About
MEET DEREK
More info about Derek and his work in the Smoky Mountains
So thankful you are here!
Smoky Mountain Wedding Photographer
Your Smoky Mountain Storyteller
Hey, you two. I’m Derek, a Knoxville wedding photographer who lives for the electric, heart-pounding moments of your love story. Based in the wild, untamed beauty of Tennessee’s Smoky Mountains, I’m here for destination wedding couples who want their day to feel like a damn adventure—one that’s raw, real, and unforgettable.
My photography isn’t about just snapping pictures. It’s about bending light to my will—using off-camera flashes to carve out dramatic, soul-stirring images that hit you in the chest. I chase the way light dances across your faces, turning a fleeting glance into something eternal, or making a misty mountain backdrop feel like it’s holding its breath for you. Every shot is a deliberate act of creation, built to capture the fire and tenderness of your connection.
I’m after the moments that make your heart race: the way you grip each other’s hands during your vows, the unscripted laugh that erupts in the middle of chaos, or the quiet second when you realize it’s just you two against the world. My images don’t just document—they tell the story of your love with all its messy, beautiful intensity, so you can relive every tear, every grin, every heartbeat.
With 13 years and over 650 weddings in my rearview, I bring a steady hand and a wild creative spark to your day. I’m licensed to shoot in Great Smoky Mountains National Park and an FAA-certified drone pilot, so whether you’re whispering “I do” in a hidden cove or celebrating big in Gatlinburg, I’ll capture it from angles that make your story feel larger than life. My mission is to make this feel like you—no stiff poses, just real moments and a whole lot of fun.
Back in 2016, I left Boston behind to follow my wife to Tennessee as she chased her dream of becoming a doctor. She poured her heart into medical school, became a physician, and together we decided to plant our roots here in Knoxville. With our two kids, a goofy Golden Retriever, and a feisty Corgi, we’ve made a home in these mountains, where the rugged peaks and endless skies fuel my drive to capture your love story with the same fierce energy.
Let’s make something epic. Drop me a line, and let’s turn your Smoky Mountain wedding into a story that’ll outlast us all.
“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.