Today we’d like to introduce you to Colette LaPorte.
Hi Colette, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I’ve always dreamed of being a wedding photographer—it’s been a passion on my heart for as long as I can remember. Growing up, I loved photography and wanted to study it in college, but my parents had other plans. After years of pushing against that, I finally decided to fully follow my dream. It has been the biggest blessing!
From early on, I was drawn to capturing moments. I’ve always loved how images—like music or movies—can take you back in time. I still cherish looking through my parents’ old photo albums. Photography is such a gift in its ability to not only tell stories but also to time travel.
I love telling real stories through photography: moments that feel genuine and timeless. Each wedding I photograph is an opportunity to live out that dream and connect deeply with couples on one of the most important days of their lives.
Turning this lifelong passion into a career where I get to celebrate love every day has been incredible, and I’m truly grateful to the couples who trust me to capture their stories.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Like any business, the road hasn’t always been smooth—there have definitely been learning curves along the way. Since this is my dream career, I invest myself fully—emotionally and creatively—with every couple I work with. That means I’m always striving to grow and improve so I can serve them in the best way possible.
Sometimes that means navigating unexpected challenges, balancing the creative and business sides, or learning how to set boundaries to protect my energy. But those experiences have helped me become more resilient and intentional in how I approach my work. Ultimately, my goal is to create a meaningful experience for my couples and deliver photos that truly reflect their unique story—and that keeps me motivated every step of the way.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I’m a wedding photographer who specializes in capturing authentic, emotional moments with a documentary approach, combined with an editorial, timeless aesthetic. I focus on telling real stories—those in-between moments of laughter, tears, connection, and joy—that truly reflect who my couples are and the spirit of their day.
What I’m most proud of is my ability to create a calm and grounded presence on wedding days, helping couples feel relaxed and fully present, which allows those genuine moments to naturally unfold. I’m known for my attention to detail, use of natural light and shadows, and for crafting images that feel both artful and deeply personal.
What sets me apart is my deep emotional investment in every couple I work with. I bring my whole heart to the experience, prioritizing connection and trust so that my clients feel seen and celebrated throughout their entire journey.
What do you like best about our city? What do you like least?
I love Austin! Honestly, like wedding photography, I don’t exactly know how or why I decided to move here—I moved to Austin from Oklahoma after college before I had ever even visited. I love how friendly everyone is, how there’s always something going on, and the young, creative energy that fills the city.
It’s been so cool to watch Austin grow and change over the years. I’m not always the biggest fan of change (ha!), but it’s clear how passionate everyone here is about this city. My only real complaint – the heat 🙂
Pricing:
- Packages begin at $7,000
Contact Info:
- Website: https://coletteelysephotography.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/coletteelysephotography/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/coletteelysephotography
- Other: https://g.co/kgs/gZTFfdu
Image Credits
Colette Elyse Photography
