Behind the lens...

Photography is about capturing souls, not smiles. 

Born and raised in Sevierville, Tennessee; I've cultivated my passion for photography since 2023. However, before there were high school football games, studs who needed fine art portraits, and cowboys I thought were cute, I was just a very observant child with a little blue camera. As I grew, so did my love for taking photos and I started out with a beginner kit camera my parents gifted me for my birthday. Since then, I have been able to buy professional-grade gear and education, you know, the boring stuff. 

Unlike other photographers, I haven't really "niched" down to one specific form of photos. I do not only capture sports or horses, I love to capture what things feel like...The emotion. The story. My subject in it's own personal element.
While showing off clients stories I have been able to compete in several competitions such as state and local fairs, and placed in several categories. One of my biggest accomplishments. however, is winning best in show at the Sevier County Fair several years running. It makes me so happy to see others connecting to my art!

Although capturing cowboys and people in general is my specialty, I also love capturing wildlife and other animals just on their own. I have been riding horses for over twelve years and horse obsessed since.... well... as long as anyone can remember. I have helped along side a local trainer forever,  now I'm using what I've learned with my own personal horse, Buster, whom I intend to barrel race in the future. I also surround myself with many other animals - a ball python (Lt. Noodles), a fuzzy spotted rabbit (Sgt. Maple Freckles), a horse sized German Shepherd (Maverick “Mav”), many other furry friends, as well as, a LOT of chickens. 

On a note aside animals, horses, and my camera; I also love traveling, all things snack related (other than KitKats.. sorry!), volunteering for the special needs community, and my art. You can usually catch me at the Knoxville chalk walk showing off my drawing skills paired with an always delicious Starbucks coffee or Dr. Pepper. Which I drink thousands of in a year. Kidding... sort of. 
I graduate in May of 2025 and plan on attending college for Equine or Large Animal Veterinary Science.
Ask me any other questions you can think of when booking! I can not wait to connect!

Go Vols!

-Dragan Tapshanov

p.s. it's Emmalynn!