Congratulations on your engagement, or on the anniversary, or on simply deciding you want photos of the two of you during this season of life. Whatever brought you here, finding a photographer should feel exciting, not overwhelming. Here is everything worth knowing before you book.


Start with what matters most to you


Photographers are not interchangeable. Each has a distinct approach, and the right fit for your friends may not be the right fit for you. Take a few minutes together and talk through what you want your photos to feel like.


Some couples picture unscripted moments: the inside joke that makes you both crack up, a quiet forehead touch, the way you naturally walk together. Others want polished portraits for save the dates or the wall. Many want both, and that is completely normal.


A helpful trick: save 10 to 15 photos you love from anywhere. Look for patterns. Candid or posed? Bright and airy, or moody and rich? Those patterns point straight to your style.

  


Understand the common styles


Traditional: Posed, structured, and clean. Great if you want classic portraits.

Documentary: Real moments, captured as they happen, with little to no direction.

Editorial: Intentional, magazine inspired posing and composition.

A blend: My own approach, which I call docutorial. I let real moments unfold, then add a few intentional portraits where they matter most.




Pick a place that feels like you


The best location is one that means something to you. Western North Carolina gives you plenty of options: mountain overlooks along the Blue Ridge Parkway, the charm of downtown Asheville, the farms and orchards around Hendersonville and Flat Rock, or a quiet morning at home. A meaningful place almost always photographs better than a famous one, because you will relax more there.



When to book


Fall color and golden hour season fill up quickly in the mountains, so booking 4 to 8 weeks ahead is a good rule of thumb. If your photos are for save the dates or invitations, work backward from your print deadline and leave extra room for editing and delivery.



What to look for in a portfolio


Genuine connection between the couples, not just nice scenery.

Consistent editing across different light and locations.

Full galleries, not only a highlight reel, so you see what a whole session looks like.



Questions worth asking a photographer


How long is the session, and how many edited images will we receive?

When will our gallery be delivered?

Do you offer outfit and location guidance?

What happens if the weather does not cooperate?

Are prints or albums available?


A good photographer will answer these easily and happily.



Understand what is included


Pricing varies, so look at what comes with it: session length, number of images, location flexibility, and how your gallery is delivered. The lowest price is not always the best value, and the highest is not always the best fit. Choose the person whose work and personality feel right to you.



What if you hate being photographed?


You are in good company. Most couples tell me they feel awkward in front of a camera, and most are surprised by how quickly that fades. A good photographer gives you simple prompts, like walking, playing, exploring, so you are never left wondering what to do with your hands. You do not need to know how to pose. You just need to be together.



Ready to chat?


If this sounds like the kind of photography you are looking for, I would love to hear about you two. Send me a note through my contact page with your ideal date, the vibe you are hoping for, and any places you love. I will take it from there.


Shannen Fusco Photography serves couples and families in Hendersonville, Mills River, Flat Rock, Fletcher, Brevard, Asheville, and surrounding Western North Carolina communities.

inquire here
Black and white photo of a bride in a flowing white dress caught in the wind outdoors.
Black and white photo of a couple embracing and kissing inside a photo booth with a pick up photos sign.
Couple rowing a small white boat on a serene tree-lined river in soft evening light.
A woman in a flowing white dress twirls barefoot on a lush green lawn surrounded by trees.
Two women share a tender moment nose-to-nose outdoors, bathed in warm golden sunset light with blurred trees behind.
A blurred couple sits in a golden sunlit field with a sharp grass stem in the foreground at sunset.
A rustic floral bouquet with pink and white blooms rests on a teal wooden boat surrounded by greenery.
Black and white photo of a couple walking in a sunny parking lot, woman in sunglasses foreground, man behind her.
Couple sitting on green grass holding hands at golden hour with marina and small building in background.
Couple on sandy beach holding wicker picnic basket at sunset, wearing white and cream boho outfits.
Couple reaching toward each other over purple wildflowers in a garden, wearing white dress and jeans outdoors.
Black and white photo of a laughing couple in white outfits sharing a joyful moment outdoors.
Couple in white outfits sharing a romantic moment on green grass with a tall tree backdrop.
Couple walking hand in hand through a scenic farm with green fields, wooden fence, and trees under a cloudy sky.
Black and white photo of a laughing couple at a carnival with a lit carousel in the background at night.
Couple sharing a romantic kiss on a black Indian motorcycle in a scenic field at golden hour.
Woman's forearm with cursive script tattoo and small red dot, wearing white dress outdoors.
Black and white photo of a person sitting on a wooden dock near buoys, with a white building in the background.
Couple enjoying a vibrant carnival at night with colorful illuminated ride lights glowing behind them.
Shadows of two people holding hands cast on a wooden fence beside a sailboat in warm golden sunlight.
Couple in white attire enjoying a romantic sunset picnic on lush green grass in a sunlit park.
Black and white photo of a couple holding hands, woman in white mini dress and Converse sneakers, man in denim jacket.
Person in white skirt holding black and white photo booth strip from All Star event, wearing rings.
Two women walking together on a tennis court at golden hour, surrounded by lush green hedges.
Couple embracing poolside at elegant estate with manicured hedges, lounge chairs, and patio umbrellas at dusk.
Couple smiling at each other at a colorful night carnival with popcorn and drinks stands in the background.
Couple posing on a wooden dock near Glory Harbor Tours sign with a red building and marina in the background.
Couple sitting in golden sunset field, woman resting head on man's shoulder, holding hands, warm autumn light.
Couple smiling together in front of Preston's Ship and Sea Gallery sign on a sunny day.
Two people in white attire toasting with champagne flutes outdoors near a house with a flower window box.
Two people in white clothing walk through a lush green garden path surrounded by trees and wildflowers.
Two people wearing matching brown leather cowboy boots sitting on green grass, one in jeans and one in a white lace skirt.
A smiling bearded man spins a basketball on his finger at an arcade while a woman in a white dress watches.
Romantic couple sharing an intimate moment at golden hour in a sunlit field with warm bokeh background.
Couple holding hands in a sunlit autumn field, wearing warm jackets in golden fall colors.
Couple sharing a romantic outdoor picnic among boulders and greenery at golden hour sunset.