Quiet water smooth as glass.Winds through islands and autumn trees.Seasons changing summers past.South Holston Lake East Tennessee. Written about South Holston Lake in Bristol, Tennessee.

WE'RE KEEPING IT REAL

Hiker rests on a rocky overlook above forested hills at sunset, with coordinates and date overlayed with the Tennessee 'Yeah, It's Real' logo.

MORE THAN A MARK

In addition to being a promise to never use generative AI photography, each mark includes content credentials and secure metadata that show you who, when, and what camera captured the picture. Not only verifying its origins but connecting you to the real Tennessee destination behind it.

THE PROOF IT'S REAL

WHAT WE MEAN BY REAL
 

As part of an ongoing effort, we’re analyzing new and existing photography to confirm each was captured by a real person and showcases genuine Tennessee scenery. Some retouching can still be a part of a certified photo, but only when it helps it better reflect what was already there.

WHAT WE WON’T USE

Any AI-generated alteration that creates, adds or changes reality.

Generative Fill: Using AI to add elements that were not there, such as adding a deer to a meadow or fall foliage to a summer photo.

Structural Alterations: Moving mountains, removing permanent buildings or altering the geography of a state park.

AI Style Transfer: Using filters that turn real photos into digital paintings, stylized renders or unrealistic pictures.

A woman and two children fish on a lakeside dock, shown in a photo editor interface with a 'remove cabin' generative fill prompt active.
A woman and two children fish on a lakeside dock, shown in a photo editor interface with a 'remove cabin' generative fill prompt active
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A person in a tan jacket stands facing a tall waterfall, shown with a before-and-after comparison slider dividing the image down the middle

WHAT WE WILL USE

Basic photo retouching that doesn’t change the truth of the scene.

Color Correction & Contrast: Adjusting exposure, color or contrast to better match what the human eye saw.

Global Adjustments: Sharpening, cropping or converting a photo to black and white.

Basic Cleanup: Removing small distractions, such as sensor dust spots or a temporary piece of litter on the ground.

Stylized Art: Using real photos to create design elements and illustrative pictures.

EXPLORE OUR 

GREAT OUTDOORS

Several people in a white water raft hitting a rapid.

Outdoor Adventures in Tennessee

Outdoor Adventures in Tennessee
The river is rumbling, tumbling down over the rock, Causing a cool mist to rise,  The steady, thundering roar never stops,  Under the Rock Island sky. Written about the Rock Island State Park in Rock Island, Tennessee.

Tennessee Waterfalls Worth the Hike

Tennessee Waterfalls Worth the Hike
A person paddling a blue kayak on calm water, creating ripples; reflection of trees and sky around, overhead view.

14 Secret Kayaking Spots

14 Secret Kayaking Spots