HELLO! I’M CARISSA
The Heart Behind the Lens at Photopoulos Family Photography!
Family Photographer Based in Wausau, WI
Let’s Be Friends!
I’m the kind of person who gets way too excited over a good thrift find (yes, I will be in the Wausau Restore parking lot at 10am on Wednesday if their sneak peek was good!), I will happily wander the shores of Lake Superior and Lake Michigan for hours, and I never leave without a pocket full of pretty rocks.
I go all in for my kids’ birthdays (think themed decorations that take over the house, and of course, a giant piñata), and I believe rainstorms are meant to be danced in. I love crafting—even when it turns into a hilarious mess—and I’m a homebody with a traveler's heart, always dreaming of my next adventure.
Life has taken me down some unexpected paths—from serving as a medic in the Army to homeschooling my two boys to turning a love for photography into a business. Over the years, I’ve captured everything from silly, joy-filled family moments to breathtaking landscapes, each photo telling a story of connection, adventure, and everyday magic.
Beyond the Camera
When we’re not chasing our kids around, my husband, Allen, and I love heading to Las Vegas. I’m not a gambler, but I am the kind of person who will wake up before sunrise to hike through Death Valley, Valley of Fire State Park, or Red Rock Canyon.
Closer to home, we spend our time exploring Sunnyvale Park, the Dells of Eau Claire, and Rib Mountain~ soaking in whatever wild weather Wisconsin throws our way. I love a good adventure, but also find just as much joy in the quiet moments—thrifting for hidden treasures, tackling (sometimes chaotic) craft projects, or making my kids' birthdays an event.
At the end of the day, I’m just someone who loves laughter, late-night conversations, and finding magic in the everyday.
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, they’re cracking jokes, building LEGOs faster than you can keep up, and racing their go-kart through the yard.
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 laugh at 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.
Read more about My Why and My Heart for Photography on the blog!
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.
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 ~ the 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!
~My style? Bold, fun, and playful~ because life’s too short for boring photos.
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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.
2023: Liam, the final addition to our family, was born.
2025: Opened my very own photography studio~ a dream that started with one camera and a whole lot of love.
Read about how I live my life based on intuition and following my instincts on the blog.
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!
We’re located at 215 Stewart Ave, Wausau, WI.
Meet the Photopoulos Family
Allen
This is my husband, Allen! He is a Realtor with Jones Real Estate Group, but when he’s not helping people find their dream home, you’ll find him completing projects around the Studio, wrangling our two kids, or even hauling equipment for me on a session.
Occasionally, he also helps out with extended family sessions and events.
Husband, Second Shooter, Assistant
Everett
This is our son, Everett!
He’s a self-proclaimed car-guy, especially after inheriting his Grandpa Steve’s 1968 Chevy C10!
He’s working on his own business, Everett’s Woodworks, where he’s learning to build and design with wood, and how to run a business. He will soon have his own section of items for sale in our Studio!
Son, Adventurer, Inspiring Entrepreneur
Liam
This is our son, Liam!
He’s our final addition to the family.
No sleep for this little guy! He’s all energy all the time! He loves to help Dad and Everett work on projects, and help Mom clean the Studio. He loves the pets (even though they don’t always love him back), and is in the super sweet stage of toddlerhood.
Son, Model, Chaos-Causer