HELLO! I’M CARISSA
The Heart Behind the Lens at Photopoulos Family Photography!
Real Moments. Real Joy. Real Memories~ Captured Forever.
Life moves fast~ kids grow, families evolve, and before you know it, those tiny hands aren’t so tiny anymore. That’s why I’m here. My passion for family photography runs deeper than snapping beautiful pictures~ it’s about freezing time, capturing the messy, joyful, real moments that make your family yours.
I believe in photographing the giggles, the goofy faces, the snuggles, and the chaos~ because that’s where the magic lives. Your family isn’t perfectly posed, and neither is mine (trust me!). Each session with me is less like a chore and more like an adventure~ full of fun, playfulness, and those in-between moments you’ll cherish forever.
Why I Do What I Do
Honestly? I do this because I know how fast life changes. One minute you’re rocking a newborn, and the next, you’re wondering how they’re big enough to ride a bike or head off to school.
I’ve been there~ trying to hold on to every little moment before it all slips away. That’s why I treat every session like I’m photographing my own family. When you look back at your gallery, I want you to feel the moment again~ hear the little belly laughs in the way their nose scrunches, feel their arms hugging you tight when they’re feeling shy, or feel that playful eyeroll your teenager gives when they think you’re being ridiculous.
It’s not about perfect poses. It’s about freezing the little things~ the ones you’ll miss most when they’re all grown up.
A Little More About Me
When I’m not behind the camera, you’ll find me chasing after my two boys~ Everett and Liam~ who keep life loud, busy, and full of belly laughs.
I’m drawn to crisp autumn afternoons, cozy nights, and the kind of laughter that makes your cheeks hurt. My style? Bold, fun, and playful~ because life’s too short for boring photos.
If you’re looking for stiff, serious portraits, I might not be your girl. But if you’re ready to embrace the joy and capture beautifully imperfect moments~ let’s make some magic together!
Just for Fun~ A Few Random Facts About Me:
~Pistachio Cold Brew from Clean Slate Coffee House is basically my fuel.
~Travel Lover, Homebody at Heart~ I love exploring, but home in Wausau, WI is where my heart is.
~Pet Chaos Enthusiast~ Two dogs, two cats, two boys; life is loud and full of love.
~Lilacs are my favorite flower~ They remind me of my childhood home and the rejuvenation of springtime.
~Thrifting and Antiques~ Nothing beats a vintage find with a story.
~Outdoor Enthusiast~ Sitting outside, soaking in nature is my reset button.
~The Sky is one my favorite landscapes to photograph ~ they clouds, the moon, sunsets, Northern Lights; I love it all!
~I hate driving, but I LOVE photographing monster trucks~ the bigger, the muddier, the better!
The Timeline of How I Got Here:
2010: Joined the Army~ where I learned resilience, dedication, and how to keep going even when things seem impossible.
2012: Started dating Allen~ now my husband, biggest supporter, and the guy who still makes me laugh every day.
2016: The year everything changed~ we got married and Everett was born, filling our lives with love and laughter.
2017: Got my first camera~ and fell head over heels for photography.
2019: Turned my passion into a business~ because I wanted other families to have the kind of photos I treasure.
2021: Move to Wausau, WI~ and found our place in this incredible community.
2025: Opened my very own photography studio~ a dream that started with one camera and a whole lot of love.
Ready to Capture the Moments that Matter Most?
Whether you’re celebrating a new chapter, gathering generations together, or just want to freeze this season of life before it slips away~ I’m here for it all. Let’s create something real, fun, and authentically you.
Let’s chat and make it happen!
Or, better yet, stop by my new studio in Wausau~ I’d love to meet you!
Authentic. Timeless. Playful.
Photography for your life.
Because Family Sessions should feel like Family Time.
As a mom, I understand the challenge of capturing those perfect, wall-worthy moments while still letting personalities shine. My goal is to create a fun, relaxed experience where your family can be yourselves- so your photos reflect not just how you look, but who you are.
