Some engagement sessions are special right from the start — and this Portland Maine engagement session was one of those. Instead of meeting on land, we started at the docks, climbed onto a lobster boat, and headed out into Casco Bay toward the island where the groom’s grandmother lives.
From the very beginning, this session felt personal. It wasn’t about posing or checking off photo locations — it was about spending time together in a place that means something. Salt air, open water, their dog along for the ride… it was Maine in the best possible way.
a portland, maine engagement session that begins on the water
There’s something about being on a boat that instantly slows everything down. For this Portland Maine engagement session, the couple took their lobster boat from the city out to the island, giving us space to let the moments unfold naturally. They laughed through the wind and soaked in the views. No instructions needed — they were just being themselves. Starting a session with an experience like this creates images that feel effortless and real, because they are.
exploring the rocky maine coastline with their dog
Once on the island, we spent time wandering the rocky coastline. Their dog trotted ahead, the waves crashed against the rocks, and we stopped whenever something caught their attention.
This is one of the reasons we love engagement sessions that involve movement and adventure. When couples have something to do — walk, explore, interact — they forget about the camera. The result is candid, connected images that feel more like memories than photos.
engagement sessions as a date, not a photoshoot
We always encourage couples to think of their engagement sessions as a date. When you’re focused on each other instead of the camera, everything feels easier.
This session flowed so naturally because it was their date — boating together, exploring the island, visiting family, and enjoying the place that holds so much meaning for them. That’s when personalities show up, laughter comes easily, and the photos start to feel truly personal.
film, digital, and a special cameo at grandma’s house
We captured this session using a mix of film and digital photography. Digital allowed us to move quickly and document the adventure, while film slowed things down and added a timeless, nostalgic feel that fit the setting perfectly.
We ended the day at grandma’s house on the island — and yes, she made a cameo in one of the film photos. It was such a small moment, but one that adds so much heart to the story. Those are the details that made this a story instead of just a shoot.
no boat, no problem, let’s rent one
You don’t need your own boat to bring water time into your Portland, Maine engagement session — there are plenty of great local charters and rentals that make it easy to plan a date on the water. Try booking a private sail or sunset cruise with Casco Bay Custom Charters for a classic lobster-boat or lighthouse tour vibe, or hop on a cozy sail with Sail Portland Maine to enjoy the Casco Bay coast with a glass of wine as the sun sets.
planning your own portland, maine engagement session
This session is proof that engagement photos don’t have to look like anyone else’s. They can be rooted in family, tradition, adventure, and the places that feel like home — especially here in Maine.
If you’re dreaming of a Portland Maine engagement session that feels relaxed, meaningful, and true to who you are, we’d love to help you plan it. Whether that’s on a lobster boat, along the coast, or somewhere deeply personal to you — let’s turn your session into an experience, not just a photoshoot. Reach out to learn more about our engagement sessions throughout New England.
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