One of the most exciting tasks on a wedding planning ‘to-do list’ is choosing a photographer. How do you want your special day captured? How will your love story be told? Finding a photographer that matches your vision is so important! We recently sat down with Vermont wedding photographer Courtney Cania Photography, whose galleries are filled with authentic and inspiring light and love. Continue reading to learn more about Courtney and her work!
How did you get into the wedding industry?
I photographed my first wedding in 2009 at Eolia Mansion in Waterford, Connecticut. An acquaintance from a college digital photography class loved my work and asked me to capture her wedding. I knew I wasn’t qualified and set expectations pretty low. However, I felt compelled to shoot the wedding despite not having any experience and the right gear. It all turned out okay, and I loved every moment!
As more and more friends and family asked me to capture their weddings, I launched a website “just to have a presence”… and inadvertently launched a business! I photographed a handful of solo weddings, then spent a few years second shooting and shadowing talented wedding photographers. I made my return to solo wedding photography in 2021, and couldn’t be happier.
How would you describe your style?
I capture weddings with a blended lifestyle and documentary approach. I step in with direction and guidance when needed, and document all those wonderful unscripted moments as they unfold. I have a timeless, light-inspired aesthetic. My goal for my editing style is to reflect the wedding day accurately. I keep color tones a bit muted to avoid neon hues, but stay true-to-life.
What inspires your work?
Inspiration comes to me in many different forms. I’m inspired by beautiful light, the moment, and the energy of the scene. I draw inspiration from art, other photographers, and trends, however, my creativity is guided by one rule: look inside, then look outside. This helps me keep my work authentic to me.
Any special tips for couples for choosing or working with a wedding professional like yourself or a wedding tip in general?
My biggest tip for choosing a wedding photographer is to trust your instincts. There’s lots of practical advice out there on this topic, and I have even blogged about how to choose a wedding photographer. To sum it up, allow your intuition to navigate the process.
What’s your favorite moment during a wedding?
Weddings are full of incredible heartfelt moments, all of which hooked me as a wedding photographer. I am a sucker for portraits. I love the first look because it gives couples precious alone time on their day, and more time with family and guests after the ceremony. I love the joyful “just married” moment when a couple processes down the aisle. And I love the great times on the dance floor.
What’s your favorite thing to do in VT?
Spending time at farms or wading in the many brooks and swimming holes we have here in Vermont are highlights for me. I grew up next to a river with beautiful waterfalls. Spots like these feel like home. Also, I love to indulge in a maple creemee!
If you weren’t a wedding professional what would you do?
Before becoming a wedding photographer I worked in marketing and web development. Experience in these fields has helped a great deal in the daily management of my business. I love running a business as much as being out in the field photographing. Someday I’d like to help aspiring business owners gain the confidence and skills to set out on their own.
What’s a fun fact about yourself?
As a kid I envisioned a life traveling to meet different people in unique circumstances to listen to their stories. I believe strongly that we benefit from hearing and sharing different perspectives. Perhaps not in the way I expected, being a photographer mirrors this vision.
Thanks, Courtney! View more of Courtney’s beautiful work by visiting her profile in our Vendor Guide.
