Susannah Raye Photography

Susannah Raye Photography Relaxed, playful, and intentional family photography in Knoxville TN. Because these beautiful chaotic days are worth holding onto.

I think somewhere along the way, moms started believing family photos were another thing to get right.Matching outfits, ...
07/09/2026

I think somewhere along the way, moms started believing family photos were another thing to get right.

Matching outfits, perfect smiles, perfectly behaved kids, flawless hair.

But what if you gave yourself permission to let all of that go and choose to enjoy your family and embrace what happens?

It's okay if family photos aren't your husband's favorite activity. He's there because he loves you! Thank him for showing up, don't criticize him or pressure him to not be nervous - he'll relax naturally as the session goes on if he's not feeling criticized!

It's okay if your kids would rather chase butterflies than smile at my camera. (Honestly, I'd probably rather photograph them chasing butterflies anyway! I love capturing what childhood actually looks like.)

Family photos aren't about performing perfection. They're about connection and the season your family is in, like what it felt like to take a family walk, watching your toddler on his balance bike, walking hand in hand with your spouse.

If your little one stops to inspect a ladybug, don't worry about pulling them back into the pose right away. Crouch down beside them. Count the spots together. Enter into their wonder of discovering the world for a few minutes!

You can always return to the pose later, but you won't ever get that exact moment of connection back.

When you look through your gallery years from now, I don't want you to remember how hard you worked to keep everyone looking at the camera.

I want you to remember how your daughter tucked her little hand into yours, how your son wrapped his arms around your neck, how your family laughed together, the sound of your toddler's wild laughter when being tickled!

Those are the moments that fill our days as mothers, and the moments we'd give anything to revisit as the years go by and our kids grow and change and give us new memories.

I'll help you with choosing outfits and location, and the questionnaire I've created helps me to understand your family's dynamics and personality to guide you in poses that fit your family best!

And yes... we'll get the smiling-at-the-camera photo too. 😉

"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 ...
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?

"I just hope they cooperate," moms have said to me nervously about their toddlers. I always smile a little when moms say...
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. ☀️

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 ...
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. 😍

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....
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 🌼

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Maryville, TN

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