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From your senior year to growing families and the love you share with your favorite people, I’m here to capture the moments you’ll want to hold onto long after they’ve passed.
Portraits
I'm so glad you're here and considering me to capture this season of your life.
My love for photography started when I was 16 after a camping trip to the Smoky Mountains. I came home inspired to photograph everything around me. One day, a friend pointed out something I had never really noticed. She said that out of everything she knew about me, I had always loved looking through old family photos and reminiscing about the memories behind them. She was right. My mom kept boxes filled with photographs from throughout our lives, and they're some of my most treasured possessions.
Since then, I've realized that photographs are about so much more than how they look. They hold stories, preserve memories, and become even more meaningful with time.
After losing both of my parents, those photos became priceless. My mom never loved being in front of the camera, so I only have a handful of pictures with her. If there's one thing I've learned, it's that there will never be a "perfect time" to step in front of the camera. Years from now, the people who love you won't be looking at your hair, your outfit, or the extra things you worried about. They'll simply be grateful you're in the photo.
Now that I'm a mom myself, I understand this even more. My son, Henrik, has Down syndrome and autism, so I know firsthand that family sessions don't always go exactly as planned. Kids get tired, emotions run high, and sometimes the best moments happen in the middle of the chaos. There is no pressure for anyone to be perfect. I want your session to feel relaxed, fun, and true to your family because those are the memories worth holding onto.
My hope is that you leave with more than beautiful images. I want you to have photographs that are printed, framed, and passed down for generations. The kind that make you stop every time you walk by them and remember exactly how this season of life felt.
The Heart Behind the Camera
Rebecca Kouvas Photography offers joyful, authentic family photography throughout Knoxville, Maryville, Townsend, the Smoky Mountains, and surrounding East Tennessee communities.
Choosing what to wear can feel like a lot, but it doesn’t have to be stressful. I recommend planning your outfits ahead of time and making sure everyone feels comfortable and confident in what they’re wearing.
I love using Pinterest for inspiration, and I know many people are even using ChatGPT to help put together color palettes and outfit ideas. Find styles that feel like you and choose pieces that allow you to move, laugh, and enjoy your time together.
plan your OUTFITS
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Forget the stress of getting the perfect photo and focus on the moments that matter most with the people you love.
be EXCITED!
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I know this one sounds simple, but we all know babies have their own plans. They never seem to sleep when we want them to, and somehow they always choose the busiest moments to show us their personality.
Whenever possible, try to arrive with little ones who have had a good meal and some rest beforehand. A happy baby (and a well-fed toddler) makes for a smoother session.
And parents, this applies to you too! Grab a snack, drink your coffee (or my favorite Cotton Candy Alani), and give yourself a few extra minutes to get ready. A relaxed parent makes for a much more relaxed session.
Feed and Sleep the Babies
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Your family is already enough. You don’t need a perfectly behaved child or a perfectly planned session for beautiful photos to happen.
Let go of the pressure and focus on being present with the people you love. Laugh, play, snuggle, and enjoy this little moment in time together.
Leave the worries about kids running away, not sitting still, or being "perfect" to me. I’ll guide you through the session and capture the genuine moments that make your family uniquely yours.
set High Expectations
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Easier said than done, right? But trust me, stressing over every little detail or watching the clock won’t help you enjoy your session.
Things might not go exactly as planned, and that’s okay. Kids may have big feelings, outfits may get a little messy, and someone might not want to smile right away. Those moments are part of your story too.
Take a deep breath, relax, and focus on spending time together. I’ll guide you through the session and capture the genuine moments that happen when your family is simply being yourselves.
don't Stress!
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Please don't feel like you need to prepare your children to be "perfect" for photos. The best moments happen when kids are allowed to be themselves.
Instead of reminding them to smile or telling them how to behave, let them come ready to play, laugh, and have fun. We’ll capture the real smiles, the silly moments, and the little personalities that make your family yours.
