Where editorial artistry meets genuine emotion
With an eye for elevated elegance and genuine emotion, Chrissy Canitano creates wedding imagery that feels both beautifully refined and deeply personal. Her approach embraces the full atmosphere of a celebration, from the people and places to the quiet interactions that might otherwise go unnoticed. Blending an editorial sensibility with a cinematic touch, Chrissy captures each day with intention while leaving space for the unexpected. In the Q&A below, she shares more about the way her perspective has evolved, the details that draw her in, and the creative vision behind her work.
What do you hope people feel when they look at your photographs years after the wedding day?
I hope people feel the same way they felt on their wedding day! I want to capture everything authentically, but with a “wow” factor – so when they look back they really feel that their day was as special as it is.
How has your eye as a photographer evolved as you’ve photographed more weddings?
I think as a wedding photographer, I’ve been able to grow my focus to not just the bride and groom, but to everything around them that makes the day important – the beauty of the venue, the most important people to them, the details of the day. Every little piece is what makes their wedding day special and unique to them.
What makes an image feel unmistakably yours, even without your name attached to it?
The timeless, vintage-style editing, the way an image can be bot editorial and cinematic at the same time.
Which moments tend to reveal the most about a couple, and how do you approach capturing them?
In-between moments when no one is looking or noticing. I always notice the little interactions between them, whether they are looking at each other or giggling, or just the overall feeling of excitement. I always love seeing couples just happy to be together and getting married on their wedding day, and I take an observational approach, prompting them to use the little things I see while they are being photographed.
How do you balance instinct and intention when you’re photographing a day that is constantly unfolding?
Honestly, I call myself a professional pivoter. When you walk into a wedding day, you have to do it with the understanding that the day is going to unfold and typically, unexpected things will occur. I always work closely with a planner or coordinator to make sure that we have backup plans and built-in flexibility in the timeline so that if anything runs late, or something unexpected happens, we are able to pivot and keep the day running smoothly without the bride and groom every knowing or having to worry. This allows me to remain intentional and in tune with the couple and their guests, so they can enjoy their day and I can capture things the way I always do.
What’s something you notice at weddings that you suspect most people completely overlook?
I think i’m expected to say something like the flowers or decor… but honestly the bridal party. I think they rarely get properly recognized for the effort they put into being there for the bride and groom. And I can always tell if it’s going to be a good day by how happy the bridal parties are for the bride and groom during getting ready. Are they being attentive to the bride/groom, are they laughing and joking together, are they making sure the bride/groom has everything they need, or are they quietly getting ready separately/is there tension in the room. This sets the tone for the entire day. I love when it’s a nice atmosphere in the morning and the bridal parties are enjoying the experience. That being said, I also am paying attention during the getting ready time to see who is most significant so I can be sure to capture them a little extra in photos later!
If you could photograph a wedding with absolutely no limitations on location, scale or time, what would you dream up?
Absolute maximalism. I would LOVE to photograph a huge wedding in Sicily. I have photographed in Italy and Paris, and my love for europe always comes back and shows in the way I capture venues and weddings even in america. The European influence is everywhere! That said, a grand black tie wedding – vintage european mansion, lots of color and huge rooms with big windows and drapes, vintage couches and furniture, outdoor garden and draping everywhere, deep colors – crimson and plum mixed with the green, climbing florals, and candles everywhere. So many candles and candelabras on tables and the floors, down the aisle. Chandeliers over the tables… And a couple that loves creativity and would be open to unique photo opportunities. The possibilities are endless!
What kinds of celebrations or creative collaborations are exciting you at this stage of your career?
I am primarily focused on weddings at this time. I have several destination weddings coming up, and have recently done as well. I am most excited to continue on doing these.
What would you encourage couples to consider when choosing a photographer who feels like the right fit for them?
Find someone who you trust entirely. Only hire a photographer that you are 100% in love with. Make sure you absolutely love not only their style but their personality as well. Understand that your vision is always going to be the top priority, but also trust and understand that the photographer will be incorporating their vision and creativity into the way the day is captured as well, and you should be able to trust that the photographer will capture your wedding in the best way that you will love!
Discover more by visiting chrissycanitano.com and @chrissycanitano. Explore more by visiting Chrissy Canitano on the Together Journal Online Directory.
