Susannah Raye Photography

06/09/2026

"What if sunset is way past my child's bedtime?"

I have my tips and tricks, but if you know that your child will just be too exhausted by 8pm, we can always do sunrise instead!

One of my favorite things about sunrise sessions is that it's the coolest part of the day for summer, children are often well-rested, happy, and ready to explore. Plus, the light is beautiful!

This lovely family (styled by mom using the amazing new styling tool I've subscribed to in order to offer to each of my clients ) met me at in the early morning.

We walked through the lavender, our feet soaked in dew, enjoying the singing birds, rising sun, and the scent of lavender all around us. It was so fun!

Lavender has always been one of my favorite scents (when we first got married, my husband took it upon himself to buy ALL the household products scented in lavender because he knew I liked it 🥹) Photographing in a lavender field has been a dream of mine, and I loved this session ☀️

Which would you choose: Sunrise, or sunset?

05/29/2026

"I just hope they cooperate," moms have said to me nervously about their toddlers. I always smile a little when moms say that. I totally get it!

BUT, the thing is... I don't really want your kids to "cooperate" - not if that means "performing" - I want them to engage and connect and have FUN with mom and dad!

Not if it means they have to be quiet and still in a way that isn't true to their personality.

I love letting kids have some freedom in a session to be themselves, to run, laugh loudly, and show off their latest cool move!

I'll gladly show them the back of my camera screen, make them my session helper, and have them lead the family to the next photo spot.

That's when they show their real smiles (not just grimaces), and they'll interact with you more the way they normally do!

They'll feel the freedom to throw their little bodies into your lap while they're laughing, or wrap you in a giant hug that's overflowing from their crazy, energetic, delightful little soul.

If you want a session where your kids sit perfectly still (and that's not their personality), and you're hoping I'll keep them sit with every strand of hair in place and a serene smile on their face, you'll probably be disappointed. I'm much more likely to turn things into a game or pivot from a pose your child isn't enjoying to find something they will.

I don't want you thinking, "My child isn't going to pose right" during your session.

I want you enjoying them.

Laugh at their antics. Check out the flower they're showing you. Enjoy the wild snuggle and pull them in for more tickles.

This stage won't last forever, and the energy of this age is part of the adventure. ☀️

05/14/2026

On my husband's day off, we usually load the kids into the car, stop at for a coffee, and head out to explore! Whether it's just going for a walk on the Maryville Greenway, driving along the parkway to watch the sunset, finding a waterfall to hike to, or heading for an impromptu trip to Franklin TN, we love exploring!

I'm always checking where the sunset is falling to see which new spots I can add to my location guide for clients.

Here are three spots I love for summer sessions!

Which one fits YOUR vibe best? I'm torn between the flower field and the mountains for myself... I think my choice would be flower field for maternity, and mountains for my whole family. 😍

04/06/2026

Motherhood isn’t a season we get back.

So we learn to treasure it as it is, holding onto each version of our little ones. Rejoicing in their growth, while feeling that quiet, bittersweet ache as they leave one stage and step into the next.

As I prepare to welcome my third baby, I wanted to create something intentional for this season. A way to slow down and remember it.

Motherhood sessions are a space for you to step in, be present, and be seen with your babies, just as you are right now.

With access to my client closet and styling support to make things easy, these sessions are designed to feel simple, natural, and meaningful.

Now booking at three beautiful locations around Knoxville:

Mustard Flowers (featured) - downtown Knoxville - through April
- April through mid-June
Flower Farm - early to mid-June

These are limited and only offered through June 🫶🏻

You don’t get this version of them back.
But you can hold onto it.

Check the link in my bio for details. I would love to photograph you and your babies this spring 🌼

03/30/2026

As winter turns into spring, and the days are longer (but somehow faster) and I've entered my third trimester with my third baby (not sure how that happened already!)

I continue to think about the theme that has prevailed over the last several years - Being present.

Life is fast paced. Our culture makes it even more so.

How often do we slow down? Take the time to appreciate the moment, the little things?

My kids make me slow down... Often, when we're going on walks, I find myself going much more slowly than is properly considered exercise. It can be easy to just urge them to hurry. But some of my favorite moments, conversations, and teaching opportunities happen when I slow down to their pace.

