THE BLOG

Oak Roots Creative

categories

Siblings goofing off at Admiral Farragut Park.

Maybe you’re wondering exactly how a photo session with me works. It’s a pretty simple process that I’ll break down for you here in just 10 steps. I always try to make it as painless as possible for my clients because my goal is for this to be a stress-free process for you! Let’s dive […]

My Photo Process Explained

Portraits of my grandmother opening a Christmas gift.

Cue the Scarlett O’Hara accent. The stone pineapple statues on the front porch to symbolize that you’re welcome. The goodies on the kitchen table and rice cooking on the stove. Don’t forget the pound cake, old photos, stacks of books, and the History Channel playing on the TV. Oh, and the legendary catfish stew. Let’s […]

Portraits of My Grandmother

A couple stands at Meads Quarry lake in autumn.

When Danielle stepped out of the car for our photo session at Meads Quarry, she had a gift bag dangling from her arm, and a big smile on her face. We had texted beforehand, so I knew that the gift wasn’t for me. It was for her husband, Brandon. And to be honest, I was a […]

Nave Family at Meads Quarry

Three generations of women and a baby stand together in front of a lake.

Three-generation portraits session? Yes, please! Photographing three generations of the Rex family all at once was such a treat. You may remember my recent family session with the Caracos. This time, I got to work with the extended family: grandparents and siblings. We met at Meads Quarry for our session. The day was warm but […]

Rex Family Portraits: Three Generations

A printed photograph of a little boy and his mother sits atop a shelf.

Don’t forget to print your photographs. It’s something that has gone out of fashion in recent years. Digital images are convenient and easy to send literally anywhere in the world via the internet. But… People no longer flip through albums and relive their sweet memories.  No more sifting through photo boxes, lingering on smiles and letting […]

Why Printed Photography Matters

A mother whispering to her son at Baker Creek Preserve.

Looking for the perfect spot for your family photos? Look no further! I’ve collected my top five favorite spots. Sure, there are plenty of other places, but these are my top picks. Baker Creek Preserve Yes, I love this place! Not only are there some great mountain biking trails and natural play areas, but it’s […]

Five Best Locations for Family Photos in Knoxville

Family portrait at Baker Creek Preserve in Knoxville.

OK, it’s time to announce the winner of the free mini-session that I’m giving away! Thank you to everyone who nominated your friends and family for the free mini-session! I appreciate your help, and I loved reading all of your beautiful suggestions. You all had such wonderful and kind things to say, and it was […]

Free Mini-Session Winner Announced!

Portrait of a mother and daughter in a swing at Baker Creek Preserve.

Yes, you read that correctly! 🎈 I’m giving away a FREE mini-session. 🎈⁣ ⁣ One of the most important rituals I have is practicing gratitude. It helps me realize how much I have to be thankful for and how lucky I am. It also makes me want to give back! So, I want to find […]

I’m Giving Away a FREE Mini-Session!

Kristy Keel-Blackmon, owner of Oak Roots Creative at her home.

  Hi, there! Thank you so much for visiting my new, refreshed website. I’m glad you’re here. This new website took weeks of work, a lot of coffee, and playing David Bowie on loop. But it was totally worth it! This feels so much more like me. It’s like stepping into my own living room. […]

Website launch party! Grab your discount!

Branding headshot of a woman in downtown Knoxville, TN.

Allow me to introduce you to my lovely friend Abbey! She contacted me because she needed some new professional photos for work, as well as personal branding portraits. She made the work so easy. I mean, just look!! She’s as kind as she is beautiful. I scouted the city and found just the right spot […]

Abbey’s Portraits in Downtown Knoxville