The MNY Spotlight
McSween Wedding Photography Feature
Our Wedding Wednesday feature this week is the dynamic Asheville, NC wedding photography duo behind McSween Photography, Tanya and Harry McSween. Tanya gave us all the behind-the-scene details, from the duo's favorite shoot locations in North Carolina, how they like to capture romantic events together, to the best Mestiza gowns for brides, bridal parties, and mother-of-the-brides.
Tell us a bit about yourself!
My husband Harry and I run McSween Photography together while balancing parenting our three children (ages 4,6,8). It’s a busy life but I would not have it any other way. Harry and I love to travel and adventure to new places. We love spending time outdoors, hiking, and rock climbing. And we love connecting with our amazing couples and capturing their special day!
How did you end up in photography? What made you to decide to specialize in weddings?
I, Tanya gained interest in photography from my grandfather’s photographs and cameras from his travels while in the army. In high school and college, I worked for a sports photography company and graduated with a Fine Arts degree. When I moved to North Carolina I photographed a wedding for a friend and loved it. I fell in love with capturing the connection between two people so deeply in love and the unique ways they chose to represent their love on their wedding day.
What are your favorite location shoot locations in North Carolina? Have you traveled to any memorable destination wedding spots?
There are many beautiful places in North Carolina, but among our favorites are the glorious Biltmore Estate and the western North Carolina mountaintops.
Are there any particular photographers, artists, or styles that influence your work?
I adore many film wedding photographers in the industry. The softness and beautiful colors of film have truly captured my heart. I am inspired often by fashion and lifestyle photography as well.
Tell us about starting a business with your husband, and how your partnership influences your work!
We honestly love working together! Over the past 11 years working together photographing weddings we have become a well-oiled machine. When we started, we encountered obstacles like any new business owner, especially when we started our family, but together we have built a business we are so proud of.
In quarantine, many are looking to pick up new skills. Do you have any suggestions on how to get started with photography? What tips/tricks do you recommend achieving a professional and creative look?
Technically I recommend learning the basic functions of what your camera can do in manual mode and practice, practice, practice. Artistically find something outside of photography that inspires you and incorporate that inspiration into your photography, it will set you apart.
Have you had many brides postpone or cancel their weddings? If so, what is some advice you could give to other business owners or vendors on how to cope during this time?
We have had a number of our clients that have had to postpone or cancel their weddings. I think our biggest advice would be to be gracious and help your clients as much as possible while standing firm in your policies and contracts. We have pivoted into education with online course and this season has been a time of growth that has been really good for us to focus on our business and find different avenues of interest.
What draws you to the Mestiza brand?
The textures and the colors hands down.
What are some of our pieces that would be great for brides/bridal parties/mother-of-the-bride etc.?
I love the Flora Mini Dress, I think especially for brides that are eloping, this little number is just the ticket. The Cosette Midi, Puff Puff Midi, and the Stephanie Bow Dress for bridal parties are my favorites for a stunning bridal party, adding color and texture. And for a mother-of-the-bride the Georgiana Gown and the Pericon Midi, which are beautifully classic and stylish!
What’s next for you?! What do you have lined up for the upcoming 2021 Wedding season?
We have a number of amazing weddings we are looking forward to capturing for our amazing clients and continuing to help our clients navigate planning their weddings during unsure times.
Thank you so much, Tanya & Harry McSween
Posted on November 04 2020
Wow. Beautiful photography! Very talented couple. Enjoyed the piece.