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Weddings

About

?Eager Eye Photography of Maine specializes in out-of-the-ordinary wedding photography, serving non-traditional, non-stuffy clients in the United States and abroad. Founder and owner Rogier van Bakel, a former writer and editor for national U.S. magazines and newspapers, has a journalism degree from Europe — an indication of his lifelong commitment to telling stories. First and foremost, Eager Eye Photography provides top-notch wedding photojournalism (candid photography), while also excelling in coached bride-and-groom portraiture and group portraits (a.k.a. "formals").

The 10-year-old company is based in Bar Harbor, Maine ( Mount Desert Island), but also serves Northeast Harbor, Southwest Harbor, all of Acadia National Park, Tremont, Ellsworth, Dedham, Bangor, Blue Hill, Penobscot, Lincolnville, Camden, Rockland, Rockport, Waterville, Augusta, Cape Elizabeth, Hancock, Orono, Bucksport, Belfast, Lamoine, Castine, Damariscotta, Owls Head, Boothbay, Boothbay Harbor, Freeport, Portland, South Portland, Wiscasset, Topsham, Brunswick, Newport, Old Orchard Beach, Saco, Kennebunk, Kennebunkport, Biddeford, Falmouth, Gorham, Sunday River, Presque Isle, Phippsburg, Waldoboro, Thomaston, Searsport, Monroe, Orland, Orrington, Hampden, Veazie, Old Town, Machias, Machiasport, Eastport, Gouldsboro, Jonesport, Milbridge, Steuben, Sorrento, Surry, Brooklin, and other Maine and New England locations.


Eager Eye Photography's mission is as follows:

  • To make clients moist-eyed and weak-kneed when viewing their wedding photos now and fifty years from now;
  • To help the much-maligned genre of wedding photography shed its cheesy, mortally uncool image;
  • To deliver photojournalistic excellence in story-telling;
  • To push the creative envelope;
  • and to have and share a boatload of fun in the process.

Eager Eye's wedding clients often leave spontaneous reviews detailing their experiences with Rogier; click on the star rating at the top of this page to read them.

Five out of the past six years, Eager Eye Photography has received the WeddingWire Couples' Choice Award (formerly Brides' Choice Awards), an accolade given only to the top five percent of wedding professionals nationwide who demonstrate excellence in quality, service, responsiveness, and overall professionalism.

Please call 207.613.7600 for availability or a free consultation.

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Frequently asked questions

Which of the following are included in the starting price?

High-Res Images
Digital Files
Negatives

Which of the following are included in the price of your most popular wedding package?

2nd Shooter
Add'l Hours
Hand-Coloring
High-Res Images
Toning
Albums
Digital Files
Flush Mount
Negatives

What primary photographic style do you identify with?

Contemporary
Photojournalism
Traditional

What photography services do you offer?

Additional Hours
Engagement Shoot
High-Res Images
Second Shooter

What photography items do you offer?

Albums
Canvas
Digital Files
Flush Mount
Matted Prints
Negatives
Prints
Proofs
Save the Date

Reviews of Eager Eye Photography

This AI-generated summary gives you a snapshot of the overall ratings and feedback from the reviews this vendor has received.

Review summary

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Rogier from Eager Eye Photography receives high praise for his professionalism, exceptional service, and exceeding expectations in capturing special moments like proposals and weddings. His excellent communication, quick turnaround time, talent in capturing candid and emotional moments, and ability to make clients feel comfortable and at ease during shoots are highlighted by multiple reviewers. Rogier's expertise in photography, attention to detail, and exceptional service make him a top choice for those seeking stunning and memorable photos for their special occasions.

Review summary

Powered by AI
This AI-generated summary gives you a snapshot of the overall ratings and feedback from the reviews this vendor has received.

Rogier from Eager Eye Photography receives high praise for his professionalism, exceptional service, and exceeding expectations in capturing special moments like proposals and weddings. His excellent communication, quick turnaround time, talent in capturing candid and emotional moments, and ability to make clients feel comfortable and at ease during shoots are highlighted by multiple reviewers. Rogier's expertise in photography, attention to detail, and exceptional service make him a top choice for those seeking stunning and memorable photos for their special occasions.

