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Oak Roots Creative

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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 man rides his bike back to Ijams for the end of Pedal Jam Knoxville Fundraiser.

I was really happy to be the photography sponsor for the Pedal Jam Knoxville fundraiser recently. If you haven’t heard of this event, it’s a fundraiser for both South Knoxville Elementary and the Knoxville Appalachian Mountain Biking Club. These are two worthy causes in my humble opinion!   The event started with a gathering at […]

Pedal Jam Fundraiser in South Knox

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!

A father holds a baby girl who has her fingers in her mouth.

A few years back, I got to photograph his beautiful family at one of my favorite spots: Baker Creek Preserve. At that time, they were a family of three. This time around, they are a family of four! Baby Alexandria is sooooo very calm just like her parents. She has three tiny teeth that I […]

Caraco Family Portraits at Baker Creek (Plus One!)

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!

Family playing in the forest at Baker Creek Preserve.

It might go without saying, but kids can be difficult to photograph. Some of them are wiggly and run around a lot. Some of them make unnatural faces on purpose or default to “fake smile mode.” You know the face I’m talking about. Sometimes they run away from the camera completely! The good news is, […]

3 Tips for Photographing Children (even with a phone!)

Keep your logo looking sharp after receiving it from your designer.

Hooray! So, you’ve just received a shiny new logo package! It’s an exciting time, and the most difficult work has been done. BUT, there are a few things to keep in mind when using with your logo to keep it looking as good as your designer made it. We’ll take a look at a recently […]

How to Love Your Logo

Branding Boot Camp: get your brand in gear

I’m really excited to announce that today is the launch of something that I’ve had up my sleeve for a few months: Branding Boot Camp. Are you feeling stuck with your brand? Curious where your brand can take you? Are you ready to get your brand in gear? You’re in the right place. Branding Boot […]

Free Branding Boot Camp Mini-Course