Some of my favorite images happen when kids are running, giggling, being goofy, or doing something completely unexpected. Those are the moments you’ll want to remember.
let Kids Be Kids
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Preparing Dont's
Preparing
$550
- Up to 1 hour of photography
- Your choice of a Smoky Mountain location
- A fully edited online gallery
- Unlimited high-resolution digital downloads
- Personal print release so you can print wherever you'd like
- Sneak peek images delivered within 48 hours
- Full gallery delivered within 2 weeks
Signature
Smoky Mountains
$750
- Up to 90 minutes of photography
- Multiple nearby scenic locations (when time allows)
- More variety in your gallery
- A fully edited online gallery
- Unlimited high-resolution digital downloads
- Personal print release so you can print wherever you'd like
- Sneak peek images delivered within 48 hours
- Full gallery delivered within 2 weeks
Adventure
Smoky Mountain Signature Session
Capture your memories surrounded by the breathtaking beauty of the Great Smoky Mountains. Whether you're celebrating an engagement, family vacation, anniversary, maternity, or simply want updated portraits, this one-hour session is designed to create timeless images in one of East Tennessee's most scenic locations.
Take your time exploring the beauty of the Great Smoky Mountains with a session designed for those wanting a more relaxed experience and greater variety. With up to 90 minutes of photography, we'll have time to visit multiple nearby locations, capture different backdrops, and even include an outfit change if you'd like.
Perfect for families, couples, engagements, maternity, or anyone wanting to make the most of their Smoky Mountain experience
$1000
- Up to 2 hours of photography
- Multiple scenic Smoky Mountain locations
- A relaxed, unhurried experience
- More variety in your gallery
- Perfect for outfit changes
- A fully edited online gallery
- Unlimited high-resolution digital downloads
- Personal print release so you can print wherever you'd like
- Sneak peek images delivered within 48 hours
- Full gallery delivered within 2 weeks
Experience
Designed for those who want the ultimate Smoky Mountain photography experience. With up to 2 hours of photography, we'll have plenty of time to explore multiple scenic locations, enjoy a relaxed pace, and create a gallery that truly tells the story of your time in the mountains.
This session is perfect for extended families, large vacation groups, or those wanting to visit iconic locations such as Cades Cove or the Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail, where additional travel time makes a longer session the ideal choice.
- Emily
My fiancé booked a session with Rebecca for our proposal and we were blown away! She helped pose us, knew all the best locations, took the time to include our toddler and make sure he was comfortable, was very flexible, took STUNNING photos, and was lightning speed getting them back to us. We couldn’t have asked for a better photographer for our special day! Thank you again Rebecca!
"took STUNNING photos"
from past clients
KIND WORDS
- Kasey
We had an incredible experience with Rebecca Kouvas during our trip to the Smoky Mountains! From the very beginning, she was incredibly responsive, kind, and professional in all of our communications, making the entire process easy and stress-free.
When the weather threatened to complicate our session, Rebecca was so flexible with scheduling and worked with us to make sure everything came together. She found the perfect location—easy for everyone to access—with a stunning view of the Smoky Mountains in the background. It couldn't have been more beautiful.
During the session, Rebecca immediately put everyone at ease. She made the experience fun and relaxed, gave great direction for poses, and was also happy to incorporate ideas we had of our own. The result was a collection of photos that far exceeded our expectations.
If you're looking for a photographer who is talented, professional, adaptable, and truly enjoyable to work with, I can't recommend Rebecca highly enough!
"Rebecca immediately put everyone at ease"
from past clients
KIND WORDS
- Rachel
We are absolutely thrilled with our engagement photos! We just had our session yesterday and received our full gallery in less than 24 hours. The quality of the photos is excellent and Rebecca captured exactly what we wanted. She was a joy to work with and we cannot wait to see her work on our wedding photos!
"Quality of the photos is excellent"
from past clients
KIND WORDS
- Kayleigh
Becca took some AMAZING photos of my 40+ family members while we were together for a reunion. She professionally and calmly got a group of us (ranging from 5 months to 83 years old) to pose for pictures, no small feat, and was so easy and delightful to work with. She turned around our whole gallery within a day, which was such an unexpected surprise that gave us the chance to look at all our pictures together. Would recommend for all your photography needs!
"AMAZING photos of my 40+ family"
from past clients
KIND WORDS
CHARLESTON
location inspiration
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FOLLY BEACH
location inspiration
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Whether you’re dreaming of a Smoky Mountain sunset, a downtown Knoxville date night, or a cozy spot that feels uniquely you, there’s no shortage of amazing locations around Knoxville. Here are a few of my favorite spots to spark some ideas for your session!
Inspiration
location
Botanical Gardens
A beautiful garden setting filled with seasonal blooms, lush greenery, and peaceful walking paths. The Knoxville Botanical Garden is perfect for couples and families looking for a romantic, natural backdrop with a timeless feel.
