Based in Charlotte, North Carolina, CASEY HENDRICKSON PHOTOGRAPHY is a fine art wedding and portrait studio devoted to capturing the most meaningful moments in life with elegance and emotion. Casey’s approach is grounded in genuine connection — between couples, families, and the intricate details that define their stories. Whether it’s the tender squeeze of a new bride’s hand or the soft curl of a baby’s hair, she finds beauty in the smallest gestures and the quiet in-betweens.
With a natural yet gently guided style, Casey creates images that are as heartfelt as they are artful — portraits that not only document, but feel. Her goal is simple yet profound: to craft imagery that allows her clients to truly see the beauty in their story and relive it for years to come.
WHAT LED YOU TO WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHY, AND HOW DID YOUR CAREER BEGIN?
It was definitely a journey to get here! I knew in high school I wanted to go into the medical field, and explored so many paths related to that. What I ultimately ended up on was becoming a psychiatric PA with aspirations to work in a level 1 emergency room. I was still in school for this when I began working at a local ER, and though I LOVED the work I was getting to see and experience first-hand, I knew there were several parts of that job that I would struggle with emotionally, especially as it pertained to children. I had expressed my concerns to a really good friend of mine, and she asked if I would be up for becoming a photographer instead. I had already invested 4 years of college towards 3 different degrees at that point, and giving that up did not feel right. I continued on, but to my surprise she had actually signed me up for several sessions over the course of a summer and made a deal with me to just ‘see where it went’. I had always had a passion for photography, but had been told by so many that it would not be the dream career so many think it is, and ultimately had been scared away from even trying. During my summer break I continued working in the ER, but also really invested my time into these random sessions. By the end of that summer I was able to purchase completely new gear, and had several people from my hometown express interest in me photographing their weddings. I said absolutely not! But one was pretty insistent, and I caved. That was honestly the very start of my love for this. Getting to witness their joy, to see the beginning of their new story, it was so fulfilling. Within that first year, I only did a very small handful of weddings, but began really pouring into any and all online courses as I could to learn this industry. Within the first 2 years of business, I knew this was where I was meant to be. I ended up saying goodbye to my job at the hospital at that point, walked away from 6 years of schooling, and never looked back.
HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE YOUR PHOTOGRAPHY STYLE, AND WHAT SETS YOU APART?
I am such a lover of authenticity and natural light. When my clients get in front of my camera, the majority of them have never modeled a day in their lives. I love to give them different prompts to do with each other to really get them out of their shells and experience their true emotions with each other. While I do love me some editorial moments, nothing beats those real laughs or the rawness of the love my couples share.
WHAT IS YOUR APPROACH TO CAPTURING A WEDDING? DO YOU PREFER A STRUCTURED OR MORE CANDID STYLE?
I feel like the best for me would be right in between these two options. While I do love structure to a wedding day, it’s also all about anticipating those candid moments in that time too. There is something so authentic and unmatched with those that really tell the full story of the wedding day. While I do provide a pretty detailed timeline to my clients so they can know what to expect, I also explain that I will not interrupt if I see a real moment unfolding – especially one that can’t be duplicated – for the sake of saving us a minute or two. My team and I have become pretty proficient at knocking out formalities quickly to ensure time for these moments.
With a natural yet gently guided style, Casey creates images that are as heartfelt as they are artful — portraits that not only document, but feel.
DESCRIBE YOUR DREAM DESTINATION WEDDING TO PHOTOGRAPH – WHERE WOULD IT BE AND WHY?
This is such a hard one, because I honestly adore all cultures and new places! The countryside of France and Italy will always have a special place in my heart though. My best friend was stationed in Italy for several years, and it was always so fun to go visits for months at a time and venture out to all the vineyards and estates tucked away from major cities. Once again I feel like that plays into my admiration for authenticity as well since they aren’t catering to tourists out there.
Another place or two high on my list would be Iceland and Greece. That crystal clear water, the mountains, and the charm of their towns are equally tempting!
WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO COUPLES WHEN CHOOSING A WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHER?
Absolutely ask for multiple full galleries of weddings. I have worked hand in hand with many venues to curate their websites from a photography standpoint, and it is truly shocking how many photographers struggle with quality consistency throughout a full wedding day. Make sure everything you see is what you would be okay with receiving too.
WHAT INSPIRES YOUR PHOTOGRAPHY BEYOND WEDDINGS? ANY PERSONAL PROJECTS OR CREATIVE INFLUENCES?
Boudoir is an absolute favorite! There’s something about seeing a woman in one of her most vulnerable times, and getting to show her she is worthy and deserving of beautiful photographs. Outside of that, I also do enjoy traveling to gorgeous cities with unique architecture, and finding random couples to capture there. Despite being an introvert, I absolutely will grab people off the street for a quick photo!
WHAT’S YOUR GEAR SETUP?
I am a Canon girl, and will always have a 50mm on one camera at any session or wedding! That is my ultimate go-to. I also love shooting film on my Pentax 645N, and usually have either a wide angle or zoom lens on my other camera for the ceremonies and receptions. Over the past few years I’ve also invested in several off-camera flashes to elevate the look of receptions and still capture the true colors of the rooms and people dancing despite any uplighting or colorful strobes from the DJ/band.
DESCRIBE YOUR DREAM WEDDING TO SHOOT—STYLE, LOCATION AND OVERALL VIBE?
I LOVE an upscale maximalist wedding! Give me all the unique and fun details, shower the guests with experiences, host it at a venue with breathtaking views, and break out of the traditional norm. My current favorite trend is changing into a super fun and flirty reception gown where brides are free to move around however they want too.
HOW WOULD YOU SPEND YOUR IDEAL DAY OFF?
I’d first sleep in as late as humanly possible, then grab the biggest iced caramel coconut oat milk latte, and get out to explore something new. Whether it’s trying a new restaurant and getting the chef’s recommended bites and drinks, shopping in a new downtown area, or just wandering aimlessly to discover something new, there’s always an adventure to be had. I’d also definitely end the day by going swimming or chilling in a hot tub – margarita in hand.
IF YOU COULD GIVE COUPLES ONE TIP FOR FEELING COMFORTABLE IN FRONT OF THE CAMERA,
WHAT WOULD IT BE?
Just be yourselves! If you are a goofy and fun-loving couple, be just that. If you aren’t touchy-feely, don’t force it. Trying to do anything that feels uncomfortable will show.
WHEN YOU’RE NOT BEHIND THE CAMERA, HOW DO YOU SPEND YOUR FREE TIME?
Family time is so important to me, so spending moments with my boys and husband is the best. I have two sons who are my world! I try to set aside time each day free of any interruption to just enjoy playing with them, and making memories that’ll last forever. My favorite thing to do is find the cheapest flights online, and take little trips with them to experience our world and all it has to offer. We recently found $49 tickets to New Orleans during Mardi Gras, and we got to all experience several of these parades for the first time (family friendly of course!) along with some of the BEST food we’ve ever had.
