Today we’d like to introduce you to Caitlynne Weitzel.
Hi Caitlynne, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
Photography kind of snuck up on me in the best way possible. I actually started taking photos back in my senior year at Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College in Tifton, Georgia, mostly for fun and for friends! But, I quickly realized how much I loved it and when I went on to get my master’s degree at the University of Florida, I decided to take it seriously and see where it could go. My educational background ended up being a huge help, all of the lessons about composition, storytelling, and connecting with people translated perfectly into my photography career.
For the past three years, I’ve done just about any type of photoshoot you can imagine. But now I have focused my niche mainly on couples and weddings, and I truly can’t imagine doing anything else. There’s something so special about capturing love stories that speaks to me and my brand! One defining moment for me happened last November when I photographed a couple’s engagement session that completely blew up on social media. Basically overnight, my page gained a few hundred new followers, and I realized that what I was creating was resonating with people in a bigger way than I ever expected. That moment gave me the confidence to keep pushing my creativity and my business further.
Looking ahead, I’m in the middle of a full rebrand and can’t wait to expand my work beyond Florida! I have a goal to travel more for weddings and sessions while still staying rooted in the Jacksonville community that’s supported me from the start. I feel so lucky to do what I love, and I’m excited to see where this next chapter takes me!
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Definitely not always smooth, but that’s part of what’s made it so rewarding! The photography world, especially weddings and couples, is very competitive. In the beginning, it felt like everyone already had their style, their clients, and their confidence, and I was just trying to figure out where I fit in. There were moments when imposter syndrome crept in and I kept wondering if I was “good enough” or if people would actually choose me when there were so many talented photographers in our area.
Over time, I learned to quiet those thoughts and focus on what makes my work unique: the genuine connections I build with my clients and my unique style. Finding my place took some trial and error, but now I see those challenges as the stepping stones that helped me grow not just as a photographer, but as a business owner and creative!
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
My business is all about storytelling through photography, specifically for couples and weddings. I specialize in capturing genuine emotion and connection, creating galleries that feel natural, nostalgic, and true to the people in them. Every gallery I deliver is designed to tell a story from start to finish, with an emphasis on detail, movement, and those candid in-between moments that makes each love story unique.
What really sets me apart is my approach behind the camera. I focus on curating natural poses that never feel stiff or forced, and I pay close attention to the little details (fixing awkward hands, fly aways, etc.). My goal is always to make clients feel comfortable enough to just be themselves!
Brand-wise, I’m most proud of the trust people place in me. There’s something so special about couples portraits, often times total strangers, letting me into their most personal moments with full confidence. That trust means everything!
If there’s one thing I want readers to take away, it’s that photography is an investment that lasts a lifetime. The moments we capture today will only grow more meaningful over time, and investing in a professional photographer who truly cares about your story pays itself off tenfold.
Can you tell us more about what you were like growing up?
Growing up, I was definitely an overachiever! The straight-A student who wanted that 4.0 GPA and signed up for all the extracurriculars (especially FFA/anything agriculture related). I loved being involved, staying busy, and giving my best in everything I did. That drive has definitely carried into my photography business today as I’m always learning, pushing myself creatively, and setting new goals!
At the same time, I still feel like I’m “growing up” in a way, just a small fish in a big pond figuring things out as I go. But that’s part of what makes this journey exciting! Every new experience teaches me something about my work and what I want my brand to represent.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://createdbycaitlynne.com
- Instagram: @createdbycaitlynne
- Facebook: Created by Caitlynne
- Other: TikTok @createdbycaitlynne
