Distilling Dreams: Photographing Wiggly Bridge Distillery

Some assignments remind you exactly why you chose this profession.

This month, I had the opportunity to photograph Wiggly Bridge Distillery in York, Maine, for the Portsmouth City Lifestyle Food & Beverage issue. The session quickly became one of my favorite shoots of the year — not just because one of my images landed on the cover, but because of the story, the people, and the unforgettable moments behind the scenes.

A Family Legacy in Every Pour

Wiggly Bridge isn’t your typical distillery. It’s a family-built business, started by David Woods Sr. and his son, David Jr., with Amanda Woods leading the marketing side of the operation. What began as a dream over dinner became an award-winning small-batch distillery, producing whiskey, bourbon, gin, rum, vodka, and agave spirits that now rival those of large-scale producers.

The name itself comes from a York landmark — a small suspension bridge built in the 1930s, nicknamed “the wiggly bridge” by a troop of Girl Scouts who laughed as it swayed beneath their feet. Much like its namesake, the distillery carries a sense of history, charm, and craftsmanship that feels deeply rooted in New England tradition.

What struck me most while photographing the Woods family was their sense of legacy. As David Sr. explained, “We’re doing this for the love of it. We built this with legacy in mind, something we hope our grandchildren and their grandchildren will carry forward.” That dedication came through in every detail — from the wood of the barrels to the copper of the stills to the way the family interacted with one another during the shoot.

Photographing Craft, Character, and Connection

As a commercial photographer, my goal is always to capture more than just a scene. I want to create images that show the character, history, and people behind the work. At Wiggly Bridge, that story was everywhere.

The rickhouse — stacked floor to ceiling with aging barrels — offered incredible texture and depth. The copper still gleamed under the lights, a centerpiece of both the space and the story. And in the tasting room and bottling area, I saw the patience and precision that defines small-batch distilling.

One of my favorite portraits came at the bar, where David Sr., David Jr., and Amanda shared a natural moment together. Another was captured at the tasting table, where the family’s warmth came through in relaxed conversation. Balancing those clean, editorial portraits with more candid lifestyle images gave the feature both polish and authenticity — a style that has become a cornerstone of my approach.

A Morning Wake-Up in the Rickhouse

Of course, no shoot is complete without a memorable moment. For me, it came while photographing the process of opening a barrel.

David Sr. drew enough whiskey to pour into a shot glass, and he and David Jr. tasted it right there. Their verdict? A truly fantastic barrel — the kind you bottle at $200 a pop. They turned to me, offered the glass, and I took a sip. It was absolutely delicious… until suddenly my ears grew warm, my head went fuzzy, and David Sr. casually mentioned it was probably 160 proof.

A pretty rough way to start my day at 10 a.m., but an unforgettable reminder of just how potent — and special — their craft really is.

Why I Love My Job

Assignments like this one go beyond documenting a business. They reinforce why strong, professional photographyis such a valuable tool for brands.

For Wiggly Bridge, the feature in Portsmouth City Lifestyle does more than showcase their product — it tells their story, highlights their values, and connects them with the community in a way that resonates far deeper than advertising ever could.

For me, it aligns perfectly with my plan as a commercial photographer:

• Architecture → positioning as a trusted photographer of designed spaces.

• Events → covering business and community events with clean, editorial storytelling.

• Portraits → creating authentic, professional portraits that show personality and build trust.

This shoot at Wiggly Bridge brought all three pillars together. The architectural character of the barn and rickhouse, the energy of a working distillery, and the portraits of the family behind it all combined into a narrative that felt both timeless and deeply local.

Special Thanks

I’m grateful to David Sr., David Jr., and Amanda for opening their doors and letting me tell their story through images. I’m equally thankful to Portsmouth City Lifestyle for continuing to highlight local businesses and trusting me to bring these stories to life visually.

Seeing my work on the cover is always rewarding, but what truly stays with me are the people and moments behind the photos — like the warm laughter in the rickhouse after that 160-proof sip.

Photography at its best is about more than light and composition. It’s about connection — capturing the spirit of a place, the character of the people, and the values that drive their work.

That’s what I found at Wiggly Bridge Distillery, and it’s what I aim to bring to every assignment: clean composition, authentic storytelling, and polished results.

If you’re a builder, designer, or business looking to tell your story through images that build trust and connection, I’d love to talk.