2 Places

Old-Timey Photo Studios

Dress your whole group in frontier, Victorian, or Wild West costumes and pose for a sepia-toned portrait. Old-timey photo studios are a Smokies tradition dating back decades, and the resulting photos are genuinely great keepsakes.

Pigeon Forge

Old Time Photos

Authentic Western and vintage photos

★★★★☆ 4.3 (1,543 reviews)

place3365 Parkway, Pigeon Forge, TN 37863

schedule10 AM - 10 PM

phone(865) 453-8484

languageVisit Website View Details →

Gatlinburg

Puzzle Portraits

Custom photo puzzles & art

★★★★★ 4.6 (432 reviews)

place611 Parkway #B7, Gatlinburg, TN 37738

schedule10 AM - 8 PM

phone(865) 325-6021

languageVisit Website View Details →

Plan Your Visit

What to Know

Best Seasons

Open year-round. No weather impact. Great for rainy days. Particularly popular during fall and holiday seasons when groups are looking for keepsake photos.

What to Bring

Just your group. Costumes are provided. Hair and makeup props are included. Consider wearing a neutral base layer that will not show under costumes.

Who Is This For

Finding the Right Old-Timey Photo Studios for Your Group

For Families

Old-timey photos are one of the most fun and affordable group activities in the Smokies. Kids love dressing up and the resulting prints are treasured for years.

For Couples

A costume portrait makes a uniquely Smokies memento. Couples often choose romantic Victorian settings or playful outlaw-and-deputy combinations.

For Large Groups and Reunions

Family reunions often make old-timey photos a tradition. Studios can accommodate groups of 15-20 with advance notice. The group portraits become heirloom photos.

Insider Knowledge

Tips and Getting There

Insider Tips

Puzzle Portraits on the Island adds digital puzzle-portrait effects to their shots; worth the extra few dollars for a unique look.
Groups of 6 or more should call ahead. Studios have enough costumes for most group sizes but very large groups benefit from advance notice.
The photos look genuinely vintage; post one without context and watch everyone ask if it is a real historical photo.

Getting There and Parking

Old-timey photo studios are in the heart of Gatlinburg and on the Island in Pigeon Forge. All are walkable from main strip parking. No dedicated parking; use the Gatlinburg strip lots or Island complex parking.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does a session take?

Plan 30-45 minutes from start to finish including costume selection, posing, shooting, and selecting your prints.

Do studios offer digital copies?

Yes, most studios offer digital downloads of your photos in addition to print options. Ask about digital packages when you arrive.

What if someone in the group does not want to dress up?

No problem. It is common for one or two group members to play the role of the photographer, or studios can usually find a costume everyone finds acceptable.

Are these photos actually good quality?

Yes. Modern old-timey studios use professional lighting and high-resolution cameras. The sepia filter is applied digitally and the resulting prints look genuinely vintage.

What eras are available?

Standard options include Wild West, frontier/pioneer, Victorian parlor, Civil War, and Southern hillbilly. Availability varies by studio.

Can we bring props or accessories?

Studios provide all props, but most are fine with personal accessories that fit the era. Ask when you arrive.

Vantage Stays · Smoky Mountain Guide

Old-Timey Photo Studios

Dress up in frontier or Western costumes and get a sepia portrait at old-timey photo studios in Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge. A classic Smokies tradition for.

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