HUSBAND
Dog Dad
Photographer
Podcaster
Wedding hype man
Coffee Addict
I'm a
I know that sounds a little bit forward when we haven't even met yet, but trust me we will work so much better together if we get along as friends. Not convinced? Let's try this. I want you to think back to all of the amazing photos you’ve had taken in your life. Now think about who took them. Let me guess — it was your partner, your best friend or maybe even yourself. That’s because you feel super comfortable in front of your close friends and that always makes for the best photos. So if we can be relaxed and candid in front of each other then I guarantee we are going to create some incredible images.
We should be friends.
my story
1997
Begins here. Yes I am 25 years old! I was born on Wiradjuri Country in the town of Dubbo, NSW and lived there until I finished high school.
I moved out of home and went to Sydney to study Bachelor of Science at the University of Sydney.
2016
2018
I bought my first ever camera to take with me on two overseas holidays to the UK and the US.
Started dabbling in Landscape Photography, Portrait Photography and Videography. I even made my first website to showcase my artwork.
This same year I also graduated from University with my Bachelor degree and no interest in ever working in the field that I just spend 4 years studying...
2019
2020
I register my business 'Mike Jeffrey Photography' and start working in Portrait & Product Photography.
Pandemic Hits...
After little success I pivot my business into Family & Couples Photography because I wanted to work with more 'real' people after the lockdown ends.
2021
I got engaged to my partner Emily!!
Believing in myself and my skillset I again pivoted my Photography Business but this time into the long time dream of mine of Wedding Photography.
In late 2021, Emily and I packed up and moved to Port Macquarie on the NSW Mid North Coast and so I moved my Photography business with me.
2022
Emily & I started the To Be Wed Podcast!
The move to Port Macquarie proved difficult as most of my work was still located in Sydney and we missed our friends too much so after 5 months we packed up again and moved down to the Blue Mountains.
I got married
Business is thriving, I am meeting so many amazing couples and I am on track to have my biggest year to date all thanks to you guys :)
2023
I Photographed my 20th Wedding under my own name and am on my way to working with so many more amazing couples for 2023 & 2024!
Running
Yes I am one of those crazy people who enjoys running. I'm not sure what it is about running that I enjoy but all my fellow runners out there will know exactly how I feel. I am a regular at Parkrun every Saturday morning as well as running the occasional Half Marathon.
Hiking/Camping
I love the Great Outdoors and always enjoy a nice long hike. Living so close to the Blue Mountains I never have a shortage of options when it comes to new hiking trails. Recently my wife and I have also gotten into camping as a way to get off the grid for longer periods at a time. Life can be crazy sometimes so getting away from technology and the internet is always the best!
Drink Coffee
I do not want to understate just how much I love coffee. On any given day you will find me drinking between 3-4 cups of the sweet nectar. My go to brewing method is the Aeropress however I do love an espresso when it's done right! Not only do I love coffee but I also work part-time in a Coffee Shop through the week which is a tricky business for an addict like myself.
Listen to Music
One thing that weird's a lot of people out about me is that I don't really watch Movies or TV Shows. I would much rather sit down and listen to a full album from start to finish than put on a sit-com.
I am a real Hip-Hop head so you will always find me listening to records on repeat, digesting lyrics and painting stories in my mind.
Reading
Reading is another favourite pastime of mine although I've never read a fiction book. It's strictly non-fiction for me. Personal Development, Psychology, Business, Auto-Biographical, Religion. I still believe that my Audible subscription is one of the best purchases I ever made.
After dating for nearly 4 years, I got married to my beautiful wife Emily on the 23rd of April 2022. After planning the whole wedding ourselves, I fell in love with the art of planning and just how creative it can be. Yes, it can be expensive and time consuming but once you know the tricks of the trade it is so much fun. Having been through it myself I just love how I am able to help other couples just like myself navigate through this stage and pull off the Wedding of their dreams.
I've been in your shoes.
MY WHY.
I get asked all the time why I chose Wedding Photography and the answer is partly selfish but nonetheless genuine. The first reason and the main driver behind why I started creating Wedding Photography is because I love seeing people in love. I get such a kick out of being around people in love and documenting that is such a joy for me. The other reason I started this was because I knew there was a chance for me to help people with my photographic skills and knowledge of weddings. When I got engaged and started looking for my own Wedding Photographer I realised just how inaccessible Wedding Photography is for younger couples or anyone on a budget. I just wanted to bridge that gap and provide a super high quality service without all the fluff and inflated prices that you see going around.
