I’ve written a couple of posts over the years about the way I work, so thought it was about time for an update with a fresh perspective. I’ll delve into “how” I shoot the day, “why” I work this way and provide a little insight into how it differs from more traditional wedding photography. So, strap yourselves in guys, here we go …
Lets start with the picture up top. When I started out all those years ago (fifteen to be exact), I might not have taken this shot. Why? Well, it’s not perfect for starters, it’s not happy, you probably won’t see it in a wedding magazine as it’s not some idylic picture of a flower girl walking down the aisle. But, what it is, is “real” – the flower girl having a tantrum and storming off leaving the page boy behind in tears is the kind of stuff that happens at weddings a lot, I kid you not. And, truth be told, it’s a picture that’ll probably be talked (and laughed) about more than your average flower girl shots!
This, in a nutshell is documentary wedding photography (also referred to as photojournalism, reportage, storytelling), and it’s how I shoot a wedding day. I want to let the day flow, capturing real moments rather than staged ones, so, to put that into some context, here’s a typical day from my perspective …
Pre-Ceremony
Typically, I start the day with prep shots – hair, make-up, that kind of thing (for the girls anyway). I’m not there all the time – the last hour and a half are usually enough to capture all the goings on but I can be there earlier if you want me. All you need to do is let me in and I’ll crack on – you just get back to doing what you need to do. Naturally, I’ll also shoot things I see like the dress, shoes, jewellery etc, but I’m not big on re-arranging stuff and prefer to shoot things where I see them; I don’t run off with the dress for example and hang it from a chandelier or staircase – unless, of course, it’s already hanging from a chandelier or staircase when I arrive then that’s a different story!
If possible, I’ll also cover your partner getting ready too, unless logistically impossible. With guys, this may just be the last 10 mins of getting ready (waistcoats, cravats, jackets, buttonholes etc. With two brides or two grooms, I’ll try and make it more of an even split (again, if possible) but I’ll always firm up your requirements etc closer to the date – it’s your day so do it your way, I say!
I’ll also make sure to get shots of your guests arriving and some “first look” shots all before the ceremony. The key thing is that no shots are staged – you just do your thing and I work around you.
Unlike a more traditional approach, I don’t do shots like the guys all walking up a driveway in a line up, brides gazing out of windows with perfectly aligned dresses and so on. There’s nothing wrong with these type of shots – in fact, I used to do them myself when I first started out; they’re just too staged (and time consuming) for my liking these days.
The Ceremony
So this really is where I like to become “invisible”, so to speak – I never like to be the centre of attention on the wedding day and even more so during the ceremony!
I’ll pick a spot or two, stand there and only move at key break points during the proceedings – my primary goal is to be permanently “on guard” to ensure I catch all the reactions (and there’s usually plenty of those). And not just the couple either; I’ll constantly be scanning the room to see what’s going on – the sleeping flower girl above is one of my favourites from this year.
At the end of the ceremony, I’ll come forward for the signing of the register and am usually invited by the celebrant to do the “fake” signing shot – you know the thing, pen in hand, pretending to sign the register, the one you’ve just signed for real! I’ll already have got the real signing so, pen down guys, squeeze in and look at me/each other while I’ll rattle off a few quick shots for the record.
Post-Ceremony
So, once the formalities are done and dusted, time to kick back for a bit, have a drink, meet your guests. I’ll just float around and capture it all – you might see me, you might not, hopefully! If you’re planning a confetti shot or a big group shot (assuming your venue can accommodate), I’ll help organise this and then let it run – I have a few tricks up my sleeve for getting some “interesting” reactions as well!
Group Shots
Even though I shoot the day in a hands-off documentary approach, there’s still a place for a few group shots, if you want them. I have a deliberately short suggested shot list that just extends to your wedding party and close family so you can be sure that we’re pretty much done in fifteen max.
I’m not into intricate posing either – you know the kind of thing, 5 minutes to set up one shot, stand here, hands like this, feet pointed this way, don’t move etc etc. With me, it’s just get in there … bang, we’re done!
Connection rather than perfection is my thing!
Couple Shots
I think sometimes there’s often a pressure put on couples that they “must” do a couple shoot, but not in my book. You don’t have to! Truth is, most couples “will” want to do one as, at the very least, it does give you some time on your own for a wee bit, away from the crowds, and that can be a good thing on what can be a very hectic day.
Most couples that book with me are not really into long overly styled shoots that take you away for ages (sometimes even off-site) and make your day run late. My preference is to take you away for a short shoot (about 15 mins), put you where the location and lighting are going to make you look fabulous, and then go with the flow, be yourselves … you do what you like and I’ll keep shooting, and I’ll still be shooting even when you think I’ve finished shooting, as they’re often the best shots right? I’ll keep you moving and I’ll keep talking to make sure there are none of those awkward silences. And absolutely will I never ask you to look at the camera and say “smile please”. What comes out comes out … the more natural the better!
Dinner & Speeches
So here again is where I take another step back and just shoot everything as it happens. For me, the speeches are all about the reactions to what’s being said … and there’s usually plenty of them! I’ll be constantly scanning the room, as it’s not always the top table that the best reactions come from – that table at the back with all your workmates on is usually the one!!!
