Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Camille Delaune. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Camille, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Do you think your parents have had a meaningful impact on you and your journey?

No recollection of my career path would be complete without mention of my parents, Susan and Warner. My mom and dad have shared qualities (kindness; unwavering support) that have uplifted my brothers and I throughout or lives, but it’s where their individual strengths differ that has been uniquely helpful for building and navigating an art-centered business.

I don’t think my mom would describe herself as an artist, but she has the soul of one. There were certain “rules” in our house growing up that so clearly planted seeds of self-expression. We were allowed to paint our rooms whatever color we wanted, as often as we wanted (in high-school this applied to hair color). Spilling anything would never get you in trouble; it’s part of being human. Intentions matter; if we did something wrong, she’d always ask, “Did you do it on purpose?”

She created a safe environment to try on versions of myself, because going through “phases” was celebrated and championed. My mom is a therapist and social worker by trade, so her wisdom continues to show up in the endless hours she’s counseled me through the many trials and victories of owning a small business.

As for my dad, I’ve often joked that he’s “my manager.” Dad’s brain is as analytical and intellectual as they come, but he maintains a softness and humanity in how he problem-solves. He practices intellectual property law (which is exactly as helpful as a photographer as you might think), but what I find interesting is how he’s never insisted his children pursue the “straight and narrow.” Dad craves security for us, of course, but he much more intently desires that we build lives for ourselves that involve deep joy and purpose.

He’s always had many hobbies, from beer-making, to cooking, to cycling, to reading up on quantum physics, and I feel viscerally how proud he is to see me build a life around what I love. He is devoutly dedicated to the happiness of his children.

Camille, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

I am a New York-based photographer specializing in fine-art, documentary-style weddings and emotional imagery for brands with heart. Across wedding, editorial, and personal work, I’m motivated by bringing forth a warmth, truth, tenderness, and painterly richness into my photos.

Thinking of work as a “commission” rather than simply a “service” is much of what guides my process and how I enter relationship with my clients. My client relationships involve so much warmth and mutual trust; they are absolutely what lay the groundwork for me to be able to create to the best of my ability, whether I’m painting the story of their wedding day or of their brand. I am equally proud and surprised to continue to find such a niche for this work to thrive within!

Getting to create client work in this artistic capacity is what keeps the fire beneath my photography lit. I tend to be intentional about what projects I take on because of this: there is a beautiful balance that happens when my work life is full of “aligned” projects, and my personal life has the spaciousness to let me breathe and nurture my create self.

What do you think helped you build your reputation within your market?

Particularly in the wedding industry, it seems that vendors are expected to choose between professionalism and warm-heartedness. Striving for both in all that I do is the hill I’d die on. What’s been so pleasantly surprising is how many clients now reach out saying things like, “I wanted to learn more because I felt weirdly safe on your website,” or, “The gentleness of your email motivated me to officially book because I wanted to be in that energy on my wedding day.” Definitely a cheesy but very validating case of “Love wins.”

Where do you think you get most of your clients from?

Truly, Instagram! I budget $100 a month toward Instagram ads, which I boost to NYC folks in my target demographic.

I also just started working with a marketing agency (shoutout to The Longer Table in New Orleans — they are fully women-operated!) who is handling my SEO. It’s too early to see the results of it yet, but there’s so much data there for the power of SEO for small businesses— especially ones occupying a tight niche!

Contact Info:

• Website: camilledelaune.com
• Instagram: @camilledelaune / @camilledelauneweddings

Image Credits
Camille Delaune Photography