melissa hankins
WEDDINGS, COUPLES & FAMILY
photographer
Serving KNOXVILLE TN // wESTERN nc // and all surrounding areas
For the families who want photos that actually FEEL like them
I'm on a mission to make being in front of the camera un-complicated, carefree, and FUN.
it's possible, let me prove it to you
Hey, mama. I know how it feels to want beautiful family photos but also secretly wonder if your kids will cooperate, if it’ll feel awkward, or if it’s even worth the effort. I get it — and that’s exactly why I do things differently.
My family sessions aren’t about stiff poses or forcing anyone to smile at the camera. They're about connection, play, and capturing what your real life actually looks like — the good stuff. The belly laughs, the wild hair, the cuddles, the little hand grabs, and the in-between moments you didn’t even know you’d want to remember.
It’s Not Just a Photoshoot — It’s a Memory in the Making
Think of it more like hanging out with your people while I tag along with a camera. We’ll play games, follow the kids’ lead, and embrace the chaos. I’ll gently guide when needed, but mostly, I’m just there to document your family as you are — playful, loving, real.
You don’t have to have it all together. You don’t need matching outfits or perfectly behaved toddlers. You just need to show up and be you. And I promise, you’ll walk away with photos that feel like your family — not just what you look like, but who you are.
If this is the kind of experience you’ve been searching for, I’m your photographer
but I’ll answer to Mel (and secretly love it when people call me that!)
I’m a wedding photographer based in Knoxville TN who is honestly so very excited to have the opportunity to document YOUR story.
Speaking of stories, I’m married to my best friend for 13 years and we have four of the most adorable children that make me question my sanity while giving me the greatest joy all at once. On most days, you can find me at home, in the kitchen cooking sourdough bread, having a dance party with my kiddos, mowing the lawn (my favorite chore!) editing photos, and trying to conquer Mount Laundry (where do all the socks go?!)
I have a heart for community and am always up for a last minute evening to eat pizza down by the river with people that love well, play hard, and live for Jesus!
H EY - I'M Melissa
“Melissa’s presence, patience, and gentle command of the time is calming and her humor and ability to engage kids made for a very low stress and even enjoyable session.”
“Our experience with Melissa’s photography talent in the past has been through labor, birth, and newborn sessions. Recently she did a family photo session for us - my husband and I and our 5 children. Obviously we’re no small family and there’s a lot of moving people and personalities! Melissa’s presence, patience, and gentle command of the time is calming and her humor and ability to engage kids made for a very low stress and even enjoyable session. She is eager to fulfill any specific requests as well as give input and suggestions. Her creativity and artistic ability shine in both her ideas during the session and her editing wizardry. She creates images that are authentic and with just enough magic to highlight the beauty in the moments, but not make them look fabricated or over edited. I am so thankful for Melissa’s gift of photography and that we have benefited from it. These photos are priceless treasures that I’m grateful to hold and share.”
“She joined them in their silly and made them smile all the while. She captured their true personalities so beautifully.”
“I had a loose vision in mind for our family photo session….a simple outdoor picnic - a little fancy, yet also casual, as if we always sat on a blanket in a field of wild flowers drinking sparkling water in stemware. Melissa NAILED it. We really did have a sweet time dipping pretzels in hummus and snuggling up on a blanket smiling for a few pictures. It also gave us a nice ‘landing spot’ for the kids during individual shots and a few with just mom and dad. There were times that my kids DID NOT want to smile sweetly so Mel went with it. She joined them in their silly and made them smile all the while. She captured their true personalities so beautifully. I’ve never had family photos I’ve loved so much. I loved that she caught us in our moments together rather than just posed images. Can’t wait to keep making memories in front of her camera!”
“She did an amazing job helping the boys warm up to the camera and bring out their big personalities. Our youngest was pretty skeptical, but Melissa managed to get some amazing photos of her being her shy little self.”