Abigail
Abigail Sent on 06/15/2025
5 out of 5 rating

Eager Eye Photography

Rogier is extremely professional about his work.
He knew my expectations, and went beyond expectation. I did not have a wedding planner, I was the wedding planner, Rogier was very flexible with working with my inexperience planning my own wedding. Highly recommended, and would hire again!
Married May 31, 2025.
The rain made me nervous, but Rogier gave me hope!

Walter
Walter Sent on 10/16/2024
5 out of 5 rating

Such a wonderful experience!

I made the life altering decision to propose to my girlfriend of 6 years atop Cadillac Mountain in Maine last week.

I'm from Florida so finding a reliable photographer in the area for the big day was a real concern at first. I reached out to several with little to no response before coming across Eager Eye Photography.

Within 10 minutes of reaching out via instagram, I not only received a text message but also a nine page FAQ packet sent via email!

Rogier from Eager Eye Photography went over and beyond to answer any and all questions I had related to our special moment, making suggestions along the way.

I found out that Eager Eye specializes in surprise engagements, even though I elected to propose in advance the morning of the shoot followed by the photo shoot - (my lady made it CLEAR several years ago that if I were to propose that she was to be properly dressed, makeup'd up, etc, if there were photos taken and I tend to listen because I enjoy breathing...).

Rogier recommended Sands Beach for the shoot, and it didn't disappoint!

The location was beautiful and gave the impression of several different locations along the shoot.

Rogier felt like an old friend, going out of his way to make us feel comfortable in every way possible.

We all found ourselves genuinely laughing the entire time!

My now fiance : ) is actually a photographer herself and was very impressed with the flow of the shoot and style of photography.

Oh - She asked if there was any way to receive just one photo that night to send to family members and Rogier said there was usually a two week turnaround time and that he would see what he could do.

WE RECEIVED ALL OF OUR PHOTOS THE VERY SAME NIGHT!!!!

Such an amazing experience.

So much so, we're planning on flying back to Maine every other year and redoing the shoot with him!

Didn't plan on this review being this long, but there is just so much to say about the wonderful experience.

Overall, I'd recommend Eager Eye Photography to any and everyone looking to make that special moment even special'er (is that a word??? Don't care, it works!)

Thank you again for an amazing experience.

Walter & Katie (Katie & Walter - she should ALWAYS come first!)
S
Susanna Sent on 10/07/2024
5 out of 5 rating

Amazing Photography!

My husband and I couldn’t have been happier with our choice to have Rogier photograph our wedding. In addition to being incredibly talented at his craft, he was the consummate professional. He communicated clearly throughout the process, had meticulous plans (and back-up options) and our guests remarked that his demeanor was wonderful when interacting with the young and old alike! Thank you, Rogier, for your thoughtful planning and outstanding photography!
Kyle
Kyle Sent on 10/07/2024
5 out of 5 rating

Great Experience

Had a shoot with Rogier in October for a proposal in Acadia. Rogier was upfront, made suggestions as to location and timing (he was right), and everything went smoothly without a hitch. Turnaround time was fantastic as well!
B
Briana Sent on 08/11/2024
5 out of 5 rating

The perfect surprise

Rogier was absolutely amazing! My now fiancé planned everything with him and said he was very responsive and answered all his questions. He was so discreet I had no idea he was there for us. The weather didn’t turn out how they originally planned but Rogier knew what he was doing and told us the weather wouldn’t affect a thing. Let me tell you, it didn’t! Even though it was foggy and you couldn’t see far on sand beach, our pictures came out absolutely beautiful. He exceeded all expectations!
N
Nic B. Sent on 06/24/2024
5 out of 5 rating

Beautiful engagement photos

Rogier was amazing! He was so much fun to shoot with and knew all the best photo spots. Could not have asked for a better photographer to shoot my engagement, he truly captured our emotions in every picture.
E
Emily Sent on 11/12/2023
5 out of 5 rating

Just Wonderful!

