Today we’d like to introduce you to Caroline Fontenot.
Hi Caroline, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I was a kid who always had a camera and wanted the next new thing. I’ve been a full-time photographer since 2008, when I shot my first wedding. I had no business being there, but as someone who was planning her own wedding and struggling to find the right photographer, I fell in love with it. The wedding trends were really rough at the time and I wanted to offer like-minded clients a more documentary approach to their wedding day. Since then, I’ve shot just about everything. For close to ten years, I’d have called myself a full-time wedding photographer, but while living in Georgia and shooting weddings almost every weekend, I decided I needed a change. I slowly dipped my toes into editorial work and fell in love.
As a cocktail nerd, I had so much fun getting one on one and behind-the-scenes looks at what bartenders were creating. That nerd energy moved into kitchens as I started to see the interworkings of kitchen staff and the creation of beautiful, delicious dishes. I started to understand how much story goes into food – and as someone who is deeply passionate about being an honest photographer – I found that my documentary approach to weddings could move into the editorial world. These things feel very obvious to me now, but as I was discovering it all those years ago, it was a whole new world.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
There’s no such thing as a smooth road for anyone in the creative industry. For me, the struggles have mostly been internal with comparison and rejection. It’s hard to not take it personally when potential clients choose someone else “over you.” It’s really taken time to be confident in my work. Over the years, I’ve tweaked my styles here and there, and given into industry trends. When I’d do this, I always had imposter syndrome and was never confident. I’d say in the last three years, I’ve really settled into who I am as a photographer and feel really happy to be in this place.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I want to be a storyteller and it’s why I first got into the wedding industry. My career has really shifted, but my mindset hasn’t. On a wedding day, this means stepping back and letting the honest, real moments unfold as unscripted as possible. Wedding days are not photoshoots. They’re not about industry trends and Instagram likes, or doing any single thing that a client doesn’t want to do. I want to be my client’s advocate – letting them be them. This mindset flows into all the work I do – from shooting families in their homes to chefs in their kitchens.
I’m most proud when people seem surprised to feel comfortable in front of the camera. People are so used to being overly directed by the photographer’s agenda of “making art.” I gave into this for a few years, walking into shoots and asking myself “what new, cool thing can I do?” It was so stressful and looking back, felt very unfair to my clients who trusted me. If I’m shooting people, I truly want them to just be who they are. If I’m shooting editorial work – from food to spaces – I want them to be beautiful and for the people who have created them to be proud.
Are there any important lessons you’ve learned that you can share with us?
Be a good witness and tell the story that’s in front of you.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.carolinefontenot.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/carolinefontenotweddings
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/carolinefontenotphotographer
Image Credits
Dish 1: Bludorn (Houston) Dish 2: St. Cecilia (Atlanta) Chef portrait: Jonny Rhodes Bartender portrait: Ryan Sims (Athens)
