About
MEET DEREK
More info about Derek and his work in the Smoky Mountains
So thankful you are here!
Smoky Mountain Wedding Photographer
Capturing Your Love in the Heart of Tennessee
Hey there, I’m Derek!
I’m a wedding and elopement photographer based in beautiful Knoxville, Tennessee—right in the heart of the Smoky Mountains. I specialize in capturing epic love stories in some of the most breathtaking spots across the Smokies, Knoxville, and beyond.
Originally from Boston, I made the leap to Tennessee in 2016 when my wife began medical school—and it’s been one wild, wonderful adventure ever since. Before settling here, I spent six years photographing weddings throughout New England, so I’ve had the chance to capture love in all kinds of places (and weather!).
Now, Knoxville is home. I live here with my incredible wife, our two awesome kids—Aubrey and Jacob—and our two four-legged chaos-makers: Cooper the goofy Golden Retriever and Penny the spunky Corgi.
With over 13 years in the wedding photography world and more than 650 weddings under my belt, I bring experience, creativity, and a calm presence to your big day. Whether you’re planning a cozy mountaintop elopement or a big celebration in Gatlinburg or Knoxville, I’m all in.
I’m a licensed wedding photographer through the National Park Service, so I’m able to legally photograph elopements in Great Smoky Mountains National Park (yep, permits and all!). And in 2022, I became an FAA-certified drone pilot—which means I can get those epic aerial shots of your day from above. Think wide mountain vistas, dreamy golden hours, and cinematic views of your once-in-a-lifetime moment.
My goal? To make your photography experience fun, relaxed, and totally you. From the moment you reach out to the final gallery delivery, I’ll be by your side helping bring your vision to life—with a few laughs and maybe a happy tear or two along the way.
Let’s create something amazing together. Reach out today and let’s start planning your dream Smoky Mountain wedding!
“Bold imagery for the modern romantic”
— Derek Halkett
the person
behind the lens
Behind the lens, I bring moments to life with my love for off-camera lighting and my drive to create epic images. I’m all about bold imagery that speaks to the modern romantic, capturing emotion in its truest form—whether it’s the subtle spark of a shared look or the sweeping drama of a love story set against a stunning scene. With a mix of technical skill and creative heart, I light up the beauty in every subject, turning fleeting moments into memories that last forever. I am fortunate to work in one of the most beautiful locations in the United States, The Great Smoky Mountains National Park as a Smoky Mountain Wedding Photographer
What Fuels Me
The key elements that inspire my work
Capturing Unique Love Stories
Your wedding day is a love story unfolding in real time, and I’m there to make it timeless. I pour my heart into capturing the fleeting glances, the vows whispered through tears, and the wild joy of the dance floor—using off-camera lighting to turn every moment into a bold, breathtaking frame. For the modern romantic, I craft images that feel both epic and intimate, preserving the soul of your day so it lives on forever. These aren’t just photos; they’re the start of your legacy, a testament to a love that stands the test of time.
Timeless Beauty
Timeless beauty, to me, is about capturing the essence of a moment that never fades—images that feel as vibrant decades from now as they do today. With my off-camera lighting, I sculpt light and shadow to highlight the elegance, strength, and soul of every subject. Whether it’s the soft glow of a bride’s smile or the rugged charm of a windswept landscape, I create bold, evocative portraits that transcend trends. For the modern romantic, my work is about crafting a legacy of beauty that stands the test of time.
CREATIVE LIGHTING
I believe light is the heartbeat of every photograph, and I wield it with intention—blending the wild beauty of natural light with the precision of off-camera lighting to create something extraordinary. Whether I’m chasing the golden hues of a sunset or shaping shadows with a flash to add depth and drama, my approach is all about enhancing the scene without overpowering it. This dance between nature’s glow and my creative tools lets me craft bold, emotive images that feel alive—perfect for the modern romantic who craves authenticity with a touch of magic.
THE EXPERIENCE
Working with me is more than a photoshoot—it’s an epic, amazing experience where your story takes center stage. I bring energy, passion, and a knack for making you feel at ease, whether we’re scaling a cliff for a jaw-dropping backdrop or laughing through a quiet moment in the studio. With my off-camera lighting and creative eye, I turn every session into a bold adventure, capturing your emotions in ways that feel raw and real. For the modern romantic, it’s a chance to let loose, trust the process, and walk away with images that are as unforgettable as the experience itself.