If you’re doing the cake cutting before dinner (the real one that is, not some staged set-up one), I’ll make sure that’s covered too before I head off to take a break while you’re having dinner. I use this time to check what I’ve got so far and also do some venue shots, as well as grabbing something to eat.
A Little Something With Dinner
These days, having dinner can sometimes be more than just “having dinner”. Many weddings I’ve shot have had things like singing waiters, saxophonist sets, a “photo dash” and so on. And, very often, these take place midway through the dinner service. Regardless though, I’ll make sure I’m there to capture it all as it’s part of the day, right? Oh, and I won’t be charging you any extra either as some do!
Just make sure you let me know it’s happening though guys … as I don’t want the “surprise” of not knowing, even if that’s the intention for your guests!!!
The “After Dinner” Shoot
Very much optional but I find that this is the part of the day where some of the best couple shots come from – all the formalities are done, you’ve been sitting for nearly two hours through dinner, why not stretch your legs with a quick “after dinner” shoot. The light at this time of the day can lead to some quite dramatic shots – could be dark, could be a sunset, even a touch of rain can look good – again, super quick, very natural, off the cuff etc etc – done in ten and I’ll get you back in time for your evening guests arriving.
And, I know what you’re thinking – that picture above, that’s not “off the cuff” and natural is it? Well, trust me guys, all I did was put the light there behind the couple and, honestly, they did the rest – no direction whatsoever! Every couple is different and, as long as your pictures capture “you” and your personalities, then that’s the main thing. I just want you to be “you”.
The Dancing
One of my favourite parts of the day. For the first dance, I’ll hang back on the edge of the floor and give you space but, as soon as the crowd pile in, then so do I. I’m right in there with you, maybe even shuffling my feet a wee bit too; but it’s where I get the best shots and I love it. Strange the number of guests that play to the camera by this point – I can’t think why! For sure, I get bumped around a bit, but the knocks are worth it for the end result.
Typically, I’ll stay for around four or five dances but, if you want me there longer, then no problem. Maybe you’ve got fireworks or sparklers arranged for later or even just want more of the dancing captured, just let me know and I can build it into the package for you.
So there we have it guys, a typical wedding day for me and hopefully one that ticks some boxes for you too.
So Why Documentary?
First up, I’d say of course that the way I shoot is just a personal preference, and there will be couples who prefer the more “stlylised” traditional way of shooting a wedding more aligned to what you might see in wedding magazines. But that takes time – all those intricately set-up perfect shots will take more time out of your day than you might realise – this was one of the main reasons I switched styles about ten years ago; the day just felt too rushed trying to cram in all these stylised shots and couples frequently looked stressed with it all. Some planned shots were often culled as we ran out of time.
The way I work these days definitely allows you to spend a lot more time with your guests and not worry about your photography. I’ll be there photographing the whole day, no matter how the whole day pans out. If you’re running late, it doesn’t matter – I’ll photograph that “lateness” (trust me, you’ll laugh about it later) and, as we have no big “required shot list” to try and get through, there’s absolutely no panic about not getting everything done.
I guess my style also suits couples who don’t much like having their picture taken (not knowingly anyway), which I guess is most people in truth, and it’ll certainly appeal to those who just want to enjoy the party and, excuse my language, have a bloody good time!
In addition, as I work very much in the background (and on my own) for most of the day, you won’t have anyone shouting orders at you or bossing you around. In fact, my hope is that you don’t notice me at all – I have been called a “photo ninja” on more than one occasion and that suits me. In fact, I guess this review that I received from Eve & Martyn pretty much sums things up…
“Looking back at our wedding photos feels like stepping into a dream – all thanks to Mike, who somehow managed to capture every fleeting moment, emotion, and laugh without us ever feeling like we were being photographed. He is truly a magician with a camera.
From the very start, Mike was so kind, calm, and patient with us – gently guiding us when needed but mostly just letting the day unfold naturally. He blended in so seamlessly that we often forgot he was even there, yet somehow he caught the most intimate, beautiful moments that we’ll cherish forever.
What we love most is how real the photos feel. The candid shots – the belly laughs, the teary smiles, the quiet glances – they’re more than pictures; they’re pure memories frozen in time. Mike didn’t just document our day, he told our story.
We feel incredibly lucky to have had someone so talented and thoughtful capture our wedding. If you want photos that are authentic, emotional, and timeless – book Mike Cook. We couldn’t recommend him more highly. Thank you, Mike, for everything.”
Thank you guys, you’re too kind :-).
Want to see more?
There’s only a few shots on this post but, if you want to see more, why not head on over to my portfolio for some of my own favourite shots over the years. Better still, check out any of the blog posts on this site – I have hundreds of weddings blogged now and each and every one will have in excess of a hundred shots from that day – a great way of seeing what I do across a whole wedding day.
For a wider view, and to see lots of other fabulous wedding photojournalists, why not check out the site of the Wedding Photojournalists Association (WPJA), of which I’m very proud to be a member where I’ve been ranked as Scotland’s No.1 photographer for the last three years.
Last year, I was also very honoured to be ranked Top Ten in the World too – thank you guys!
I do hope this post has given you a wee bit of an insight into how and why I do what I do but, as always, I welcome any feedback and comments and you can add these at the bottom of the page.