Rogier/Eager Eye Photography did an amazing job capturing our wedding. Rogier communicated well and professionally prior to the wedding day and then throughout the actual day-of. Him and his colleague captured both of us getting ready, every piece of the ceremony, and all of the special moments throughout the reception. His specialty is candids and we recently received all of our photos from the day and that specialty really shows. We couldn’t be more happy with the photos we have been given. We were on the fence with hiring a photographer because of the cost. I will tell you that Eager Eye is well worth the cost, you will not regret it!
Colin
Colin Sent on 10/24/2023
5 out of 5 rating

Incredible Proposal Photography

I found Rogier online because of his abundance of glowing reviews. I was planning a surprise proposal on top of Cadillac Mountain and wanted someone to capture the moment.

Rogier's communication was world class. We spoke via email, and on the phone twice, before the day and I felt like he clearly understood what I wanted and made sure no questions were unanswered.

The day of the proposal, Rogier was stealthy and discrete, and captured some phenomenal photos as we were walking to the lookout.

My girlfriend, who is now my fiance, and I are amazed at the quality of the images that Rogier took and edited. We plan on ordering several prints to hang in our house.

Everyone we have shown the pictures to echo our thoughts that they are world class.

If you need a wedding or proposal photographer, choose Rogier for your special day. You'll know that you made the right choice once you see his work.
J
Joe P. Sent on 10/12/2023
5 out of 5 rating

The man you need to hire

Rogier is the man! I needed someone to take photos for my planned proposal and he knocked it out of the park on every metric. He knew the best spot to take them and despite that not being my original plan I trusted him and it paid off in a big way. Photo turnaround was way faster than what I expected and he was extremely nice and just took care of business. Book Rogier. You will not regret it.
N
Natalie Sent on 09/11/2023
5 out of 5 rating

Sand Beach Wedding

My husband I are beyond thrilled with the entire experience with Eager Eye Photography!! Rogier’s work is spectacular and he caught not only the beauty but the emotion of our special day. He has an eye for detail, was solicitous of our desires and he’s a great human being to boot! I cannot say enough positive words about our experience and would highly recommend Rogier and Eager Eye to everyone!
We're all about trust. Our community relies on honest reviews to help you make those big decisions with ease.

Awards

163
WeddingWire Couples' Choice Awards 2023 Winner
WeddingWire Couples' Choice Awards 2022 Winner
WeddingWire Couples' Choice Awards 2020 Winner
WeddingWire Couples' Choice Awards 2019 Winner
WeddingWire Couples' Choice Awards 2018 Winner
WeddingWire Couples' Choice Awards 2017 Winner
WeddingWire Couples' Choice Awards 2016 Winner
WeddingWire Couples' Choice Awards 2014 Winner
WeddingWire Couples' Choice Awards 2013 Winner
WeddingWire Couples' Choice Awards 2012 Winner
WeddingWire Couples' Choice Awards 2011 Winner

Professional Network & Endorsements

3 Endorsements
Bar Harbor Inn Bar Harbor Inn Hotel Weddings

Eager Eye Photography is wonderful to work with! They are professional, detailed, and have provided our couple's with wonderful experiences and beautiful photography. We highly recommend them for your wedding photographer.

Wavelength Wavelength Wedding Bands

Professional and personable, Eager Eye Photography captures the most amazing wedding images.

The Asticou Hotel The Asticou Hotel Hotel Weddings

The best in the business!

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Map

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Eager Eye Photography frequently asked questions

Eager Eye Photography includes the following photography services in the starting price:
  • High-Res Images
  • Digital Files
  • Negatives
Eager Eye Photography includes the following photography services in their most popular wedding package:
  • 2nd Shooter
  • Add'l Hours
  • Hand-Coloring
  • High-Res Images
  • Toning
  • Albums
  • Digital Files
  • Flush Mount
  • Negatives
Eager Eye Photography offers the following photography styles:
  • Contemporary
  • Photojournalism
  • Traditional
Eager Eye Photography offers the following photography services for weddings:
  • Additional Hours
  • Engagement Shoot
  • High-Res Images
  • Second Shooter
Eager Eye Photography offers the following photography materials for weddings:
  • Albums
  • Canvas
  • Digital Files
  • Flush Mount
  • Matted Prints
  • Negatives
  • Prints
  • Proofs
  • Save the Date
Eager Eye Photography is recommended by 100% of couples who have used their services. Their overall rating is 5.0, with the same score awarded for quality of service, flexibility, value, professionalism and average response time.

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