A documentary approach to photographing families in Maine

Records of life that bring you back to a moment in time when the ordinary might not feel so ordinary anymore

“Every time I look at them, I’m reminded of the laughter, the chaos, and the love that made this time together unforgettable.”

None of us are particularly comfortable in front of the camera, but she immediately put everyone at ease and captured the most beautiful, natural moments. She managed to capture so many candid, authentic moments that really reflect who we are as a family and how special this trip was to us.

— The K family

Film scan of family of Sienna Renee Photography.
Candid of life in the 1990's, Sienna Renee Photography's family.

Pulling out my family’s photo box and thumbing through portraits of my grandparents, parents, brother and I as kids has always brought so much joy.

There’s a certain magic about holding the history of family in picture form — and that is what I want to capture for you.

Candid of life, Sienna Renee Photography.
Prints of Sienna Renee Photography's family.
Candid of life in the 1990's, Sienna Renee Photography.
Film scan of a Sienna Renee Photography's family.

“These aren’t just photos, they are heirlooms — a way of writing ourselves into the story for generations to come.”

As mothers, we’re usually the ones behind the camera, rarely fully seen in our own story. Sienna gave me the gift of seeing myself in my mothering — not as I think I look in the chaos of everyday life, but as my children see me.

— The Frost family

“I was a little uncomfortable in the beginning and Sienna made it such a natural experience.”

Sienna did an amazing job capturing my wife and I at a very special moment in our lives. I was a little uncomfortable in the beginning and Sienna made it such a natural experience. She has a way of asking questions that allows you to share who you are without even knowing it. Her presence is also one of warmth and kindness. She is an amazing photographer and would recommend her to anyone!!

— Gera & Ari


Self portrait of Maine documentary wedding and family photographer, Sienna Renee.

I have always been drawn to looking through family prints and seeing portraits that preserve not just moments, but stories of connection, place, and emotion —

These are the photographs I look for during our time together: images that tell your story, celebrate your people, and carry meaning far beyond the moment they’re made.

What does a documentary session feel like?

A look at the experience —

A young boy eats an apple during a family photography session in the woods. Photography by Sienna Renee Photography.
  • We'll set up a time to have a phone call to get to know you as a family and what kind of photographs you're looking to capture. This is also a time you can get to know me and ask any questions you have.

  • A time set aside to love on and be with your people. No pressures to be, do, or wear anything different. Someone is sleepy or grumpy? It's all a part of it. I'll give them encouragement and time, and capture beautiful images no matter what.

  • I include 35mm film along with digital in my half day and full day coverage!

  • I am there to observe and capture those expressions and movements as they happen naturally between you and your loved one(s). I encourage you by chatting about life in between photographing! A laid back, no pressure time to enjoy a morning and/or afternoon with your family at home or in a place you already enjoy going together.

  • I will spend time with your images and send you previews within 72 hours and a final gallery within 5 weeks of the session date. I'll be here to help with any questions you have about printing, downloading, or the images in general.

I'd love to learn more

Families

“My daughter played, hard! Covered in water, mud, sand - was just herself and it was great to document her - being her.”

Sienna's skills were exactly what we prefer - capture the moments - don't make a photo. My daughter played, hard! Covered in water, mud, sand - was just herself and it was great to document her - being her.

— The Calhoun family

Family collections from Midcoast to Bar Harbor, Maine

FULL DAY

$4,500

A full day documentary-based approach to photographing your family in the every day.

This is a great collection for folks who are looking to have a full morning or full afternoon captured. It’s also great for families looking for split coverage between morning and afternoon.

WHAT’S INCLUDED:

  • Up to 5 hours of coverage

  • Film

  • 8x8 Album

HALF DAY

$2,500

A half day documentary-based approach to photographing your family and the every day.

This time is for those who are looking for a glimpse into their routines and a part of a day at this moment in time. A perfect collection for families look for morning or afternoon coverage.

WHAT’S INCLUDED:

  • Up to 3 hours of coverage

  • Film

HOUR

$1,000

A shorter session that offers a time to photograph you and your person / people in a place you enjoy most together.

WHAT’S INCLUDED:

  • Up to 1 hour of coverage

*only available in the Moosehead Lake Region

Schedule a call
  • Most of my couples and families feel this way! This is why I encourage sessions to be a time for you and your family to do something you already enjoy together in a place you enjoy being. This could be your home, a favorite trail, or getaway spot.

    I approach the majority of a session with a very documentary eye. We’ll chat as I photograph, and I’ll encourage you as needed, but mostly I’ll stay back and capture life as it’s happening.

  • I have experience working at an outdoor school with children so I completely understand that having a stranger all of the sudden joining you with a camera can be a bit intimidating! This is why I spend the first little bit of the session chatting and exploring with you and your child/children. Trust is paramount!

  • With a more observational approach to photographing families, I’d love to learn about what you already enjoy doing together in a place you enjoy. Whether that’s at home, a favorite trail, or a favorite activity.

    From our first call, I’ll ask questions to get to know what location or activity might mean most to you and your family when looking back at the images years from now.

FAQ

  • Beautiful photographs are made in all types of weather. We’ll chat through what things could look like and come up with a back up plan!

  • I deliver sneak peeks within 72 hours of our session. You will receive your full gallery within 5 weeks!

  • Yes. One hour sessions in the Midcoast and Bar Harbor area are available for $1,300.

Please fill out the form below to get in touch — I look forward to hearing from you!