We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Carissa Photopoulos a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Alright, Carissa thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. To kick things off, we’d love to hear about things you or your brand do that diverge from the industry standard.

I like to think of my brand as a fun, playful alternative to the traditional, posed photography experience. While many photographers focus on creating polished, formal portraits, with perfect outfits and perfect smiles directly at the camera, I focus on capturing real, joyful moments. My family photography sessions are full of energy, movement, and laughter- and I always encourage parents to get in on the fun- after all, kids crave connection with their parents more than anything. When we give them what they need to feel like themselves, they actually enjoy getting their pictures taken. I don’t believe in stiff poses or forced smiles; I want my clients to genuinely enjoy their session.

The biggest turning point in my business came by complete chance; a random day my Dad happened to stop by. I asked him to take pictures with my son. He didn’t like his picture taken, or the cold and snow outside, but he did it anyway. So instead of posing and directing my Dad with his grandson, I just let them play. He picked my son up and tickled him, tipped him upside down, and they just laughed and had fun. What I didn’t know was that that was going to be the last time we saw my Dad. He passed away unexpectedly in 2021. Looking back at those photographs now, I am so thankful that I didn’t pose and direct them. Those photographs show real joy, laughter and love. They’re not perfectly dressed or standing perfectly still. And I cherish these pictures so much more knowing that I had captured real moments between them.

That’s why I strive to give my clients the best gift I can: real moments they can look back on and remember all the little moments.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

I’ve always been drawn to storytelling, and photography became my way of capturing the little moments that make up a lifetime. My journey into photography started casually, just documenting my own family and the world around me. But when I saw how much those images meant—not just to me but to others—I knew I wanted to do this for more people. Over time, my business grew into something bigger than I ever expected.

I specialize in family, senior, extended family, and action photography, along with selling landscape prints that highlight the beauty of nature. My sessions are all about fun, movement, and real emotions. I want my clients to feel like they’re making memories, not just taking pictures.

One of the biggest challenges I solve for my clients is the stress of family photography. I hear so many parents say, “I’m worried my kids won’t behave,” or “I don’t know how to pose.” But with me, I help take the stress out of family portraits! I create a relaxed, playful environment where kids can be themselves, and families can just enjoy being together. No awkward posing, no pressure—just real, joyful moments.

What sets me apart is my bold, fun, and lighthearted approach. I don’t just take pictures; I create experiences that feel like an adventure. I also believe in keeping things simple—no hidden fees, no complicated pricing, and no high-pressure sales tactics. My clients get all their best images, so they don’t have to stress about choosing or paying extra for favorites.

At the end of the day, I want my work to make people feel something. Whether it’s a family session, senior portraits, or a breathtaking landscape, my goal is always the same—to capture the magic in the everyday and preserve it for a lifetime.

I’m most proud of being willing to stand out and do things differently. In an industry where a lot of photographers follow the same trends, I’ve built a brand that feels true to me—fun, bold, and playful. I don’t worry about looking like everyone else. Instead, I focus on creating an experience where clients can genuinely enjoy themselves, and that’s what makes my work special.

The biggest things I want clients to know about my brand?

Photography should be fun! I create a relaxed, playful atmosphere where families can be themselves.

I capture real moments, not just perfect poses. The in-between moments—the laughter, the chaos, the little looks—are what make photos truly meaningful.

My work is about connection. Whether it’s a family session, a senior portrait, or a landscape print, I want my images to make people feel something. Someday, all that you will have left from these moments are the pictures- and my pictures should transport you right back there to relive and reminisce.

For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?

My favorite part of being in a creative field is that it allows me to slow down and see the world differently. Whether I’m capturing nature’s beauty or my kids’ sweet giggles, photography helps me truly appreciate the moment. When I’m behind the camera, I’m not just snapping a picture—I’m noticing the tiny details, the little pieces that make a moment special.

What I love most is knowing that years from now, I can look back and still relive those moments. I won’t lose them. I won’t forget. Photography lets me hold onto the joy, the wonder, and the fleeting little moments that might otherwise slip away. And that, to me, is the most incredible gift.

Is there something you think non-creatives will struggle to understand about your journey as a creative?

Absolutely. One of the biggest things non-creatives might not fully understand is that creativity isn’t just about making something look pretty—it’s about seeing the world differently. For me, photography isn’t just clicking a button; it’s about noticing all the details, the way light falls, the emotions in between moments. It’s about slowing down and being present in a way that many people don’t naturally do.

Another challenge is that creativity doesn’t always follow a straight path. It’s not a 9-to-5 job where you just clock in and produce results. Some days, the inspiration flows effortlessly, and other days, I have to push through self-doubt or creative ruts. But even in those moments, I’ve learned to trust the process—because when I do, that’s when the most meaningful work happens.

I think non-creatives also might not realize just how much of ourselves we pour into our work. Every image I take carries a piece of my heart, my experiences, and the way I see the world. It’s not just about delivering a product—it’s about sharing a perspective, telling a story, and preserving something that truly matters.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.photopoulosfamilyphotography.com
• Instagram: @photopoulosfamilyphotography
• Facebook: @photopoulosfamilyphotography

Image Credits

Carissa Photopoulos- Photopoulos Family Photography