Meet Amanda May Photos | Knoxville Wedding Photographer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Amanda May Photos and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Amanda May, what do you attribute your success to?
The most important factor behind my success—and the success of my brand—is how I make people feel, both in the moment and when they look at their photos. I believe photography is more than just capturing beautiful images; it’s about creating an experience that leaves a lasting impact. I go above and beyond for my clients, ensuring that they feel valued, cared for, and at ease throughout the entire process.

Setting accurate expectations and then exceeding them is a cornerstone of my approach. I prioritize empathy, recognizing that while a wedding day should be one of the happiest moments of a couple’s life, it can also be overwhelming. By understanding their emotions and offering support, I can help ease their stress rather than add to it.

On wedding days, I manage not just the logistics of photography but also the energy of the people around me. Even in the most chaotic or high-pressure moments, I focus on ensuring that my interactions leave people feeling calm, confident, and uplifted. Whether it’s offering a reassuring word, problem-solving on the fly, or simply bringing a sense of steadiness to the day, my goal is always to enhance the experience.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
What truly sets me apart is the experience I provide for my clients. In a world where photography is widely accessible, I believe the real magic lies not just in delivering beautiful images but in the way my clients feel throughout the entire process. Exceptional customer service is essential, especially as a small business owner. I always strive to view the experience from my clients’ perspective—how would I want to be treated if I were in their shoes? And then, I go beyond that. I set clear expectations and then exceed them, leaving my clients with a jaw-dropping experience they can’t help but share with others.

But getting here wasn’t easy. My journey was built on years of relentless hustle. In the early days, I worked a demanding 8-to-7 job in public accounting while simultaneously growing Amanda May Photos into a sustainable, full-time career. My nights were spent editing, and my weekends were filled with weddings and sessions. When I finally made the leap to full-time photography, a different kind of hustle began—wearing all the hats, handling every aspect of the business myself.

For the first three years after going full-time, I doubled my revenue every year before I was able to start growing a team. Now, that team includes five part-time employees and a group of talented contracted teammates who help bring my clients’ visions to life on wedding days. Along the way, I learned one of the most valuable lessons: the power of delegation. Nancy Barger, a power house of a Knoxville business woman, once told me, “If someone else can do it 80% as well as you, pass it off.” That advice changed everything for me. It’s scary to outsource—especially when you feel like no one else will care about your business as much as you do. But letting go of things others can help with has allowed me to focus on what only I can do—both in my business and in my personal life as a wife and mother.

While I’ve worked hard to build Amanda May Photos, I know without a doubt that I am on the path God has laid out for me. Time and time again, I’ve witnessed doors open and the right people enter my life at exactly the right moment—things I could never orchestrate on my own. Even in seasons of exhaustion and overwhelm, I have seen God go before me, making a way through every challenge. Amanda May Photos is built on a foundation of faith, and my greatest hope is that my work reflects the joy and selflessness that the Lord shows me every day.

At the end of the day, photography is about more than just images—it’s about trust, connection, and serving others well. That’s the heart of my brand, and that’s what I want the world to know.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
If my best friend and their kids were visiting for a week, I would make sure they got the full Knoxville and Smoky Mountains experience—family-friendly, fun, and packed with good food and adventure. Here’s the ultimate itinerary:

Day 1: Welcome to Knoxville!
• Breakfast at Matt Robs Biscuit Company – Because no trip to Knoxville is complete without a classic Southern biscuit.
• Exploring Market Square & the Farmers Market (if it’s the weekend) – The kids can enjoy street performers and run around the open square while we browse local vendors.
• Lunch at The Tomato Head – Fresh, locally-sourced eats that both kids and adults will love.
• Playtime at North Shore Park – Let the kids burn off some energy at all the amazing playgrounds while we relax by the water.
• Dinner at Aubrey’s – A Knoxville staple with great food and a relaxed atmosphere.

Day 2: Dollywood Adventure
• A full day at Dollywood, riding coasters, enjoying live music, and eating cinnamon bread from the Grist Mill. The kids will love the Country Fair section, and we can cool off at Dollywood’s Splash Country if it’s hot.
• Dinner at The Appalachian in Sevierville—high-end Appalachian cuisine that’s totally worth the stop.

Day 3: Nature & History in Cades Cove
• Early start for a scenic drive and possible wildlife sightings in Cades Cove—we might even spot a bear!
• Picnic lunch in the mountains with fresh finds from the Apple Valley Country Store in Townsend.
• Afternoon stop at Little River Tubing for a lazy float down the river (if it’s warm enough).
• Dinner at Calhoun’s on the River—great food with a view of the Tennessee River.