Trust me, I get it...
Wedding Planning can be a lonely place. Before me, none of my friends had ever been married before, my parents were married 20 years ago and now divorced and my fiancé and I had no idea what to do. Hiring a Wedding Planner or coordinator was way out of our budget so we just had to wing it. We made it work but I wish I knew back then all of the things I knew now from both attending so many wedding and planning our own.
I want to share my secrets with you and help you plan the Wedding of your dreams. If we work together I will be in your corner every step of the Wedding Planning journey to help where I can and at least hype you up where I can't. Wedding Photography is way more than just what I can capture for you on the Wedding Day. It's months of planning and understanding each other so we can create magic in a split second.
Kind Words
Kind Words
"Mike is amazing!! We had mike photograph our wedding and we could not fault him in the slightest. He made the wedding so easy and care free including the lead up to the big day. He is so friendly and easy to get along with and our photos are truly perfect! Very highly recommend!"
— Kaitlyn & Jack
March 2023
"We hired Mike for our engagement and wedding photography last year, and we're so glad we did! Mike was organised, skilled, and great at communicating and working with our needs and ideas for the day. Friends and family at our wedding were impressed with Mike's skill in being present during the ceremony and reception, whilst also never dominating, he just slipped right in. We keep looking back on our photos and are so happy with how they turned out. Would highly recommend to anyone to hire Mike for your next photo needs!"
— Louisa & Josh
december 2022
"Mike did our engagement photos, as well as our wedding photos and we love them! We can’t wait to hang them around our house. Mike is so easy to work with and talks you through the whole process. Also a great choice if you or your partner are a little uncomfortable around the camera or showing affection in front of others. Highly recommended!"
— Tara & Josh
march 2022
"Mike took my engagement photos back in 2021 and wedding photos in 2022! He is an absolute pleasure to work with. He always responded to questions and emails swiftly and my husband and I are super happy with the photos. He was able to give us directions without being bossy and worked seamlessly with our videographers. Would definitely recommend him!"
— Tasha & Ryan
april 2022
"If we could give more stars we would! Mike photographed our proposal and did our engagement photos, and he's going to be photographing our wedding in October. There aren't words to describe how incredible Mike has been. Not only is his work absolutely stunning, but he's also so invested in our vision, our day and us as a couple. We cannot recommend Mike highly enough. He makes you feel comfortable in front of the camera, and so perfectly captures those special emotions/moments. Thanks for everything Mike!"
— Abbey & Matt
february 2023
"Mike was so helpful leading up to the day, was always available for questions and very flexible! On the actual day we were blown away, both literally from the wind and by all Mike’s energy especially considering how wet and windy it was! Despite all the rain the photos have turned out beyond what we hoped and we’re so thrilled by how he captured the joy and energy of the day. We also loved all the extra special things like the surprise polaroids of the day he gave us and how fast he was at getting the photos back to us, and looking through them has brought back wonderful memories of a great day."
— Kara & Will
july 2022
"Mike was our Wedding Photographer and did an absolutely amazing job! He is a professional, kind and gentle guy who captured all of the important moments and happy atmosphere of the day. He was very generous with his time and had a very competitive price compared to some other quotes we got. We have many great photos and memories to look back on. His thoughtfulness in the little things such as bonus polaroid's from the day really made a big difference. Highly recommend!"
— Olivia & Semonn
may 2022
"Mike photographed our Engagement and Wedding and we couldn't have been happier with our experience. He was really open to doing whatever we wanted and also flexible about the style of photos. On the day, he was extremely kind and professional and made us feel comfortable when we were posing for photos. We received our photos super quickly and we absolutely loved the finished product! We were so happy with and proud of them that we used them as presents for friends and family who raved about the quality as well. We would recommend him to anyone!"
— Em & Harry
September 2021
"Reliable photographer. Had Mike, as he was local to the Blue Mountains (where I got engaged). Great skills. Reasonably priced. No issues. Photography can be a tough industry to be trusted for precious moments. Mike didn't let me down. He will only get better and I'm happy to have gone with him for my engagement moment."
— Pabz & Toni
april 2023
"Mike did our engagement photos and we absolutely loved it ! He was so generous and flexible, the photos looked so natural and greatly captured the essence of our beach themed photo shoot and loud laughters. Very positive experience with him ! Will be working with him in future projects"
— Ranah & Kyle
september 2022
My Podcast!
Tune in every Friday to her me and my Wife Emily talk all about Wedding Planning! We give away heaps of tips and tricks as well as answering all your questions we received during the week!