“Our babies have grown so fast so we knew we needed to preserve this beautiful stage we’re in. Melissa was the perfect choice to do that this past fall. She did an amazing job helping the boys warm up to the camera and bring out their big personalities. Our youngest was pretty skeptical, but Melissa managed to get some amazing photos of her being her shy little self. We had such a fun session! Melissa captured our true personalities and I couldn’t be more thankful for her!”
Frequently Asked questions
Where are you located?
Do you travel?
How do we receive our pictures?
How many images do you include?
Does your price increase with added family members?
We’re awkward in front of the camera—can you help?
When should we expect to receive our photos?
What happens if it rains or my kiddos wake up sick?
We might be a PERFECT fit if...
I 'm NOT the photographer for you if...
You’re willing to lean into the chaos and join me in being a little unserious—because you know your relaxed self is your most photogenic self
You care more about capturing real laughter, big feelings, and true connection than everyone smiling perfectly at the camera
You want your photos to feel like your family—not a filtered version of it
You know this season is fleeting, and you want to remember it exactly as it is
You’re hoping for a gallery of perfectly posed, everyone-smiling-at-the-camera shots
You cringe at the idea of dance breaks, toddler meltdowns, or belly laughs making it into your final gallery
You prefer your photographer to quietly blend in rather than act like a goof to get genuine smiles
You consider chocolate more of a guilty pleasure than a daily essential
WHAT'S INCLUDED IN MY PACKAGES?
Here’s a quick look at what’s included with my packages. Each one offers different options and extras, so if you’d like all the details, just reach out and I’ll send you my full Pricing & Information Guide!
Average Session Investment - $450
Family Session
STARTING AT $450
Your family session can be anything that feels true to you—whether that’s making pancakes in your kitchen, chasing each other through your favorite field, or just hanging out in a place that holds meaning for your family. We’re not aiming for perfection—we’re capturing connection. The kind of images that feel effortless, honest, and timeless every time you look back at them.
AT-HOME Session
STARTING AT $450
There’s something incredibly special about photographing your family at home—where your real life happens. Whether you’re soaking in those early newborn days or just want to freeze this season with your growing crew, in-home sessions are cozy, relaxed, and deeply personal. No need to get everyone perfectly dressed or worry about posing—we’ll capture the little things: snuggles on the couch, tiny fingers wrapped around yours, laughter in the hallway, and the beautiful everyday moments you’ll want to remember forever.
individuals session
STARTING AT $450
You don’t need a big milestone or a reason to book a session—sometimes it’s just about celebrating who you are, right here and now. Whether you're a senior stepping into a new chapter, a creative building your brand, or simply someone wanting to document this season of life, we’ll design a session that feels true to you. It can be quiet and reflective or bold and fun—whatever feels most like you. No stiff posing, no pressure—just honest, beautiful images that reflect the real you in a timeless way.
What real life clients have been saying
WHAT EXACTLY DOES THE PROCESS LOOK LIKE??
so glad you asked! JUST KEEP SCROLLING FOR MY QUICK, STEP-BY-STEP PROCESS TO GET THINGS STARTED!
The Easy 3-Step Process
STEP ONE //
Fill out my quick inquiry form so we can get the conversation started!
STEP TWO //
We’ll communicate together on the date and location! Once we get those details nailed down, I'll send over a proposal that will have a place to sign the contract and pay the deposit!
STEP THREE //
Within 24hrs after securing your date and paying the deposit, you’ll get a confirmation email from me with all the details about your family session and next steps on how to best prepare!
L ET'S WRITE YOUR families LOVE STORY
aRE YOU READY TO GET THIS SHOW ON THE ROAD?
If you said yes, then all you’ve got to do is fill out this quick inquiry form below to get started! I’ll make sure it’s easy breezy for you from you from here on out.
You can share as little or as much as you like. I absolutely love hearing all the details about your family, but short and sweet is perfect too!
