Rachel Fugate, Photographer

02/16/2022

The warm weather this week has me looking forward to spring, so I've released two days of spring sessions in April to celebrate. 🥳 Here are the details:

Dates: April 16th and 30th
20 minute sessions
Location: My home located just minutes from downtown Knoxville
Price: $400, just $200 upfront to book, and the other $200 due the week of
Shot ENTIRELY on film - yep, like the old school stuff.
20+ final images with printing rights

BOOK HERE: https://rachelfugate.com/spring-sessions

Have questions? Leave a comment. 👇

11/18/2021

As the holidays approach, you may find yourself with a brand new engagement ring soon. 👀 After ten years of shooting weddings, let me be your guide and share some insight when it comes to choosing the right photographer:
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
The amount of photographers to sift through can be overwhelming! I encourage newly engaged couples to first hire a planner. They'll be able to connect you with experienced vendors, including photographers. They'll be honest with you when it comes to who would be a good fit and who wouldn't.
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
Have a phone call with any photographer you're considering. Learn about their "why", their philosophy, their shooting style. How do they approach a wedding day and does it align with your vision? Some photographers capture moments as they happen, and some photographers will have you put your shoe on over and over again to get the perfect shot - which one are they?
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
I always encourage couples to look at FULL wedding galleries from any photographer they’re considering hiring. Anyone with a camera can take a handful of good images to post on their instagram, but you should be confident that whoever you hire can produce that same level of quality for a full wedding day. Pay attention to how they shoot in harsh light and what their reception photos look like. Do they only know how to take photos in perfect light?
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
Weddings can quickly get expensive. Budgets are great and necessary, but pick 1-2 vendors that are a priority to you and allocate more of the budget to them. Usually photography is a big priority to most people, and to be honest, I've never heard of a couple who regretted spending more on a better photographer (different story if it's a bad photographer! 😆). I have, however, talked to many couples who regretted going with the cheaper, less experienced option. Wedding photos are forever - treat ya self!
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
What questions do you have about choosing a photographer?

05/24/2021

Moments from Rachel + Jack's wedding day. 🤩

05/19/2021

I don’t want your shot lists.
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
It's not my job to force a narrative on wedding days. I'll guide you to the good light but I won't make you put your shoe on over and over again just to get the perfect shot. I'll give you direction when you need it and I'll keep us on schedule, but what I'm really wanting to know is this: what does your wedding day feel like? What does it look like when we take a breath and just be, instead of working off of a Pinterest shot list? Those in-between moments are where the magic happens. Every wedding is different, and I want to photograph the moments that make yours unique.

04/14/2020

A question I find myself answering over and over again for others is...

"I want to get into photography! What kind of camera should I get?"

So I made a FREE guide that you can snag here! My recommendations for beginner cameras AND lenses for under $500:

https://view.flodesk.com/pages/5e94a0df375c490028c583ae

03/24/2020

You must be living under a rock if you haven't seen Patrick and Michelle's First Look. Here it is one more time! ;)

The Reserve Venue Fat Bottom Brewing Nashville Party Authority Details Nashville

Michelle and Patrick are such a beautiful and fun loving couple! With constant laughter, positivity, and affection, it is evident that each one brings the best out of the other. Their wedding day was simply delightful and they super easy to work with! While they were in college, they met through mu

02/19/2020

Roman + Claire's cozy and romantic winter wedding is on the blog!

Elite Events Nashville Windsor and Willow Hair by Krista Rose White Table Fabulous Frocks The Happy Envelope Historic Southern Railway Station

02/10/2020

Back on that blogging game! Check out this winter wedding at Mint Springs Farm!

It’s hard to find couples who are laidback and trust you fully but also really care about the details and their guests’ experiences. Enter Neal and Meredith. I asked Meredith after we shot the bridesmaids if there were any other photos she wanted to make sure to get. She said, “Honestly, I don...

01/02/2020

Last year on our travels, I only shot for fun. I didn't plan big shoots or even announce that I would be in certain places. I think it's important to take trips and let work stay at home. It was restorative, and now I'm ready to get back in the game!
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
Want to line up your vacation or honeymoon with one of these spots? Do you live there? Getting married there? Let's make some magic in 2020.
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
January 23-26: Las Vegas
April 22-May 3: Cape Town, SA and Zimbabwe
June 22-25: Paris
June 28-July 3: Florida Panhandle
October 20-22: Portugal (probably going to add on another country - will you be in Europe that week? Let's coordinate.)

12/31/2019

My weakness - golden hour, a field, and lacy sleeves. 🙌🏻😭

12/30/2019

Winter weddings at Mint Springs Farm = 😍

12/30/2019

I wish you could hear this photo. 🙉