A nonprofit airplane restoration project turned into something much bigger: a community where kids and adults learn side-by-side through welding, aviation, engineering, and hands-on mentorship. Watching my 9-year-old learn TIG welding from a 13-year-old mentor at Learn Build Fly has been one of the most meaningful parenting experiences we’ve had this year.

The Wausau community gathered near downtown for the annual Memorial Day Parade led by the Wausau American Legion Post 10. As a veteran-owned photography business, I was honored to capture moments of remembrance, patriotism, and community during this meaningful Memorial Day weekend tradition.

A joyful and intimate courthouse wedding filled with laughter, meaningful moments, and time spent with the people who matter most. Captured with a natural, storytelling approach by a Wausau, Wisconsin photographer.

There’s a reason so much of my photography centers around the in-between moments- the mess, the movement, and the quiet joy tucked inside everyday life. This post is about letting go of perfection, choosing presence, and trusting that the most meaningful moments don’t need to be polished to matter.

I almost scrapped my Christmas setup because it didn’t look like everyone else’s. But I’m learning to embrace the playful, whimsical style that feels true to me—and perfect for families who want photos that capture their kids’ real personalities, quirks, and joy.

This year, I have a studio.

And I didn’t expect it to feel this emotional.

For the first time ever, I could create the cozy, vintage, magical Christmas vibe I’ve always wanted — without fighting my house, the clutter, the lighting, or my own end-of-year exhaustion.
The studio was already clean.
Already decorated.
Already peaceful.

All I had to do was show up with my boys as we are.

And when I look at these photos… I honestly feel a lump in my throat.
They are everything I’ve dreamed of having for my family:

This past week, I had the honor of photographing the very first Excellence in Business Leadership Awards hosted by the Greater Wausau Chamber of Commerce at the beautiful Grand Theater in downtown Wausau. The event celebrated local leaders who inspire others, give back, and strengthen our community. Four awards were presented, including the 40th Athena Leadership Award, recognizing exceptional leadership and service.

I will always choose the baby’s comfort over a pose. Honestly, the real reason for newborn photos isn’t to show off cute props and poses (even though they’re adorable), but to preserve those fleeting first details — the wrinkly foreheads, tiny fingers and toes, big yawns, and every little reminder of just how small they once were.

Senior portraits at Rib Mountain State Park in Wausau, WI! Ashton’s session included meaningful family details, soft light, and plenty of laughter.

A joyful Wausau confetti mini session filled with laughter, toys, and sparkle. Playful family photography in Central Wisconsin that shines.

Beneath a golden sunset in a wildflower field near Wausau, WI, laughter and love danced freely—captured in tender moments and shimmering bubbles, gently shared without revealing the children’s faces, honoring a family’s quiet story.

Celebrate joy and color with Confetti Mini Sessions in Wausau! Quick, playful studio photos for kids and families. Limited spots available.

I’ve been photographing Amber and her sweet family every single year since I started my business—eight years ago! It’s honestly one of the greatest joys of my work: growing alongside the families I photograph and getting to witness their story unfold through the seasons.

Last month, I had the privilege of attending something truly special—The Night of Aviation History with EEA Chapter 640, a powerful event that brought together generations to honor the past, celebrate the present, and inspire the future.

When I book a photographer for my own family, I don’t want just a handful of images—I want the whole experience. Every smile, every little interaction, every fleeting moment that made the session special. That’s exactly why my photography packages are all-inclusive.

What Does All-Inclusive Mean?

With my sessions, you receive all the images that meet my high-quality standards. If it’s in focus, well-lit, and captures a great expression, it’s included. I don’t hold back or make you pick just a few favorites. You get the full story.

I realized that moms who wanted family sessions were moms like me~ we want to be in the pictures, we want our kids to remember that we loved them, we played with them, and we took joy in their childhood.

You can read the full feature here: Canvas Rebel – Meet Carissa Photopoulos

If there’s one fact about me, it’s this—I have never had a plan a day in my life. No five-year roadmap, no meticulously outlined goals. Instead, I’ve always relied on my intuition to guide me, and so far, it’s worked out pretty well!

This is why I do what I do.

This is why I believe in capturing real moments- not just posed smiles, but laughter, movement, and connection. Your family photos should feel like family time. Your kids should be able to be themselves, to play, to giggle, to snuggle up with you without worrying about looking perfect. Because years from now, when time has moved forward and all you have left are the memories, these are the moments you’ll want to hold onto.