We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Clarisse Meyer. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Clarisse below.

Hi Clarisse, thanks for joining us today. Let’s start with a story that highlights an important way in which your brand diverges from the industry standard.

I’ve always found it strange how the wedding photography world splits into these two rigid camps: the pure photojournalists who never interfere and the high-end editorial ones who control every ounce of light and finger placement. That has just never appealed to me!

What makes my approach different is this space where documentary-style capture meets creative vision. I like to be a fly on the wall, catching all those unscripted moments that make the day unique to the couple, but I’m also not afraid to create a few editorial moments to make people feel as good as they look.

Here’s the thing – almost every couple tells me ‘we’re super awkward in photos’ within the first five minutes of our conversation. Just last week during an engagement session, my couple said, “You’ll have to pose us, we have no idea how to be models”. And what’s funny, is it’s not even about “being models”, it’s about just enjoying each other’s presence and being in the moment while I capture it. I gave them prompts to interact naturally, and suddenly they were just themselves. When they saw those images, they texted me, ‘I can’t believe that’s us! We’ve never had photos where we actually look like US.” That’s what keeps me inspired and motivated. When I get to provide images for people that look and feel like THEM…that makes me feel good.

Being a queer photographer has also deeply shaped how I work. I didn’t just add a rainbow to my logo and call it inclusive marketing. I have built a photography experience where every couple feels completely seen. The wedding world still has this narrow vision of what love “should” look like – skinny, white, straight…and I’m here creating space for celebrations that break that mold.

At the end of the day, I don’t want to be just another vendor checking boxes on a wedding day. I want to create images that feel as alive and vibrant as the moments they capture. Whether that’s documenting a first look on film or catching the grooms best friend’s spontaneous toast reaction. A wedding should feel unique to the couple, and the photos should tell that same authentic story.

Clarisse, 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’ve always had a camera in my hand. Growing up, I used to make silly videos with my best friend and neighbor Brett. We were always wanting to be YouTube stars! I remember being 12 years old, saving up my money to buy what I thought was the coolest camera ever: a Sony Cybershot that was waterproof, shockproof, and dustproof. I wanted it in bright blue! I loved that camera. From there, I took photos of friends and family throughout high school and college, where I was the Historian for my sorority for all 4 years. My first wedding was a referral from someone I took graduation photos for, and the rest is history!

My approach blends documentary-style capture with creative editorial vision. While many photographers stick firmly in one lane, I believe the magic happens at the intersection. I shoot both digital and film, plus Super 8 video, giving my couples a multidimensional story of their celebration.

My couples are typically creative souls who appreciate both artistic vision and genuine moments, who want their wedding day documented with intention and a fresh perspective. I really value the nostalgia of film photography and Super 8 video, so I’m super happy to include that in my wedding packages. I also shoot digital photography and video and have been honing my craft for years to have a really fine-tuned documentary-style approach that focuses on capturing the energy of the couple and their wedding day. That being said, I love learning new techniques and ways to improve and be the best version of myself as a photographer that I can be.

What sets my work apart is how I make people feel in front of my camera. Almost every couple tells me they’re “awkward in photos” during our first conversation. But through natural prompting rather than rigid posing, I create an atmosphere where you can just be yourselves. This makes all the difference! Especially during those portrait sessions that many couples dread because of fear of not feeling like themselves. Instead of manufactured moments, we create authentic connections that translate into images vibrating with genuine emotion.

As a queer photographer, I’ve built inclusivity into the foundation of my business. I create a space where all couples feel completely seen and celebrated for exactly who they are. This isn’t just about representation. It’s about approaching each celebration with genuine curiosity and respect for your unique love story.

What makes me proudest isn’t the beautiful locations or editorial features (though those are nice!), it’s the messages I get months after weddings when couples tell me they feel their authentic connection in every image. Or when they say their parents can’t stop talking about how I made everyone feel so comfortable. That’s the real work: creating an experience where you feel free to be completely yourselves, resulting in photographs that capture your celebration exactly as it felt to live it.

How’d you build such a strong reputation within your market?

First, I believe my documentary-meets-editorial approach filled a real gap in the market. Couples were tired of choosing between purely candid photographers or those who over-pose every moment. By blending unscripted capture with creative vision, I’ve attracted clients who want both authentic moments and a few editorial shots that make feel like stars.

But honestly? What’s really built my reputation is how I make people feel in front of my camera. Wedding days are electric with emotion, and when couples feel genuinely comfortable, that energy translates directly into their images. My focus on natural connection rather than rigid posing means even the most camera-shy couples end up with photos that feel alive with their personality.

Word-of-mouth has been my strongest ally. When a couple raves to their friends about how I made them feel at ease while delivering images that captured their day exactly as it felt to live it, that’s marketing no amount of advertising can buy.

Being transparent and real has mattered too. The wedding industry can feel overwhelming with its perfection and pretense. By keeping it genuine, sharing my own story as a queer photographer, being upfront about my process, and focusing on what actually matters to couples, I’ve connected with clients who share my values.

My technical versatility with both film and digital photography, plus Super 8 video, has helped set my work apart. But technical skills alone don’t build reputation. It’s using those tools with intention to tell authentic stories that resonates with people.

At the end of the day, I think my reputation has grown because I approach each wedding not just as a job, but as a creative collaboration with couples who trust me to capture one of their most significant celebrations. That level of care shows in both the experience and the final images, and people notice the difference.

Any insights you can share with us about how you built up your social media presence?

I won’t lie, starting out on social media is so hard! What worked for me was just posting photos that I personally love, and not what I think people want to see. I also did a LOT of free shoots to be able to have more control over the content and take the photos in the direction I wanted my brand to go. I made lots of photographer friends through social media as well, which led to referrals, second shooting, and friendships. Networking is key for growing on social media!

I found that when I focused on creating content that felt vibrant and true to my style, the right people naturally gravitated toward it. Those unscripted, genuine moments in my feed started attracting couples who valued exactly what makes my approach unique.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://clarisserae.com
• Instagram: https://instagram.com/clarisse.rae

Image Credits

Clarisse Rae Photo & Video