We were lucky to catch up with Maë Sistermann recently and have shared our conversation below.

Maë, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Let’s start with a story that highlights an important way in which your brand diverges from the industry standard.

I don’t just show up to take beautiful photos—I come to understand the people I’m photographing. My process is rooted in connection. I spend time getting to know my clients, their energy, their dynamic, and the subtleties of their story. Because the more I understand them, the more honestly I can tell their story through images.

What sets my work apart is the balance between emotional depth and refined aesthetics. I’m drawn to natural light, layered compositions, intentional framing—yes—but always in service of something deeper: the feeling of the day. I want my photos to carry the atmosphere—the breeze on the terrace, the way their hands find each other, the sound of glasses clinking under candlelight.

It’s not about stiff poses or perfect timelines. It’s about translating a wedding day into a visual narrative that feels effortless, cinematic, and true. Editorial in tone, but personal in spirit.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

I’d say my work sits somewhere between storytelling and art direction. I’m a wedding photographer, but more than that, I’m really focused on capturing a feeling. The emotion, the atmosphere, the little in-between moments that say more than a posed portrait ever could.

I got into photography because I’ve always been drawn to visual storytelling. Over time, that evolved into something more intentional—something slower, more connected. Weddings felt like a natural space for me to bring all of that together: design, emotion, movement, and light. I work mostly with couples who really care about the experience—not just how their wedding looks, but how it feels to relive it later through images.

What I offer is full-day and destination wedding coverage, often across multiple days. But beyond the logistics, I try to bring a very personal approach to every wedding. I take time to understand each couple’s story, their energy, their priorities. That connection helps me intuitively photograph the day as it unfolds—without over-directing or forcing anything. I guide when it’s needed, but I also know when to step back and just let things happen.

I think what sets my work apart is that balance: the emotional depth and the visual clarity. I care just as much about how the photos feel as how they look. They should feel layered, natural, and still have that editorial edge. And honestly, what I’m most proud of is when couples tell me they feel seen in their photos. That, to me, is everything.

What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?

Creating has always been part of who I am. Even as a kid, I was drawn to art, light, beauty—I’ve always needed to create to feel fulfilled. It’s not just a job for me; it’s how I process the world, how I connect with people, and how I express what words can’t.

What I love most about this work is that it’s both emotional and intentional. I get to make something beautiful, but it’s not just about aesthetics—it’s about meaning. It’s knowing that the photos I create will become part of someone’s story. And honestly, every time I receive a message from a couple telling me they cried going through their gallery, that they felt their day all over again, that they’d choose me again without question—it brings me right back to why I do this.

That mix of beauty, emotion, and purpose is everything to me. It keeps me grounded and endlessly inspired.

Any fun sales or marketing stories?

I don’t have a big sales story or a risky marketing moment to share. Most of my clients find me through word of mouth or Instagram. What usually draws them in is the natural look of my photos—the way I capture details, atmosphere, and emotion without it feeling staged. It’s often the small, quiet moments they mention, the ones that feel effortless but meaningful.

I’ve never followed a traditional marketing strategy. I focus on staying consistent with my style and being intentional about what I share. So if I do have a “strategy,” it’s really just to stay true to what I do, put it out there with care, and trust that it will connect with the right people.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.maesistermann.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mae.sistermann/

Image Credits

photos all by me @photography.mae.sistermann

please contact me if you need credits of the couples and workshops etc