Gay Street Pedestrian Bridge
Old City
Full of character and charm, Old City Knoxville offers a fun mix of colorful buildings, historic brick, and urban vibes. It’s perfect for couples wanting a relaxed, unique session with plenty of variety and personality.
A classic downtown Knoxville location featuring city views, historic charm, and beautiful light. Perfect for couples wanting a fun mix of architecture, movement, and candid moments.
Melton Hill
UT Gardens
A beautiful mix of nature and seasonal color, UT Gardens offers a variety of backdrops from blooming flowers and lush greenery to charming pathways. It’s a perfect location for a romantic, timeless session with plenty of variety.
A peaceful waterfront location with beautiful views, open skies, and golden hour light. Melton Hill is perfect for couples and families wanting a relaxed outdoor session with a mix of natural scenery and a laid-back feel.
Foothills parkway
A beautiful mountain location with breathtaking views and easy accessibility for everyone. Foothills Parkway offers stunning overlooks without a long hike, making it a perfect choice for couples and families wanting that iconic Smoky Mountain backdrop while keeping things simple and comfortable.
Greenbrier
A beautiful Smokies location featuring rushing creeks, large rocks, wooded trails, and peaceful mountain scenery. Greenbrier Campground is perfect for couples and families wanting a more adventurous, natural feel with plenty of opportunities for playful and candid moments by the water.
Cades Cove
A classic Smoky Mountain location featuring mountain views, open fields, historic cabins, and incredible wildlife. Depending on the session you choose, Cades Cove may be the perfect option for a more scenic and adventurous experience.
Please note: Cades Cove requires a two-hour experience package due to the travel time, driving loop, and variety of locations throughout the area.
Your pets are a special part of your family, so why not include them in your photos? Whether they’re your adventure buddy, your cuddle companion, or the one who’s always by your side, they deserve to be part of your memories too. When you feel comfortable bringing them along, I’m happy to capture those sweet, playful, and sometimes unexpected moments that make your family unique.
What to Bring for Your Pets
Bring Your Fur Babies
FREQUENTLY
asked
QUESTIONS
When will we receive our photos?
You’ll receive a sneak peek of your session within 48 hours, with your full gallery delivered within two weeks.
When do you charge travel fees?
Travel fees will apply to event locations over 50 miles from the 37924 zip code. The Client will pay $1 per mile over 50 miles (to cover both there and back). [Ex: 70 miles away--- 70 miles-50 miles =20 (20 miles x 2= $40) travel fee would be paid on this trip.]
How many photos are typically included and can we print the photos ourselves?
I’ve never liked putting a limit on the number of photos you receive, so you’ll get the full gallery of the best images from your session. I carefully review and select the photos that tell the story of your day while ensuring each image is professionally edited.
Your images will be delivered through an online gallery where you can download them, share them, print through my online store, or print at the location of your choice.
We love your work and want to book. What's the next step?
I’m so excited you’re here! The first step is to reach out through my contact form and let me know more about your session vision. Whether you’re planning family photos, maternity, couples, seniors, or something else, I’d love to hear what you have in mind.
From there, we’ll chat about your ideas, choose the perfect location, and plan a session that feels personal and true to you.
What should we wear for our session?
Wear something that makes you feel comfortable and confident! I recommend choosing outfits that coordinate rather than perfectly match and selecting colors that complement your location.
What happens if the weather is bad?
We’ll keep an eye on the forecast and decide together if rescheduling is the best option. My goal is to make sure you have the best possible experience and beautiful images.
If you’re traveling from out of town, I typically recommend scheduling your session within the first few days you’re in the area. This gives us a little flexibility to reschedule if the weather doesn’t cooperate and helps ensure we have the best conditions for your session.
How far in advance should we book?
I recommend reaching out as early as possible, especially since my weekends are typically reserved for weddings and popular seasons like fall tend to book quickly. I’ll always do my best to accommodate your preferred date if availability allows.
For the best lighting, portrait sessions are typically scheduled around sunrise or golden hour before sunset. During the summer months, I only offer morning sessions due to my availability with my other full-time role as a teaching assistant.
If you’re interested in working together, the next step is to set up a time to chat and talk more about your vision. You can reach me directly at RebeccaKouvasPhotography@yahoo.com, or fill out my contact form and I’ll get back to you soon!
Ready to BEGIN?
you love my work and you're