This session was really special and rewarding for me. I recently had the pleasure of taking portraits of the entire CAC Knox County AmeriCorps team. If you’re not familiar with AmeriCorps, think of it like a short Peace Corps program but based in the US. AmeriCorps volunteers typically serve 6-12 months in cities all over the country in areas that need service. The service may be social, environmental, emergency relief, public health—the list goes on and on!

This group is special to me because it’s the entire reason I moved to Knoxville 13 years ago after graduating from college. (Wow, time really flies! How has 13 years passed in the blink of an eye?) I met some amazing friends, did tons of great work at Ijams Nature Center that I’m still really proud of, and found a great community of like-minded people.

So being asked to welcome this new Corps and take portraits for them was like coming home! I still remember the excitement of starting a year of service; the same excitement that I saw on the faces of these young individuals.

It was a lovely (albeit very hot) August day. The entire Corps had gathered at the Knoxville Botanical Gardens in East Knoxville for their swearing in ceremony (you take an oath of service when you join AmeriCorps) and to wrap up their orientation week before starting service at their appointed location across Knox County.

If you haven’t been to the Botanical Gardens, you definitely should make a trip! It’s a gorgeous spot with lush landscapes, open fields, and many interesting trees, shrubs, and flowers. We were able to find a beautiful spot  just outside the Dogwood Building for our portrait sessions. I love how these portraits turned out! You can see the passion on these young faces!

I wish the best of luck to this year’s team! Good things are ahead of you all, and you’re going to make a difference here in Knoxville! 

Looking for headshots yourself? You’re in luck! I’m hosting headshot mini-sessions on October 30 at Talahi Park.