We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Carissa Hunter a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Carissa, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Can you talk to us about how you learned to do what you do?
How did you learn to do what you do?
My journey into photography has always been deeply rooted in my personal experiences and fascination with visual storytelling. As a child in the 90s, I was surrounded by the power of photography in my family’s history. My dad, filmed our church services and took lots of pictures with disposable film cameras of our family and just random pictures. I remember every time I’d visit my grandparents I’d go through boxes of old pictures over and over. Those memories—captured on camera—told stories that left a lasting impression on me–even gave me a connection to people I had never had a chance to meet. Over time, I began to realize that photos were more than just images; they were windows into moments, emotions, and narratives.
Growing up, I naturally gravitated toward taking pictures, using disposable cameras at first, and then transitioning to cell phone cameras as technology evolved. It wasn’t until 2016 that I received my first digital camera as a gift. That’s when I really began to dive deeper into the technical side of photography, learning more about composition, lighting, and editing. But most of my learning came from trial and error—getting outside, experimenting with different techniques, and volunteering to photograph events like weddings, family portraits, nature scenes, and lifestyle shots. I didn’t have formal schooling in photography, but instead, I relied heavily on hands-on experience and a passion for learning.
Knowing what you know now, what could you have done to speed up your learning process?
If I could go back, I would have sought out more formal resources earlier in my journey—whether through workshops, online courses, or mentorship. I think having access to structured learning, especially in the early stages, would have helped me avoid some of the mistakes I made along the way and sharpened my technical skills more quickly. While trial and error was crucial for my growth, having a foundation in the basics of photography art and technique would have allowed me to progress faster. Another thing I would have done is reach out to other photographers sooner for guidance and feedback. I spent a lot of time learning in isolation, and I now realize how valuable it would have been to network with others in the photography community to learn from their experiences and gain different perspectives. Now I share connections with amazing skilled artists who I call my friends.
What skills do you think were most essential?
The most essential skills for me have been adaptability, creativity, and a strong understanding of the technical aspects of photography. Photography is an art form, but it’s also a science. Understanding your camera’s settings, lighting techniques, and composition principles is vital to creating impactful images. But creativity and the ability to think outside the box are just as important—especially when you’re capturing moments that tell a story.
Additionally, learning to edit photos has been incredibly essential. Understanding how to enhance images through software allows me to add my personal touch, turning raw shots into refined pieces of art. That said, over time, I’ve realized that my niche lies in capturing natural, raw imagery, particularly through film and unedited photography. I love the authenticity and emotion that raw moments convey without heavy manipulation.
However, I also recognize the importance of editing in certain contexts, especially for commercial projects where precision and polish are key. Editing becomes a powerful tool to meet client expectations, bring a creative brief to life, or ensure that images align with specific branding needs. While editing has its place in my workflow, my passion truly thrives in preserving the raw essence of the moments I capture.
Lastly, communication and client relationships are key skills. As I’ve worked with clients for portraits, weddings, or events, being able to connect with them, understand their vision, and bring that to life through photos has been a skill I’ve honed over time.
What obstacles stood in the way of learning more?
One of the biggest obstacles I faced was a lack of formal training in photography. Without the structure of a photography program or mentorship, I had to rely solely on my own efforts to figure things out. While this did give me freedom to experiment, it also meant I had to make a lot of mistakes and learn the hard way. At times, it was frustrating to not have a clear roadmap to follow. Another challenge was the financial aspect. Early on, cameras and lenses were expensive, and I didn’t have the resources to invest in top-tier equipment. This limited what I could do and slowed my progress. However, over time, I found creative ways to make do with what I had, and as my skills grew, so did my ability to invest in better gear. Lastly, self-doubt was a challenge. I’m sure many creatives face imposter thoughts, and I struggled with it, especially when I compared my work to others. Overcoming that mental barrier to gain confidence in my work took time, but once I pushed past that, my photography improved dramatically.
As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?
My name is Carissa, the creative force behind YENAHCAPTURE, a brand dedicated to capturing life’s most authentic moments through a lens. The name YENAHCAPTURE carries deep personal meaning for me, rooted in both my passion for photography and my spiritual connection to the world around me.
“YEN” is a concept representing a deep emotional longing or yearning, often associated with romantic love or spiritual connection—this idea of an inner calling. “AH” comes from my middle name, Ann Hunter, representing a personal and intimate touch. And “C” stands for “capture,” referring to the act of preserving life’s fleeting moments through the art of photography. For me, photography and spirituality are deeply intertwined. Photography serves as the vehicle by which I, as an artist, transcend the ordinary and capture the sacredness of life—its stories, its emotions, and its connections.
