Carly's Lens

03/07/2025

Whewww this feels so surreal to be finally saying “out loud”…

After 12 years as a photographer, 6 consecutive wedding seasons, and 4 years full-time, I’m officially closing this chapter of my career. As I hope you’ve come to expect from me, this was not a decision I made in haste or without much reflection. In the end, the demands of self employment and the need to always be “on,” have made it challenging to be present for myself and my loved ones in the way I’d like to. So no more “Sorry, I can’t - I’m editing.”

To my dear clients,
I will always be so grateful for the trust you placed in me to listen to you, to be a fly on the wall to tell your story, to guide and care for you when you needed it, to laugh and cry with you and your families… it would be impossible to articulate what an impact all of you have made on me. I have had the privilege of documenting so many meaningful moments; weddings, births, family milestones, empowerment experiences, and steadfast love in times of great loss. Each experience has shown me the depth of human connection and some of the most raw, emotional moments I never would have expected to be able to witness.

Now, my editing queue is empty, and there are no more weddings or sessions ahead; it’s been an incredible ride, and I’m ready to move in another direction.

I am thrilled to be working as Director of Marketing for RE/MAX Jaret & Cohn (It’s me behind our social media accounts, come follow!) I am also a part of their Agent Support Team, and I’m learning so much. I was really looking for a job that would satisfy my creativity while offering more balance, and I’m so glad to have found it. I have amazing co-workers, a predictable schedule, and my weekends back for the first time in a long while.

To everyone I met along the way, thank you. You’ve made this chapter unforgettable.

With love,
Carly 💛

08/20/2024

That's my wife!!!

ST. GEORGE — The St. George Parks and Recreation Department has welcomed a familiar face to the director's role.

06/24/2023

Hi friends, this is my mama Amy Sabaka Massage Therapy, and she is a PHENOMENAL licensed massage therapist in Camden! I’m not saying that out of bias, I swear. You can look at her 80+ 5-star reviews if you want to check.
https://www.massagebook.com/Camden~Massage~amysabakamassage

We took some branding photos a few weeks ago, and I wanted to share some of them here. I would really encourage every single one of you to get a professional massage from a local, self-employed LMT at least once in your life. I bet you will feel the difference in care and dedication in their hands. When you run a business all on your own, you often put in 10x the work, customer service, LISTENING, and continued education to care for your clients. My mom is no exception. She also offers prenatal and oncology massage. Give her a follow and tell your friends!

06/09/2023

Ellie and Stephen's May elopement is on the blog! This is maybe a quarter of their photos because we had such a relaxed schedule and so much time to adventure. What a day 🥲

Ellie and Stephen are my kind of people – easygoing, playful, and up for anything, as long as it’s outside. They had an intimate ceremony beautifully officiated by Ellie’s lifelong best friend’s grandmother, who has become an extra grandmother to Ellie. Her energy was so special to have ther...

06/02/2023

Climb inside my brain on a wedding day -

I have been using the word “documentary” to describe my style as photographer for years now, but I can admit the term sounds a little vague; so let’s break down what it means to me to be a documentary wedding and elopement photographer.

04/16/2023

Hi friends, I know we have a small but mighty community here on this page, so I wanted to share this here in hopes that some of you may be able to help in one way or another.

Erica and Kyle have been guests and/or in several of the weddings I’ve photographed. They are incredibly kind, helpful, and FUN human beings, and now they need our help. Please consider donating if you can. If you are not in a place to donate, please SHARE!

Hi, My name is Stephanie. My son Kyle and Erica were in a motorcycle accident. They both are currently i… Stephanie Davis needs your support for Kyle & Erica

02/09/2023

It's gallery delivery day for Krista + Jake! Here are some of my favorites from their engagement session at Vesper Hill Children's Chapel. The trick is to drink the champagne before playing in the snow so you don't even feel the cold 😉

I am currently booking 2024 intimate weddings (50 guests or less) and elopements (0-15 guests). Link below for alll the things - FAQ, wedding collections, contact form, etc. Booking for traditional weddings (up to 130 guests) will open in June!

https://carlyslens.com/links
(Friendly reminder that I do not use Facebook messenger. If you'd like to get in touch, please use the contact form on my website!)

02/07/2023

Number of times I shared my work in 2022:
On Facebook - 2
On Instagram - 45

I’m sorry friends, Facebook is a much less effective lead generator, so I slowed activity quite a bit in the last year. I come to this page here and there to share booking updates or new blog posts, but most of my announcements, photos, and wedding/elopement planning tips are all shared on Instagram. Come follow along?

https://instagram.com/carlyslens

02/07/2023

It’s tiiime!! I am so happy to be opening booking for 2024 elopements and intimate weddings!

https://www.carlyslens.com/links

This year, I am giving first refusal to couples who are planning more intimate unions. (In Maine or elsewhere - happy to travel!) If you’re having a larger, more traditional wedding, and you’ve been planning to book with me, please know that this does NOT mean you won’t have a chance. As many of you know, I’m working on moving my business toward documenting smaller gatherings, but we’re doing it slowly folks! I will be accepting inquiries for 2024 weddings of up to 130 guests around the end of June/beginning of July, and I promise to update you all here on Instagram and let you know what kind of availability I have at that point. In the meantime, please share away and send this post to your friends planning small weddings and elopements!

🥂

https://www.carlyslens.com/links

01/20/2023

Non-traditional weddings have my heart. So does this review from Cadene and Sean. 😭

"My husband and I eloped because we wanted a day that was centered around the two of us. That’s why we chose a hike-in micro elopement with “just us”…no guests, no officiant. Knowing this, and knowing that we are two *intensely* introverted folks, finding a photographer we could be truly comfortable around was a highest priority. I mean it when I say-Carly felt like an extension of us, on the day. You would never know we had only met in person that morning. Our interactions were effortless, and she guided two people who usually hate having their picture taken through posing that never felt like posing. She was simultaneously completely out of our way, and there to support and document. Carly made the day feel easy.

We were first drawn to Carly’s work because the moody, romantic photos in her portfolio appealed to our own style. We had a we**am consultation several months before our wedding, and immediately felt at ease. We warned her we were super shy, offbeat and non-traditional. She “met us” where we were and was wonderful to work with. She helped us find an unforgettable setting for our ceremony and to plan a timeline. She even helped us find the cutest airbnb with nice lighting. Our elopement was an absolute dream and she was a huge part of that.

I have not even talked about our photos! Our gallery is absolutely gorgeous. She knew we loved that moody, darkly romantic style and boy did she deliver! We have a certain aesthetic and she understood the assignment :D Everyone who has seen our photos has gone positively gaga over them.

So, I cannot possibly overstate this- Carly was a blessing to us on the most important day of our lives so far. If you are considering foregoing the traditional wedding because you are different, go with your gut. I would not change a thing and I would enthusiastically recommend Carly as a photographer."