READING TIME: 3 min 20 sec
PUBLICATION DATE: 08/27/2024
UPDATED: 08/29/2024
Weddings are fleeting moments, but Larissa Cleveland's photographs are eternal. With her camera as her paintbrush and light as her medium, Larissa has spent the last 15 years crafting visual love stories that defy the ephemeral nature of trends. Her work is a testament to the power of photography to freeze time, not just in image, but in emotion.
Larissa's journey into photography began early, as she recalls, "I first picked up a camera at age 13, and have been refining my ability to capture the world around me in an honest, and artful light ever since." This early passion was nurtured by a supportive family, leading her down a path that would shape her future. "I was fortunate enough to have family who encouraged me to pursue an artistic career and found my way to photography at an early age," she adds.
Her formal education - a Bachelor of Fine Art in Photography from Kendall College of Art and Design and a Masters in Photographic Arts from Rochester Institute of Technology - provided the technical foundation for her artistic vision.
Larissa's approach to photography is as unique as the couples she photographs. "I'm not interested in making cookie-cutter pictures for my clients," she asserts. "I want to create iconic, emotional photographs that will instantly transport you back to those precious moments."
Her style is a vibrant blend of different techniques. Larissa Cleveland's imagery is a unique blend of photojournalism, effortless portraiture and editorial style resulting in images that are timeless and modern in the same breath. She brings her classically trained artistic eye to all of her work. Her goal is to deliver authentic, meaningful photography - pictures that evoke emotion and tell a story. With a mind to the future, she works in a true-to-life color palette, creating lasting portfolios that will withstand the test of time.
But Larissa's uniqueness extends beyond her photographic style. She understands that every couple and every wedding is different, and she tailors her approach accordingly. "I put together custom proposals for each event I photograph," she explains. This bespoke approach ensures that each couple gets exactly what they need, rather than being forced into a one-size-fits-all package.
Larissa also emphasizes the importance of communication in creating truly personalized photographs. When asked for tips for clients preparing for a photo shoot or event, her advice is simple yet profound: "Talk to your photographer! It's so important to allow them to get to know you and your partner."
For Larissa, wedding photography isn't just about pretty pictures - it's about telling a story. "I want to make images that bleed passion and color, seep humor and excitement, and expose the beautiful, whimsical, spontaneous moments of real life, family, and love," she explains.
This philosophy extends to her approach to clients. "I love getting to know my clients prior to the wedding day by connecting via video call, a phone call, an engagement session, or a pre-wedding event so that I can capture their chemistry and story authentically," she says. "We talk at length about what excites them about my work and what they are looking forward most in terms of their celebration. I'm also very involved in the timeline for the day so that I can be sure we've considered lighting and time." This personal touch allows her to capture each couple's unique chemistry and story authentically.
While Larissa's style may seem effortless, there's careful consideration behind each shot. With a mind to the future, she works in a true-to-life color palette, creating lasting portfolios that will withstand the test of time. This attention to detail ensures that her photographs aren't just beautiful now, but will remain so for generations to come.
Despite her years in the industry, Larissa's passion for her work remains undiminished. "Simply put – I love what I do!" she exclaims. "It is a privilege to be an artist professionally. To share what I create with my clients knowing the work will inspire joy, and shape how important life moments are set to memory for the years to come, and for future generations."
Larissa Cleveland isn't just a photographer - she's a storyteller, an artist, and a memory keeper. Her work goes beyond simply documenting events; it captures the essence of love, joy, and human connection. As she puts it, "In the last decade I’ve had the opportunity to work with true powerhouse couples and industry leaders - innovators, creatives, and trendsetters. I’ve traveled the world because of this job and experienced some of the most beautiful places on earth. I don’t prescribe myself to a specific niche of weddings - I shoot sunny outdoor events. I shoot sexy and moody urban events. Fabulous weekend-long destination parties, and intimate ceremonies at home. I love it all, and I seek to embrace the unique energy and story each celebration will tell about the people in attendance."