My creative journey began in my childhood, surrounded by the beauty of visual storytelling. Growing up in a family where photographs were cherished, I developed a natural affinity for the craft. This fascination stuck with me into adulthood, where I continued experimenting with various forms of photography, from disposable cameras to mobile phones. At YENAHCAPTURE, I specialize in:
Photography: Focused on nature, lifestyle, family portraits, and events, where I tell stories through imagery.
Super 8 Film Photography: A unique offering where I use vintage-style film to create nostalgic and emotional imagery.
Film Photography: For those seeking the authentic, grainy texture and timeless quality of analog images.
What makes YENAHCAPTURE unique is my approach to raw authenticity. I believe that photography is not just about taking pictures, but about capturing emotion and connection. I keep my edits minimal—what you see is what was felt in that moment. This raw, unfiltered style allows viewers to connect with the image and the emotion behind it in a more profound way. I offer a variety of services to cater to different needs:
Photography for events, family portraits, and lifestyle moments.
Super 8 Film Photography for clients seeking a nostalgic, vintage feel.
Film Photography for those who appreciate the tactile, timeless nature of analog photos.
In terms of the problems I solve, I help clients preserve their most cherished moments in a way that is deeply authentic and true to the experience. Whether it’s a wedding, a family gathering, or an intimate lifestyle shoot, my goal is to give my clients a visual story that evokes emotion and memories they can revisit for years to come. What I’m most proud of is the emotional resonance my work creates. It’s incredibly fulfilling when a client tells me how deeply they connect with an image or how a photograph made them feel something they didn’t know they were missing. That’s the beauty of photography—it has the ability to stir emotion, bring people together, and allow us to experience life in ways we might otherwise miss.
For potential clients and followers, I want them to know that YENAHCAPTURE is about more than just photography; it’s about capturing the sacredness of life. My work isn’t about perfection or staged shots—it’s about the real, raw moments that define us. I believe that photography is a spiritual practice—one that allows me to see beyond the surface and connect with the essence of what I’m capturing. If you choose to work with me, you can expect a deeply personalized experience where the focus is on preserving the emotional depth of your moments in an authentic, raw way. Through YENAHCAPTURE, I aim to help you revisit, relive, and cherish the memories that make life beautiful.
Is there mission driving your creative journey?
My creative journey is driven by a deep passion for storytelling, exploration, and connection, and the goal that keeps me moving forward is to document the world around me—especially through travel. I’ve always had an intrinsic love for traveling, as it allows me to immerse myself in different cultures, landscapes, and stories that often go untold. My mission is to capture the essence of my travels—not just the sights but the emotions, people, and moments that make each place unique. I aim to combine my love for photojournalism with my photography and film skills, telling stories that can resonate with others. There’s something magical about documenting life through the lens—whether it’s a fleeting moment on a crowded street or the stillness of a distant sunset. Film photography, in particular, allows me to capture moments with a sense of nostalgia and depth that digital photography often can’t match.
As I continue to travel, I want to deepen my connection to the world, not just as an observer, but as a storyteller who can capture the beauty and complexity of the places I visit. My goal is to document my journeys and share them with others in a way that encourages others to see the world not only through my eyes but through the lens of compassion, curiosity, and understanding. The mission behind my work is to create a visual experience that sparks emotion, broadens perspectives, and inspires people to explore, connect, and engage with the world around them. In the long term, I hope to explore more of the world, expand my photojournalistic work, and share stories of cultures, communities, and environments that might otherwise go unnoticed. Every photo I take, every film I make, and every journey I embark on is an opportunity to connect and share something truly meaningful with others.
What do you think is the goal or mission that drives your creative journey?
Another significant goal in my creative journey is to preserve and restore the past through old film cameras. I’ve developed a passion for collecting vintage cameras from thrift stores and second-hand shops wherever I travel. It’s like turning back time, breathing new life into these beautiful, historical pieces of equipment. Each camera tells a story, and I feel a deep connection to their craftsmanship and the history they represent.
By restoring these old cameras, I’m able to preserve not just the cameras themselves but also the analog process of photography, which offers a tangible, nostalgic experience in a world that’s increasingly dominated by digital. I love the idea of using these restored cameras in my own work, whether for photojournalism or capturing moments in nature, allowing me to blend modern storytelling with timeless techniques.
Each time I travel, I make it a point to hunt for these gems—there’s something magical about the thrill of discovery. These cameras bring me back to the foundational aspects of photography, and they often shape the way I approach my creative process. They remind me to slow down, to be more deliberate, and to reconnect with the roots of visual storytelling.
In restoring these cameras, I’m honoring the legacy of photography itself, while also creating a bridge between the past and present. I hope to inspire others to appreciate the beauty and craftsmanship of vintage photography and the rich history behind it. This project is a personal way to keep the art of film photography alive and to create something special that I can share with others for years to come.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/yenahcapture/
- Other: email : [email protected]
Tik Tok: @yenahcapture
Image Credits
Yenahcapture