Our team
Owner, Photographer
Carissa Photopoulos
Hi! I’m Carissa, the one behind the camera! I’m a wife, mom, veteran, and animal lover. I like to joke that I’m awkward so you don’t have to be! Getting your pictures taken can be weird, so it’s my mission to make you feel comfortable- even if that means being a little weird myself.
I love the challenge of photography, and I’m always experimenting and trying new techniques when I can. I always experiment with my family members first, so check out my Instagram to see my latest discoveries.
You might even find our son, Everett, hanging out with us during some photo sessions- this is our family business after all! And he’s already showing quite the eye for photography!
Our newest addition, Liam, might even make an appearance or two!
Husband, Assistant, Second Photographer
Allen Photopoulos
This is my husband, Allen! You’ll find him with me on Wedding Days, hanging out with the groomsmen, taking pictures, carrying all of my equipment (there’s a lot!), scouting locations, and generally being the best backup there is.
Occasionally, he also helps out with family or engagement sessions. Typically, he can help keep kids entertained so parents can get a few ‘couple’ portraits, and he’ll enlist the help of our son, Everett, to make the little ones laugh!
Son, Mini-Photographer, Adventurer, Chaos Causer
Everett Photopoulos
This is our son, Everett!
He likes to help us scout locations and be my model to check my lighting (when he cooperates anyway!). He’ll bring his own camera to help take pictures- he’s quite the little boss! And he loves making kids laugh- so if you have a little one, he’ll be in background being his normal goose-y self, jumping around and being silly!
Son, Model, Expert Nap-Taker
Liam Photopoulos
This is our son, Liam!
He’s brand new- the cutest (and final!) addition to our family!
You might catch him along for the ride, sleeping in a carrier or hanging out with Dad on certain sessions, though most of the time he’ll be snoozing away back home.
Let’s be friends!
Hi, I’m Carissa- photographer, night owl, and mom who gets the chaos but loves capturing the in-between moments that make it all worth it.
When I’m not behind the camera, you’ll find me homeschooling my 8-year-old, chasing after my toddler, wrangling our two dogs and two cats, or attempting a new craft project that may or may not turn out as planned.
My perfect day when I’m not at the Studio? Thrifting at all the shops in Wausau with a Pistachio Cold Brew from Clean Slate Coffee House in hand!
I love to travel, but honestly, I’m a total homebody. Give me cozy vibes, 90s music (the good stuff I grew up with!), and absolutely anything that doesn’t require me to cook- because let’s be real, three meals a day for the rest of time feels exhausting.
Let’s make some magic- without me having to step foot in the kitchen!
As a married couple with a shared passion for photography, we specialize in capturing the beauty and emotions of life's most memorable moments. From the joy and laughter of family portraits to the romance and magic of wedding photography, we are dedicated to creating timeless images that you and your loved ones will treasure for years to come.
With years of experience behind the lens, we have honed our skills in a variety of photography styles, including family, wedding, event, and action photography. Whether we're photographing your family, your wedding day, or your amazing athletic feats, our goal is always to capture the essence of the moment and tell your unique story through our images.
As photographers, we pride ourselves on our ability to put our clients at ease and create a comfortable, relaxed atmosphere during our shoots. We work closely with each client to understand their vision and tailor our approach to their individual needs and preferences.
We take pride in our ability to capture the essence of every event, whether it’s a joyful family reunion, a romantic wedding ceremony, or an action-packed sports game. Our goal is to tell your story through our photographs, to freeze in time the emotions, expressions, and memories that make each moment special.
In addition to our passion for photography, we also value professionalism and quality in everything we do. From the equipment we use to the post-production editing process, we are committed to delivering high-quality, polished images that exceed your expectations.
Whether you're looking for a photographer for your next family portrait, your dream wedding, or your latest adventure, we would be honored to capture the special moments that matter most to you. Contact us today to learn more about our photography services and how we can help you tell your unique story through our images.