoky Mountains or a vibrant lifestyle session with your family, I am dedicated to capturing genuine emotions and unforgettable moments through imagery you’ll treasure for years to come.
