Getting in Front of the Camera Again

A Rainy Day at Franklin Haus — by Makayla

A film scan of me taking a photo of film hehe!

As a photographer, I spend most of my time behind the camera, capturing other people’s stories — their love, their energy, their moments. But recently, I realized it’s been far too long since I’ve actually been in front of the camera myself. You know, really in front of it, letting myself be the subject, the one who’s seen, not just the one doing the seeing.

It felt like the perfect time to update my brand, to reflect who I am now and where I’m headed. It was a way to reconnect with my own work and remind myself why I do what I do. So, on a rainy day in Bangor, I decided to make it happen.

Chris and I packed up our gear — digital cameras, a roll of film, and my Super 8 camera (because I can never resist a little nostalgia) — and headed to Franklin Haus, a beautiful, warm-toned studio in downtown Bangor. If you’ve never been there, it’s one of those places that immediately makes you feel at ease. The soft light that filters through the big windows, the cozy atmosphere, and the timeless charm of the space all created the perfect setting for what I was hoping would be a meaningful shoot.

Chris and I have always been a team, but this shoot felt a little different. There was something about the rain softly tapping against the windows and the music playing in the background that made the whole experience feel authentic — like we weren’t just taking photos for the sake of it. It was about Makayla Marie Photography, about the connection between me and my business, and about stepping into a moment of vulnerability and letting ourselves truly feel present.

It’s funny because, as a photographer, I’m always encouraging my couples to relax, laugh, and just be — and here I was, reminding myself to do the same. No pressure. No worries about getting the perfect shot. Just us — in that space, in that moment.

We shot a mix of digital, film, and Super 8 video. There’s something so special about film, isn’t there? It’s not as immediate as digital, and there’s a sense of anticipation that comes with it. Every frame feels intentional, every shot feels like it’s holding something deeper. The Super 8 footage, with its grainy, nostalgic quality, was the cherry on top — giving me a sense of timelessness that I can’t quite put into words, but it felt so right. It’s like capturing memories in a way that makes them feel forever.

The whole process was more than just a branding shoot — it was a reminder to slow down and appreciate the small, often-overlooked moments. The things we take for granted in our day-to-day lives, like the way the rain makes the world feel softer or how it feels to be seen and appreciated for who you are, right in that moment.

I often tell my clients that the best photos come from those spontaneous, unplanned moments — the ones where you’re truly yourself, not thinking about how you look, just being. This shoot made me realize how much that rings true for me as well. It’s easy to forget that we all deserve to be captured in our truest form, not just as the people we present to the world, but as the raw, unfiltered versions of ourselves.

So, if you’re a fellow creative, a business owner, or just someone who hasn’t had the chance to step in front of the camera in a while, this is your reminder to do it. Give yourself the permission to show up for yourself. Let yourself be seen. We all deserve to be photographed as we are — authentic, real, and full of life.

I’m so grateful for this experience, for Chris’s help (he’s always my biggest cheerleader and the best behind-the-scenes photographer), and for the beautiful memories we now have from this rainy day at Franklin Haus. It’s not just about the photos — it’s about the feeling behind them, the stories they tell, and the way they capture a moment in time that will never happen again.

If you’re looking for a branding session or want to create memories like these for yourself, I’d love to help make that happen. Let’s find a meaningful spot, play some music, and make something beautiful together. I promise you’ll never regret it.

With love,

Makayla