Top 10 in the World … Thank You Guys!

So at the end of last week guys, I had some amazing news! Some of you may know that I regularly submit a selection of my pictures each quarter into competitions and, with one of the organisations I submit to, the Wedding Photojournalist Association (or WPJA as they are more commonly known), I’ve only gone and finished 10th in the World in their Artistic Guild category!!! Here I am in some very esteemed company for those that want a look.

Whilst I do consider myself to be primarily a documentary, reportage style photographer, and shoot about 90% of the wedding day with a candid approach, there is still a place for some set up couple shots for those that want them, and this is where the Artistic Guild category comes into play.

My couple shoots are very short, very unposed and chilled out, but I do like to get a wee bit creative if I can both with lighting and location to achieve the kind of pictures you might want to display big! “Pictures for the wall” as I’ve called them in the past. And, of course, none of these shots would be possible without all the amazing couples that choose me to shoot their big day so guys, thank you!!!

I’m pretty big on entering my work for competition, but it has to be the right type of competition, notably those that focus on actual wedding photography alone, as opposed to the wedding industry awards, that focus more on customer service. As well as the WPJA, I also submit to Fearless Photographers and This Is Reportage. The standard of work submitted for competition is of the highest order, so it really keeps me on my toes at each and every wedding doing my very best to reach these same high standards.

I never have, and never will, enter myself into one of the many wedding industry awards that exist such as the Confetti Awards, Your Scottish Wedding Awards etc etc. Most of these rely on canvassing for votes and that’s something that’s kind of against my nature. Don’t get me wrong, I love to receive kind words from couples and indeed, will publish them on this site, but reaching out to them all with a “vote for me, vote for me” approach is just not my thing.

So onwards and upwards for 2025 then. Of course, it’ll be hard to better being a top 10 world photographer with the WPJA but I’ll certainly be giving it a good go. Meantime, here are my thirteen winning pictures from 2024 – 2 Gold, 6 Blue and 5 Purple Awards.

Please feel free to leave a comment if you like … it’s very much appreciated 🙂 – there’s a comment box right at the end of the pics!


The Pictures


Like what you see … want to book me?

If you’re getting married (or know someone who is), then you may just like my “ninja style” (a couple’s words, not mine) low key approach to the day! Most couples tell me they didn’t even notice me for the majority of the day and that suits me … it is your wedding day after all, not a photo-shoot!

My style is very unposed, unfussy and focuses more on documenting your day rather than directing it. Minimal group shots (or even none at all if you prefer) and short couple shoots allow you spend more of the day with the people that matter and have a total blast! Find out more here about the way I work.

For the past three years, I’ve been recognised by the WPJA as Scotland’s top ranked wedding photojournalist, so you know you’re in safe hands :-).

I’m mainly taking bookings now for 2026 & 2027 but do still have some limited availability for this year too … but I do now only shoot one wedding per weekend so dates can be very limited during peak times. So do get in touch asap guys to check my availability.


Recent Posts … some more stuff you might like


Please Leave A Comment

0 comments
Add a comment...

Your email is never published or shared. Required fields are marked *

    Add : 25 Lavery Avenue, Larbert, Stirlingshire FK5 4GF

    Tel : 01324 557977

    Mob : 07824 380674

    Email : mike@mcookphotography.co.uk

    Office Hours :

    Monday to Friday - 8.45am to 3.15pm

    Monday & Wednesday - 8.30pm to 10.00pm (meetings only, no phone calls please)