Today at the grocery store, we stopped and weighed fruit. It wasn't fruit I needed, there was no reason truly to stop - But my 3 year old (almost 4) was curious about the scale. His simple joy at seeing the little red needle settle on the 3lb mark was delightful.

When you visit my website and see that my sessions are an hour, you might wonder: "A photo session lasting up to an hour? Why do we need that much time? My kids can't last that long..." And I get that instinct. No one wants to sit staring at a camera and making kids sit still for an hour, (me included. Haha!)

I've found that giving your family an hour for family photos, or maternity photos, actually gives space for everyone to relax. The first 15 minutes is just for settling in, getting familiar with each other, testing your wings with some easy poses, and letting the kids get comfortable.

The last part is my favorite part and where the best photos come in - I lead your family through different simple prompts and games that encourage interaction. There's no being forced to sit still, it's snuggles, tickles, running under a blanket, exploring in the flowers, or playing ring-around-the-rosie!

As you all are able to enjoy slowing down, not rushing, not just "getting through it" the beautiful moments of reflection, connection, and joy get to shine through, just like they do in your everyday life when you slow down and focus on a moment that you want to remember forever.

02/22/2026

If you’ve started down the mommy blog and instagram rabbit hole, you may have seen the term and wondered “what even is lifestyle newborn photography?” this is for you 🤎

When I was pregnant with my first, I didn’t know the difference either. I just knew I didn’t want anything that felt stiff or overly posed. I wanted to remember what it actually felt like.

With my second baby, I actually got to have photos taken. I knew what I wanted to remember:

The way the nursery looked.
The big window by the couch where we spent so much time.
The way my toddler hovered close.

Lifestyle newborn sessions are about capturing your real life, just a little more beautifully.

Baby in your arms.
Natural light pouring through your windows.
Breaks for feeding.
No rushing.
No forcing.

If you’re expecting or TTC, save this for when you're ready🤎

And if you have a friend who’s pregnant, send this to her. She might not even know this is an option!

If this sounds like your heart, you can read more about what to expect, how to prepare, or about the maternity and newborn experience in my bio. I just wrote a post all about lifestyle newborn photos - DM me for the link!

Maryville + Knoxville area mamas, I’d love to document this season for you!

02/16/2026

This is a choose-your-own adventure, but for maternity photo sessions.

Swipe through, make your picks, and tell me your choices in the comments!

Here is one location from my location guide that I would recommend for each of the upcoming months... There are SO many more options I have in my location guide to help you choose a beautiful spot for YOUR photos!

March - (actually anytime at all The Holmstead is on my list!)

April - Yellow mustard flowers downtown Knoxville

May - Mountain views + meadow in Maryville

June - Lavender field in Knoxville

If you’re ready to plan your own maternity session, check the link in my bio or DM me for more info.

01/28/2026

Choose your own adventure, spring + summer family photos style!

Which would you choose?

I'd love to know what your ideal family photo adventure would be! Comment below to share.

Here are some of my favorite options that I'm thinking through as I read your questionnaires after booking, and hear your preferences!

Check out the link in my bio to visit my website for more details.

Can't wait to see you all when the weather warms up, and the earth bursts forth with all her beauty!

01/19/2026

01/12/2026

Moms will tell me nervously, “I just really want one good photo,” or “my toddler has a lot of energy..." And similar sentiments.

As a mom, I get it.

During our own family photos, my youngest completely melted down, and I felt that familiar anxiousness rise too.

But as your photographer, let me reassure you. Your kids do not need to be perfectly behaved. In fact, I would rather they be themselves. Let them run. Let them play.

When you stop fighting it and instead enter into their world, the experience totally changes. The time feels lighter. Playful. Genuine.

Your kids feel seen, instead of like they are under pressure or in trouble. Family photos can actually become fun and exciting!

I help guide sessions with games and prompts that adapt to your child’s mood. If they are overwhelmed or sad, we slow down. We work together.

I was reminded of this recently after a long day when my kids were tired and squirrely, waiting to leave small group. I could have pushed them to wait patiently, or I could lean in. I taught them a silly game as we sat together on the steps, and suddenly everyone was laughing. The mood shifted completely.

That same mindset is what I bring into your sessions. A small shift in perspective can turn stress into connection, and that is where the most meaningful photos are found!

If you've been thinking about booking photos for spring, check out my website (link in bio) or send me a DM and we can chat.

I take a limited number of sessions each season so that I can fully devote my attention to each family!