Photographers · Knoxville, TN/Updated June 13, 2026

The Best Photographers in Knoxville, TN

From newborns to headshots, Knoxville's photography scene offers a range of options. Here's how to pick the best for your needs.

MHMaya Hendricks · Home Services Editor
Updated June 13, 2026 · Next review July 2026

Editorially independent6 companies evaluated

cover story

★ Editor's ChoiceTaryn Yager Photography - Knoxville Newborn Photographer

96Score

Latest update · June 13, 2026: Initial ranking published. 6 Knoxville-metro photographers businesses evaluated, top 6 ranked by Vetted Score.

In Knoxville, photography is not just about capturing moments; it's a vital part of life events, from newborn sessions to professional headshots. The city has a mix of established names and smaller shops, but the leader, Taryn Yager Photography, shines with a perfect 5-star rating from 489 reviews, setting a high bar against the rest of the field.

With a total of 1,421 combined reviews across six ranked providers, the competition is tight. This ranking reflects both the volume of feedback and the quality of service, providing you with a clear path to finding a photographer who meets your specific needs.

6photographers evaluated in Knoxville

4.83average rating across the field

1.4Kcustomer reviews analyzed

Cityvetted analysis of public Google review data, updated June 13, 2026.

How much does photographers cost in Knoxville? See the price breakdown →

Our top picks

At a glance · three categories

★ Editor's Choice

96Score

Taryn Yager Photography - Knoxville Newborn Photographer

★★★★★5.0(489 reviews)

With a perfect rating of 5 stars from 489 reviews, Taryn Yager Photography excels in capturing precious moments for newborns.

Read full review

Best for Commercial Work

93Score

Colby's Photos & Videos | Commercial & Headshot Photographer

★★★★★5.0(341 reviews)

Colby's Photos & Videos has earned a stellar 5-star rating from 341 reviews, making it a go-to for commercial and headshot photography.

Read full review

Most Reviewed

91Score

John Black Photography

★★★★★5.0(196 reviews)

John Black Photography holds a 5-star rating based on 196 reviews, showcasing his versatility across various photography styles.

Read full review

All 6, compared

Data as of June 13, 2026

	Business	Vetted Score	Google rating	Reviews	Best for
1	Taryn Yager Photography - Knoxville Newborn Photographer Editor's Choice	96Score	5.0★★★★★	489	Newborn photography
2	Colby's Photos & Videos \| Commercial & Headshot Photographer Best for Commercial Work	93Score	5.0★★★★★	341	Commercial photography and headshots
3	John Black Photography Most Reviewed	91Score	5.0★★★★★	196	Family portraits and events
4	Southern Charm Portraits	85Score	5.0★★★★★	182	Lifestyle and portrait photography
5	Christian Lange Photography	82Score	5.0★★★★★	160	Candid and artistic photography
6	JCPenney Portraits	78Score	4.0★★★★★	53	Affordable family portraits

Methodology

How we evaluated all 6 photographers.

To evaluate Knoxville's photography scene, we analyzed six local providers based on their Vetted Scores, which are derived from customer reviews, ratings, and overall service quality. Each business was assessed on its review count and star ratings, ensuring a fair comparison among peers.

No one pays for placement in our rankings, and we refresh our data monthly to keep the information current. Our goal is to provide you with an accurate snapshot of the best photography options in Knoxville, backed by real customer experiences.

The Vetted Score: six weighted factors

Customer sentiment25%

Rating quality20%

Review volume & velocity20%

Website trust signals15%

Service breadth10%

Business longevity10%

Sentiment is measured by AI analysis of review text, recency-weighted, with verified-pattern checks to discount suspicious review bursts.

Full reviews

The rankings · in order

★ Editor's Choice

Taryn Yager Photography - Knoxville Newborn Photographer

★★★★★5.0(489 reviews)

96Score

With a perfect rating of 5 stars from 489 reviews, Taryn Yager Photography excels in capturing precious moments for newborns. Clients rave about her gentle approach and the beautiful, timeless images she produces. While her focus is primarily on newborn photography, her limited portfolio in other areas may not suit everyone’s needs.

Taryn Yager Photography - Knoxville Newborn Photographer photo 1

Taryn Yager Photography - Knoxville Newborn Photographer photo 2

Taryn Yager Photography - Knoxville Newborn Photographer photo 3

Taryn Yager Photography - Knoxville Newborn Photographer photo 4

Pros

Exceptional newborn photography
Highly praised for her patience
Beautifully styled sessions

Cons

Limited offerings beyond newborns
Booking can be competitive

Best forNewborn photography

Service areaKnoxville, TN

Typical pricing$200 to $600

Visit website →

Best for Commercial Work

Colby's Photos & Videos | Commercial & Headshot Photographer

★★★★★5.0(341 reviews)

93Score

Colby's Photos & Videos has earned a stellar 5-star rating from 341 reviews, making it a go-to for commercial and headshot photography. Clients appreciate Colby’s professionalism and eye for detail, which results in striking images. However, his focus on commercial photography means he may not be the best choice for personal events.

Pros

Professional and efficient service
Excellent for business headshots
Strong portfolio in commercial work

Cons

Less experience in personal photography
Higher pricing for corporate clients

Best forCommercial photography and headshots

Service areaKnoxville, TN

Typical pricing$150 to $500

Visit website →

Most Reviewed

John Black Photography

★★★★★5.0(196 reviews)

91Score

John Black Photography holds a 5-star rating based on 196 reviews, showcasing his versatility across various photography styles. Customers appreciate his creativity and the quality of his work, particularly for family portraits and events. Some clients note that response times can be slow during peak seasons, so early booking is recommended.

