Today we’d like to introduce you to Chrissy Canitano.

Chrissy, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
I got started in my photography career about a year and a half ago. I worked a corporate job in the healthcare field, and when the company I had been with for 8 years closed their doors in January 2023, I decided to pursue my passion and love of photographing people with the ones they love most. My son was about a year old at that time and I wanted a career that allowed me to pursue my passion while also providing the care for him that I wanted to be available to give. I wanted to do something that he could be proud of his mom for doing one day when he’s old enough to understand this road I chose.

I began with photographing families as I saw how they reflected and paralleled my own life. I loved doing that, but then also found so much joy and connection with couples. Now I primarily focus on couples at the start of their love story. As my life continues on its path, I love to see couples at the beginning of theirs, the start of their lives together as they grow in their love and families. I adore my couples, and I especially love being able to be a part of their lives from the start all the way into growing as a family.

I have especially found connection with intimate weddings, and that is my true love and joy in the work I do. I tend to find that couples who are sharing an elopement or intimate ceremony and celebration with each other and their closest loved ones are truly living in the moment with each other and placing the highest value on their love.

Additionally, I have found much connection in empowering women through intimate portraiture and motherhood sessions. The connection with self and child is unlike anything else that can be photographed. True connection and intimacy is at the core of everything I capture, and I genuinely love every single session that I have.

I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
It’s been generally smooth – the biggest struggle has been within myself. Comparison to others and impostor syndrome are tough obstacles to overcome. But when you put your heart into it and find your own voice and style in your work, others will resonate with it and value it.

I have truly felt that this has been an uphill climb in the best way. Because I’ve been able to pave this clear path for myself, keeping up with the workload has been a challenge but in such a positive light. I find myself putting my whole heart into every photo I edit, and creating so many extras for my clients. I want every client to enjoy a very full experience with me, where they feel truly seen and valued.

I have done so many things to elevate my brand and my work to ensure that every client feels that this is a “personal luxury” experience. From personal mentorships to continue to educate myself and improve my own photography skills, to my website/branding/crm migration to better platforms, to preparing client guides for onboarding wedding and boudoir clients, to the thoughtful touches and gifts that I send to say thank you… I do it all to ensure my clients feel special in the most important and exciting times in their lives.

Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I specialize in Intimate Weddings. I take a very artful and personal approach. I really get to know my couples and who they are together, and incorporate them into my work and the way I capture the day. I take the time to speak with them multiple times before their wedding and have an open door policy for communication. Not only is it just my work and the way I capture and edit their day, but it’s also the full white glove, very involved and personal experience. The connection that I build with my clients allows a very friendship-like basis for the work, so they feel fully comfortable in the moment being themselves on their day and communicating what they want and need. Intimate weddings specifically allow flexibility in the planning and day-of processes, so it’s much calmer and more enjoyable for everyone.

Much of the above applies for my lifestyle and intimate portraiture sessions as well. I have several touchpoint of ongoing communication with my clients. I love to be super responsive and ensure they are incorporating elements of themselves in their sessions, immersing themselves in a full experience with me. When people are coming to me they are in the middle of some of the best times of their lives and I want them to remember them as more than “just a picture” – I want them to have art that resonates with their heart forever.

We’d love to hear about how you think about risk taking?
Even starting this business was a risk! Every day is a little bit of a risk, and it’s SO important to take them. Even if it’s a shot in the dark, you have to take a chance for something you want. If you get it, you have succeeded, and if you don’t get what you wanted you have learned something and are in no different a place than before you took the chance.

Every day is full of little risks and big ones – little risks like trying out a new editing style on a couple of photos, sharing a new venture and wondering what the response will be, replying to an inquiry for a dream wedding. Alternatively, opening my boudoir studio is a huge risk – what if I invest all of this money for little to no outcome? BUT what if it turns out to be the best thing I ever did? When I took my first wedding, I thought everything from what if they hate the photos to what if I freeze and don’t know what to do to what if my camera malfunctions and I miss the first kiss?

You just have to go for it. There is nothing limiting you but yourself, and the best thing could be right around the corner. I don’t say this to be pie-in-the-sky, I say it because I started this with the fear that I would be laughed out. Now a year and a half later I have so much business that a goal of mine for 2025 is to start an associate program! It’s so important t to put your fear aside and do the thing you don’t think you can.

“If you are willing to do something that might not work, you’re closer to being an artist” – Seth Godin

Pricing:

• Intimate Weddings – $700/hr up to 6 hrs
• Wedding packages available at 8, 10, and 12 hours
• Lifestyle (Engagement/Maternity/Motherhood) Session – $700 for 1hr.
• Boudoir – starting at $700, up to $4700 depending on package
• *all packages customizable and have add-ons available for film and artwork

Contact Info:

• Website: chrissymariephoto.co
• Instagram: instagram.com/chrissymariephoto.co
• Facebook: Facebook.com/chrissymariephoto.co