There are some awards you are proud to receive, and then there are awards that mean something a little deeper.
Being named The Daily Times Readers' Choice #1 Photographer in Blount County, Tennessee is one of those awards for me.
And honestly, I don't take it lightly.
I was born in Blount County. I was married in Blount County. My children were born here. Fifteen years ago, I started my professional photography business right here in my hometown. So to have the people of the community I have called home for my entire life vote Katie Hannah Photo as the #1 photographer in Blount County is something I will never forget.
It honestly brings me to tears when I think about what that really means.
This award wasn't about money. It didn't bring worldwide fame. It wasn't some faraway organization deciding that I was worthy of a title.
My hometown chose me.
And to me, that is worth more than money could ever buy.
A Photography Business Rooted in Blount County
My roots in Blount County run much deeper than the 15 years I have been a professional photographer.
My family's history goes all the way back to Cades Cove. In the 1930s, my family was among the families who left Cades Cove as the area was being transitioned into what would become Great Smoky Mountains National Park. From there, my family moved into what we call Happy Valley and eventually into Maryville.
So when I say my roots run deep in Blount County, I really mean it.
This is home.
It is where my family history began, where I built my family, and where I built my photography business.
That is why being recognized by the people of this community feels so incredibly personal.
From the Girl With the Camera to a Professional Photographer
My love of photography actually started long before Katie Hannah Photo became a business.
I got my first camera when I was in grade school in the late 1990s. My parents gave me a Canon film camera that they had purchased back in 1982, and it was pretty much downhill from there!
I spent every bit of my allowance money buying film and having it developed.
By high school, I had earned a reputation as "the girl that always has a camera."
And I loved it.
I still have a soft spot for film photography. There is something about the anticipation of taking a picture, waiting for the film to be developed, and seeing what you captured that digital photography can never quite duplicate.
Of course, photography has changed a lot since those days.
I eventually moved comfortably into digital photography and, most recently, into Canon's mirrorless R6 camera system. But after all these years, I have never strayed from Canon.
Apparently, I am Canon loyal all the way down to my lenses.
I might actually need to do a Canon commercial someday. At this point, I think I've earned it!
Fifteen Years of Serving Blount County and East Tennessee
Today, Katie Hannah Photo serves clients throughout Blount County, Maryville, Knoxville, and communities across East Tennessee, including the Great Smoky Mountains.
Our photography work includes weddings, engagements, family photography, senior and graduate photography, and commercial photography, along with other photography needs for the people and businesses we are fortunate enough to serve.
For more than 15 years, I have had the privilege of photographing some of life's biggest moments for the people in this community and throughout East Tennessee.
I've photographed families as they grow.
I've photographed high school seniors celebrating an important milestone, including seniors here in our local Knoxville community.
I've photographed couples beginning their lives together.
I've photographed businesses and the people behind them.
And I've had the incredible opportunity to photograph in some of the most beautiful places in East Tennessee.
Photographing in Great Smoky Mountains National Park
One of the things I am especially proud of is being a licensed photographer in Great Smoky Mountains National Park.
I spend a great deal of time photographing families, couples, engagements, and weddings throughout the Smoky Mountains. Being able to combine my love of photography with a place that is so deeply connected to my family's history makes this part of my work especially meaningful.
Cades Cove holds a particularly special place in my heart because of my family's connection to the area. Today, I have the privilege of returning to the Smokies with my cameras and photographing some of life's most important moments there.
It is pretty incredible to think about.
My family's story is connected to these mountains, and now part of my life's work is helping other families and couples create their own memories there.
Why This Award Means So Much
The Daily Times has been part of Blount County's history for well over a century, with its newspaper roots dating back to 1883. The Readers' Choice tradition gives local readers an opportunity to recognize the businesses, professionals, and people they value in Blount County.
The voting process has evolved over the years, from paper ballots to the online voting system we use today. In 2025, The Daily Times held its first formal Readers' Choice awards celebration, bringing local winners and nominees together to celebrate the recognition.
For me, though, the most important part isn't the trophy.
It's the people behind the votes.
Friends.
Family.
Clients.
Neighbors.
People who have trusted me to photograph the moments that matter to them.
Those are the people who made this award possible.
After 15 years of building a photography business in the same community where I was born, there is something incredibly special about having that community turn around and say, "We see you. We appreciate what you've built. And we choose you."
That means everything to me.
We also pride ourselves on our Google reviews-people sure don't hold back on Google!
We are proud to say that we have more than 100 five-star Google reviews from the clients who have trusted us with their most important memories.
Thank You, Blount County
I am incredibly honored to be named The Daily Times Readers' Choice #1 Photographer in Blount County, Tennessee.
I am proud of this business, but more than that, I am proud that I get to build it here.
Blount County isn't simply the place where I happen to have a photography business.
It's home.
It is part of my family's history, my own story, my children's story, and now the story of Katie Hannah Photo.
To everyone who voted, to every client who has trusted me with your memories, and to everyone who has supported this business over the last 15 years:
Thank you.
This one truly means more than you know.
And I can't wait to see what the next 15 years bring.
Looking for a Photographer in East Tennessee?
Looking for a photographer in Blount County, Maryville, Knoxville, or the Great Smoky Mountains? I'd love to help you plan your next session.
Explore Katie Hannah Photo's photography services
Whether you're planning a wedding, engagement session, family photos, senior portraits, or commercial photography, you can learn more about our services and see how we can help bring your vision to life.