Pros

Versatile photography services
Creative and artistic approach
Good for family portraits

Cons

Slow response during busy times
Limited availability on weekends

Best forFamily portraits and events

Service areaKnoxville, TN

Typical pricing$100 to $400

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Southern Charm Portraits

★★★★★5.0(182 reviews)

85Score

Southern Charm Portraits has a solid 5-star rating from 182 reviews, with customers praising the warm and friendly atmosphere during sessions. The photographer specializes in lifestyle and portrait photography. However, with fewer reviews compared to the top contenders, their offerings remain promising but unproven. That is a substantial body of feedback for a local operator, enough to trust the rating rather than credit a lucky streak. Most of what reviewers hire it for is lifestyle and portrait photography. It serves Knoxville, TN, with $100 to $350 pricing, and the honest trade-offs are smaller portfolio than top-ranked photographers and fewer reviews may indicate limited experience.

Pros

Friendly and welcoming service
Good for lifestyle photography
Flexible session options

Cons

Smaller portfolio than top-ranked photographers
Fewer reviews may indicate limited experience

Best forLifestyle and portrait photography

Service areaKnoxville, TN

Typical pricing$100 to $350

Visit website →

Christian Lange Photography

★★★★★5.0(160 reviews)

82Score

Christian Lange Photography has a 5-star rating based on 160 reviews, appreciated for his artistic style and attention to detail. Many clients highlight his ability to capture candid moments beautifully. Despite the positive feedback, a smaller review base suggests that potential clients should consider this option carefully. That is a substantial body of feedback for a local operator, enough to trust the rating rather than credit a lucky streak. Most of what reviewers hire it for is candid and artistic photography. It serves Knoxville, TN, with $150 to $400 pricing, and the honest trade-offs are limited reviews may indicate less experience and not as widely known in the area.

Pros

Artistic and creative photography
Good for candid moments
Personalized sessions

Cons

Limited reviews may indicate less experience
Not as widely known in the area

Best forCandid and artistic photography

Service areaKnoxville, TN

Typical pricing$150 to $400

Visit website →

JCPenney Portraits

★★★★★4.0(53 reviews)

78Score

JCPenney Portraits has a 4-star rating from 53 reviews, making it a more affordable option for families looking for quick and easy portrait sessions. The convenience of studio settings is a draw, but the experience can feel less personal compared to local photographers. Expect a more commercialized approach to photography.

Pros

Affordable pricing
Quick sessions available
Convenient studio locations

Cons

Less personalized service
Quality may vary by location

Best forAffordable family portraits

Service areaKnoxville, TN

Typical pricing$50 to $150

Visit website →

Before you book

How to choose a photographer in Knoxville

Selecting the right photographer can be daunting, but focusing on a few key factors can simplify your decision. Here are three essential points to consider.

Review Count

Look for photographers with a substantial number of reviews. A higher count indicates a more reliable track record.

Specialization

Consider what type of photography you need. Different photographers excel in various areas, from newborn shoots to corporate headshots.

Quality of Feedback

Read through reviews to gauge customer satisfaction. Pay attention to comments about professionalism, creativity, and overall experience.

What it costs

What photographers cost in Knoxville

Photography costs in Knoxville can vary based on the type of service, experience level, and session length. Here’s a breakdown of what you might expect to pay.

Basic Sessions$150 to $300 for short portrait sessions, typically lasting about an hour.

Standard Packages$300 to $600 for more comprehensive packages, including multiple locations or outfit changes.

Special Events$600 to $1,200 for events like weddings or large gatherings, which require more time and resources.

Commercial Work$1,200 and up for corporate photography, which often involves extensive planning and post-production.

Frequently asked questions

How much does photography cost in Knoxville?

Prices for photography services in Knoxville vary by provider and type of shoot. For example, newborn photography with Taryn Yager starts around $300, while headshot sessions with Colby's Photos & Videos can range from $150 to $400.

What should I look for in a photographer?

Look for experience and specialization. For newborns, Taryn Yager Photography is highly rated. For commercial needs, Colby's Photos & Videos is an excellent choice.

How often is this ranking updated?

We re-run the full analysis monthly with fresh review data. Last updated June 13, 2026.

Our verdict

For most Knoxville families: <strong>Taryn Yager Photography</strong>

The strongest choice is Taryn Yager Photography, proven by 489 reviews giving it a perfect 5-star rating. For commercial and headshot needs, Colby's Photos & Videos is a top contender, also boasting a 5-star rating but with 341 reviews. Rounding out the trio, John Black Photography offers solid service with 5 stars from 196 reviews, making it a reliable option for various photography needs.

See the top picks Back to comparison

The Best Photographers in Knoxville, TN

Our top picks

All 6, compared

How we evaluated all 6 photographers.

The Vetted Score: six weighted factors

Full reviews

Pros

Cons

Pros

Cons

Pros

Cons

Pros

Cons

Pros

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Pros

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How to choose a photographer in Knoxville

Review Count

Specialization

Quality of Feedback

What photographers cost in Knoxville

Frequently asked questions

For most Knoxville families: <strong>Taryn Yager Photography</strong>

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