What It’s Like Working With Chris Bennett Photography

A Maine Wedding & Elopement Photographer

If you’ve landed on this page, there’s a good chance you’re recently engaged — congrats. Whether you’re planning a full wedding day in Maine or dreaming up an intimate elopement in Acadia National Park, you’re probably trying to find a photographer you genuinely connect with (and trust).

Planning a wedding can feel overwhelming. My goal is to simplify at least one part of that process by being clear, honest, and transparent about what it’s like to work with me — and whether we’re a good fit.

This guide walks you through who I am, how I photograph weddings and elopements, and what you can expect from the moment you inquire until you receive your final images.

Who I Am

A Maine Wedding Photographer with an Adventure-Forward Approach

I’m Chris — an adventurous wedding photographer based in Maine and available worldwide.

I’m known for photographing:

Adventure elopements in Acadia National Park
Intimate coastal weddings along the Maine coast
Full-day traditional weddings across Maine and New England
Destination weddings and elopements worldwide

I believe wedding photography should feel honest, immersive, and human. I love movement, real emotion, imperfect moments, and images that feel lived-in — not overly styled or forced.

While I’m always excited about epic locations and adventurous ideas, what matters most to me is how your wedding day feels, not how it’s staged.

Who You Are

Couples Who Value Experience Over Perfection

Most of the couples I work with are laid-back, thoughtful, and experience-driven.

You might be planning:

A traditional wedding day at a Maine barn, estate, or coastal venue
A smaller wedding with a relaxed timeline
An elopement or intimate ceremony in Acadia, the Maine woods, or along the coast

You don’t need to be climbing a mountain — but you’re probably not afraid to:

Kick your shoes off
Get a little sand on your dress
Embrace whatever the day brings

We may not be the best fit if:

You want every image to be heavily posed or retouched
You prefer stiff, choreographed moments
You’re looking for trendy or gimmicky wedding photos

If rain means rubber boots and laughter instead of stress — we’ll probably get along great.

My Photography Style

Documentary Wedding Photography with an Editorial Edge

My approach is best described as documentary wedding photography with a refined, artistic eye.

For most of the day:

I work quietly and intentionally
I don’t interrupt moments or over-direct
I focus on storytelling, emotion, and atmosphere

With 22 years of experience and over 500 weddings photographed, I know where to be before moments happen — and how to anticipate them without controlling them.

Portraits That Feel Natural (Not Awkward)

During couple portraits and family photos, I’ll give light direction that feels:

Natural
Fluid
Comfortable

While some moments are technically “posed,” they never feel posed. I prioritize movement, connection, and authenticity over perfection.

The Booking Process

Simple, Straightforward, No Pressure

Inquiry
Reach out via email or phone. I’ll confirm availability for your wedding date.
Quick Call or Meeting
I’m happy to answer questions via email, but a short phone call (or in-person meeting if you’re local) helps us quickly see if we’re a good fit.
Contract & Deposit
If we move forward, I’ll send over a customized contract. A 20% deposit officially reserves your date.

If I’m unavailable, I’m always happy to recommend other Maine wedding photographers whose work I respect.

What to Expect Between Booking & Your Wedding Day

Once you’re booked, I stay involved — but never overwhelming.

I highly recommend an engagement session (especially if you’re camera-shy)
I help with timeline planning and logistics
I’m always available for questions — I’ve done this hundreds of times

About a month before your wedding, I’ll request:

Your wedding timeline
A list of formal family photos
Any special details or priorities

If I haven’t photographed your venue before, I’m happy to walk through it with you ahead of time.

A Little More About Me

Chris Bennett Photography is a one-person studio — I’m your photographer from start to finish.

I’m based in Maine but travel frequently for weddings, elopements, and editorial work. I’ve been to 48 states and six continents (Antarctica is still on the list).

I studied Photojournalism at Rochester Institute of Technology and originally pursued editorial photography. That background shapes how I photograph weddings — focusing on story, honesty, and emotion.

In addition to weddings, I freelance for publications like Backpacker Magazine and Outside Magazine, and my adventure photography is represented by an agency internationally.

Wedding photography lets me combine everything I love: people, storytelling, travel, and meaningful moments.