Lakeshore Park || Hayes Family

Winter Family Session at Lakeshore Park

There are some families who become such a meaningful part of your journey as a photographer that each session feels less like work and more like catching up with old friends. The Hayes family is absolutely one of those families. This Lakeshore family session was extra special. Not just because of the beautiful setting at Lakeshore Park, but because of how much history we share together.

I first started photographing the Hayes family back in 2018. As I prepped for this session, I pulled up their past galleries for a quick glance at that 2018 folder, then 2020, then 2021. My oh my, how these three boys have grown. In that very first session, Hayden, Henley, and Hyatt were just BABIES.

One thing that has remained very consistent through all of their sessions, though, is me getting completely tongue-tied when trying to call the boys by the correct name. I vividly remember giving posing instructions and almost stuttering. Desperately trying to land on the right “H” name for the child standing in front of me. To be fair, I do this with my own kids, too, and their names don’t even start with the same letter. So, I’ve always given myself a little grace there.

But during this most recent 2025 session at Lakeshore Park, something incredible happened. I got all three names right. On the first try. The entire time. About three-quarters of the way through, I actually stopped and pointed out how proud I was of myself. Jason, their dad, laughed and said, “I’ve noticed that, too. You’ve been doing great.” Naturally, I immediately scanned the area for some imaginary wood to knock on, convinced I had just jinxed myself. But nope, I kept it up until the very end.

This Lakeshore family session was filled with laughter and so much personality from each of the boys. Watching them interact, tease each other, and love on their parents reminded me exactly why I adore family photography so much. It’s truly hard to believe how long I’ve been photographing the Hayes family, and I’m incredibly grateful they continue to trust me year after year to capture these moments.

I’m so thankful for them, for the memories we’ve created together, and for all the years in between that tell such a beautiful story.

I’m a Knoxville Wedding Photographer that loves to travel. I shoot anywhere! Click here to contact me with any questions you have about pricing or booking! If you liked what you saw above, go ahead and follow me on Facebook or Instagram to see my daily updates of the latest sessions!

See more from Amanda May Photos:

Knoxville Museum of Art Wedding

Maker Exchange Senior Session

Wedding at The Press Room