Day 4: Downtown Knoxville & World’s Fair Park
• Breakfast at OliBea for an incredible Southern-inspired meal.
• Walk around the World’s Fair Park—kids can splash in the fountains, and we’ll go up the Sunsphere for the best views of the city.
• Lunch at Yassin’s Falafel House—one of the best places to grab a quick, delicious meal.
• Afternoon visit to Zoo Knoxville, which has an amazing red panda exhibit!
• Dinner & margaritas at Chivo Taqueria, because a Knoxville trip isn’t complete without them!

Day 5: More Outdoor Fun & Local Gems
• Breakfast at Scrambled Jake’s before a morning hike at Ijams Nature Center and the beautiful Mead’s Quarry.
• Lunch at Not Watson’s Kitchen for the best burgers in town.
• Afternoon at Navitat Knoxville, a super fun treetop adventure park for all ages.
• Ice cream stop at Cruze Farm—the kids will love the soft-serve and fun farm aesthetic.
• Evening sunset cruise on The Star of Knoxville Riverboat to wind down the day.

Day 6: College Town Vibes & More Playgrounds
• Breakfast at Maple Street Biscuit Company (because you can’t have too many biscuits).
• Walk around the University of Tennessee campus, checking out Neyland Stadium and the iconic Torchbearer statue.
• Lunch at Litton’s Market—a Knoxville institution with legendary burgers.
• Afternoon at Fountain City Lake—feeding the ducks and playing on the playground.
• Dinner at Lakeside Tavern—beautiful sunset views over the water.

Day 7: Farewell Knoxville
• One last breakfast at Pete’s Coffee Shop, a downtown diner classic.
• Walk across the Gay Street Bridge and explore the South Knoxville Urban Wilderness trails before they hit the road.

This itinerary packs in the best of Knoxville and the Smokies while keeping it kid-friendly and fun!

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Q1: What are some must-try foods or drinks unique to Knoxville that visitors shouldn’t miss?
A1: Definitely Cruze Farm’s soft-serve ice cream, Dollywood’s cinnamon bread, and a burger from Stock & Barrel. For drinks, Chivo’s margaritas are top-tier, and Knox Whiskey Works has locally distilled spirits for a true taste of East Tennessee.

Q2: Are there any lesser-known spots in Knoxville that are great for families?
A2: Yes! The Muse Knoxville is an interactive children’s museum that’s fantastic for younger kids. Also, House Mountain offers a less crowded hiking experience with incredible views, and the Knoxville Botanical Gardens is a peaceful hidden gem perfect for a stroll.

Q3: If someone only had one day in Knoxville with kids, what would be the best way to spend it?
A3: I’d start with breakfast at Matt Robs Biscuit Company, then head to Zoo Knoxville in the morning. Lunch at Yassin’s Falafel House is a great quick bite, followed by an afternoon exploring World’s Fair Park and the Sunsphere. End the day with dinner at Calhoun’s on the River and ice cream at Cruze Farm!

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
It may sound cheesy, but I have to first give credit to the Creator of the universe. I have been a christian my whole life and have watch the hand of God so intricately involved in the journey I’ve taken, especially when it comes to Amanda May Photos. Doors opening and closing and specific interactions with clients always become abundantly clear why I’m meant to be exactly where I am.

Second, my husband, Dustin. He is undoubtedly the most supportive husband I know. He listens to my wild dreams, he lets me lean in to things even when they sound absolutely insane. He helps me when I feel overwhelmed and never makes me feel bad for being gone so many Saturdays and so many evenings of the year. He always encourages me, lifts me up, and reminds me of how I’m serving the Lord through Amanda May Photos.

Third, Lori Hensley used to be a fellow Knoxville wedding photographer. She mentored me in the beginning years and literally poured into me. She taught me so much when I first starting that totally changed how I grew as a business owner. She also photographed my wedding and has continued to be a friend and mentor even after she stopped being a photographer herself!

Some other friends in the industry that have been so encouraging over the years is Leah Price with Leah Nicole Photo, Danyelle McGrath with Castleton Farms, Demi Klonaris with Spaces in the City, Braden Morris with Nichols Heir, Alyssa Rowe with Alyssa Rachelle Photography, Maura Lamb with MC Celebrations, and so many more.

I would be remiss if I did not also mention my absolutely amazing clients who have been nothing but supportive since the beginning! I truly have some of the best people I get to serve year after year who not only support me by sharing about me with their friends and family but also through social media and through hiring me time after time. I adore my clients.

Website: https://amandamayphotos.com

Instagram: https://instagram.com/amandamayphotos

Twitter: https://x.com/AmandaMayPhotos

Facebook: https://facebook.com/amandamayphotography

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@amandafothergill7546

Image Credits
My headshot should be credited to Suzy Collins.
My team photo should be credited to Brittany Sidwell.
Everything else is my work. I can provide other vendor credit if I need to but these are all from different weddings so all of that info would vary per photo.