I’m so excited for you to meet Laryssa, one of the newest associate photographers on the CSP team! Laryssa came to photography through teaching, and I’ll admit I was excited the moment I learned that. My husband is an elementary school teacher, so I know firsthand the patience, warmth, and care that teachers bring to everything they do, and Laryssa is no exception. She’s especially wonderful with couples who are a little quieter or more reserved, because she’s an introvert herself and knows exactly how to make you feel at ease. She’s photographed weddings from Montana to Idaho, and now Minnesota, and she’ll be the first to tell you she’s teared up at every single ceremony. Keep reading to get to know Laryssa, including the historic barn in her Montana hometown that still holds her heart. And when you’re done, you can see Laryssa’s full associate portfolio here!

Tell us about your journey in photography so far! How long have you been a photographer? How many weddings have you shot? What have you learned along the way?

I started in 2019! Although I always had a camera in my hands, I wanted to try real portrait photography after I took a photography class in high school. In 2019, I was gifted a camera, and that’s when it all began! I took a year to learn and practice while going to college full-time to become an educator. It was a process. I don’t think I started doing weddings until 2020. I’ve photographed weddings in Montana and Idaho. The biggest thing I have learned so far in photography is how important communication is. I’ve always been an introvert and still am, but both teaching and photography have taught me the importance of communication and listening.

Tell us about the couples you love working with most.

I love working with people who tend to be more on the quiet/reserved side. Because I tend to be like this, I understand who they are as a person and am hopeful that I can create a comfortable environment for them during their session.

What’s your favorite part of a wedding day to capture?

My favorite part to capture is the ceremony. I think I’ve teared up during every single one!

What are some of your favorite venues you’ve worked at?

My favorite venues have been the ones in Montana because of the beautiful and quiet places they are located in. My all-time favorite venue I shot at was the Round Barn in my hometown of Twin Bridges. It’s a historical barn that was restored/repurposed for the community, and it’s such a good place to get married.

What’s your go-to wedding day advice for soon-to-be married couples?

I don’t give advice, but if I were asked, I’d say be reliable in all things. To me, if you have a partner who you can trust and rely on, you will have a strong relationship and marriage.

What would you say to a couple who is nervous about having their picture taken?

I would say that it’s okay and it’s totally normal. I’m here to help them with posing and direction, and that they can trust me. I’d also ask if there is anything I could do to help them feel less nervous, for example, if they have a music playlist I could turn on.

Are you a cat person, a dog person, or neither? Why?

I’m both! I prefer cats because I find them more relaxed and chill, but I also love the good energy a dog can bring to a person!