Voted Best Photographer and Best New Business in Knoxville | Hux and Mae Photo

Voted Best Photographer and Best New Business in Knoxville: Thank You, East Tennessee

I've started writing this post more times than I can count, because I'm honestly still trying to find the words.

Hux and Mae Photo was voted Best Photographer and Best New Business in the greater Knoxville area in the 2026 Knox Stars Community's Choice Awards. To say I'm blown away isn't an exaggeration. I feel incredibly humbled, and if I'm being really honest, a little undeserving. The support from everyone who knows my work has meant more to me than I can put into a single blog post.. but I'm going to try.

About 15 Months Ago, I Opened a Box

For almost two decades, I've art directed photoshoots through my career in advertising. I've stood beside some incredibly talented photographers, planned the shots, styled the sets, and helped bring a vision to life. But I was never the one holding the camera.

I have always loved photography. Always. I was just intimidated by the idea of learning the craft myself.

Then I had my two kids, Hux and Mae, and something shifted. They opened up a level of courage and drive in me that I honestly didn't know I had. That pent-up desire I'd been carrying around for years finally had somewhere to go.

About 15 months ago, I invested in professional-grade equipment and opened a box holding a camera I had no idea how to operate. Today, I'm writing a post about Hux and Mae being named both Best Photographer and Best New Business in my own community. For a little business that's still so new, that second one really means a lot. I'm a bit dumbfounded, and so grateful.

Why Photos Matter So Much to Me

If you think about it.. how do we know anything about the generations who came before us? How do we remember the earliest moments of our own lives? It's through photos.

That's why I believe so deeply in capturing both the big occasions and the everyday moments. The milestone birthdays and the messy Saturday mornings. The dressed-up portraits and the belly laughs in the kitchen. Those ordinary, in-between moments are the ones that make us who we really are, and they're the ones we'll want to look back on most. That's what "Photos for real life" means to me.

Helping People Feel Like Themselves

One of my favorite parts of working on sets through my career was working with talent. I loved helping people feel at ease in front of the camera and bringing out their best selves so they could really shine. I'm carrying that same care into every Hux and Mae session.

I want to connect with families, individuals, couples, friends (and yes, pets too!) and help tell your story. I do a little bit of everything, because at heart I'm a creative who loves to play and explore. That might look like a relaxed family session in your backyard, a milestone you want to remember forever, or something more imaginative like a Something Borrowed session.

If you already have a vision, let's chat about it and I'll help bring it to life. And if you'd love some help dreaming one up, I'm more than happy to do that with you too. That's the art director in me, and it's one of my favorite parts.

My Style: What to Expect

I travel light. No big lighting rigs or piles of equipment, just me, my camera, and a few lenses. It keeps things relaxed and helps sessions feel less like a production and more like time spent together.

When it comes to the look of your photos, I lean toward natural tones and a light, airy feel. I'd much rather give you timeless images than follow filters or trends that feel dated a few years from now. My hope is that when you look back at your gallery years from now, it still feels like you.

And that's really the heart of it. I like to capture you as you are, and then gently bring out the best of who you are. No pressure to be perfect. Just real moments, beautifully kept.

A Boutique Photography Experience

I want to be upfront about something: Hux and Mae is a passion project, not my full-time focus. That means my availability is limited, and I keep it that way on purpose. It allows me to give every session the time, thought, and creativity it deserves.

I'm currently serving Maryville and Knoxville, with dates available in Kingsport and Johnson City upon request. If you're hoping to book, reach out and let's find a date that works. We'll make something happen together.

From the Bottom of My Heart, Thank You

To every single person who voted, thank you. And to whoever nominated me (I still don't know who you are!).. wow. Thank you. You've given me the chance to connect with so many more people and share so many more stories, and I don't take that lightly.

I also know there are so many talented photographers and wonderful small businesses here in East Tennessee to choose from, and by no means do I consider myself the best. But I'm truly happy to serve, and I promise to do my very best to help you capture exactly what you're hoping for, and then some.

I love getting to do this for you, East Tennessee.

From Hux and Mae...

Humbly,

Brookney

Ready to tell your story? Let's talk about a session, or browse packages and gift certificates.