Capturing love, joy, and timeless moments as they unfold.
With a background in fashion and portraiture, this photographer brings a timeless, editorial eye to every wedding, capturing both the big moments and the small, tender details. From the laughter and tears to the quiet stolen glances, their approach is intuitive, personal, and deeply rooted in the couple’s story. Every image reflects genuine emotion, creating memories that feel as vivid and heartfelt years later as they do on the day.
Your photography blends photojournalism with a timeless, editorial sensibility – how did you arrive at this style?
I started photographing at a very young age, beginning with friends and family as I learned, and later working with professional models as my skills and confidence grew. This naturally led to a deep love of portraiture and fashion photography. I shoot editorials, modelling portfolios, and campaigns for brands both locally and internationally.
While fashion photography is still something I continue to shoot, I began photographing weddings over a decade ago and absolutely fell in love. Over the years, it has become my main focus. I adore capturing a couple’s day – the big and small moments as they unfold – and the relationship between two people, celebrated alongside their friends and family.
Falling in love with weddings allowed me to bring that editorial eye into a documentary setting – responding intuitively to real moments as they unfold, while still creating considered, timeless imagery.
What visual elements feel most essential to your work today?
I love beautiful light, soft moments, tears, laughter and joy. My editing style is very natural, and I aim at keeping colours true and timeless, so that in thirty years these photographs still feel as beautiful and relevant as they do now.
When you first connect with a couple, what are you listening for or observing to understand their relationship before you ever pick up the camera?
When I have an initial chat with a couple, I love hearing their story and what has brought them to this moment – sitting in front of me, talking about their wedding photography. I also take the time to learn what inspires them, what they’re drawn to photographically and who they are as individuals.
This helps me understand what matters most to them on the day, how comfortable they may feel in front of the camera and the way they naturally interact. From there, I can tailor my approach and guidance to truly reflect who they are as a couple.
On a wedding day, how do you balance documenting events as they unfold with intentionally creating space for thoughtful, composed imagery?
I believe documenting the day as it happens is the most important role I have. I want the couple to be able to relive all the moments when they receive their gallery, and continue to do so as the years go on. That having been said, I adore the time I have with the couple to create beautiful imagery, whether at the portrait session, at sunset, or in the evening – stealing them away to capture their love is an absolute highlight.
You’ve photographed couples from many different backgrounds and identities. How do you adapt your approach to ensure each story feels personal rather than formulaic?
I have been lucky enough to have experienced and photographed weddings of many different backgrounds and identities. I remember my first same-sex wedding, very soon after the laws were changed. The couple had been together for over a decade and there were absolutely no dry eyes in the house (including mine) when they were wed and big cheers as the celebrant stated “marriage according to law in Australia is the union of two people” – a change that had come far too late, but was so welcomed.
I also love learning about couples culture and religions, and how they celebrate or mark those cultures within their day. I always aim to document the day as it is, and all the wonderful moments that encompass it. From multi-day Indian celebrations, to Greek dancing past midnight, to tea ceremonies and weddings under a Chuppah, no matter the culture, tradition, or scale of celebration, my approach remains the same – to honour the day as it is and the love at its centre.
There is a natural ease present in your portraits. How do you create an environment where couples feel comfortable enough to be fully themselves?
It can be very daunting having your professional photo taken but I pride myself on creating a relaxed and easy atmosphere where the couple is never second-guessing what they need to do or how they need to be. I am very confident guiding couples, always in a way that feels natural, to create beautiful imagery. I love getting feedback from previously anxious couples over how comfortable they felt with me on the day.
Beyond the images themselves, what do you believe makes the experience of working with you meaningful for couples?
I’m your friend on the day. Ultimately, my role is to help couples feel supported, calm, and free to be present on one of the most meaningful days of their lives. I’m a master of tying ties, placing button-holes, fixing lipstick, placing trains, and keeping everything moving on schedule. I help out with runsheets and happily give advice and guidance where needed. I never overstep, but I fill in the gaps where needed and help in making the day as special as it can be.
Looking back on your body of work, what do you hope couples feel when they revisit their images years from now?
I want couples to look at their wedding photos and experience the joy as if it were their wedding day again. Reliving all the moments, whilst also appreciating just how fabulous they look!
What sources outside of weddings—art, fashion, film, or everyday life—currently inspire your creative perspective?
I am often inspired by other photographers, both friends and strangers alike. I am lucky enough to know and have worked with some amazing people in the industry, and I am constantly inspired by our joint love of doing what we do. I am also often inspired by the beauty of nature and exploring the world – I love traveling to beautiful destinations and finding hidden spots that are naturally stunning. It fills me with so much inspiration that whoever I am with will certainly be photographed.
Looking ahead, how do you see your practice evolving, and are there places or destinations you’re hoping to work in over the coming years?
The wedding photography space is always evolving and I enjoy evolving with it, whilst still maintaining my sense of style. There is no limit to the destinations I want to travel to in the coming years – and I will be traveling much of 2026 to capture love stories.
For couples searching for their wedding photographer, what advice would you offer to help them choose someone who truly aligns with their values and vision?
Look at their body of work, find out about their experience, and have a chat with them to see if their vibe is inline with your own. You want to feel comfortable with your photographer, and know that they have your best interest on the day. Otherwise just give me a call and I’ll do it (haha!)
For more information visit caitlinmayweddings.com and @caitlinmayweddings. Explore more of Caitlin May Weddings in the Together Journal Online Directory.
Caitlin May Photography
