You're not here for stiff smiles or awkward posing. You're here because you want photos that actually feel like you. Whether it's your wedding or your family, my job is to keep things relaxed and honest so the moments can speak for themselves.
Voted #1 Wedding Photographer for the Geelong and Surf Coast Region at the 2025 Australian Wedding Industry Awards, with over 100 weddings shot and 88+ five star reviews behind me. Not that any of that matters much on the day. What matters is you feeling like you, not performing for a camera.
Photographer. Dad. Bloke who'll happily pat your dog.
Weddings
No cheesy poses. No forced smiles. Just the day as it really felt. The nervous energy. The wild dance moves. The quiet in-between bits nobody else notices. You stay present, I'll handle the photos.
Families
Kids won't sit still, and they don't need to. My sessions are calm, play based and stress free, run around Geelong and the Bellarine. You'll get real photos of your crew being themselves, the kind you'll actually want to hang on the wall, not the kind that end up in a drawer.
It was that first wedding back in 2018, camera in hand, adrenaline going, everyone completely themselves, that sealed it for me. I'm all about connection and emotion, but I'm intentional with how I work too. I know how to frame a moment without getting in the way. There's no need to force anything when the real stuff is already happening in front of you.
I'm the kind of person who'll chat to your gran, wrangle your nephews for a photo, and pat every dog at the wedding. I've fixed buttonholes, calmed nerves, and snuck a drink to someone between speeches. I don't take it lightly that people trust me with their biggest days. It's a privilege to be invited in, and I show up fully every time, eyes open, ready to notice what matters.
I'm not just there to shoot, I'm there to help
Why I Photograph the Way I Do
When I'm not photographing weddings around Geelong and the Surf Coast or chasing light with families on the Bellarine, I'm hanging with my own crew, digging into a good podcast, or out walking my dog. I'm a dad, a bit of a music tragic, and happiest when there's good food and no rush. I'll always pick a dog beach over a shopping centre.
This job's personal. It's not just what I do, it's how I connect with people, and it never gets old. Most of the time you'll forget I'm even holding a camera. That's usually when the good stuff happens.
Not just a camera guy
get to know me on a personal level
“Having Mike there on our big day was as easy as breathing. From the moment he rocked up he took care of everything and we were free to be ourselves — no posing, no extra awkwardness. Our family and friends loved him. Everyone thought he was great fun, super professional, and felt completely comfortable the whole time. My husband is usually incredibly camera shy, but had no issues at all being in front of the camera with Mike. Even I, with all my self-confidence issues, loved how I looked in the photos.”
"The perfect wedding photographer exists, and his name is Mike."
Google Review FROM KAT + ASH
Real connection over perfect poses, always
I know how awkward it can feel being in front of a camera. Most people aren't models and don't want to be. That's why I keep things low pressure and relaxed.
No forced smiles, no weird posing, just honest moments, gently guided when it helps. You don't need to perform, you just need to be there together and I'll take care of the rest.
The best photos start with how you feel
Feeling Comfortable Always Comes First
Absolutely. I offer planning support and casual catch-ups so everything feels clear and relaxed ahead of time. For four hour bookings, meetings are via Zoom or phone.
Q: Can we meet before the day?
Yes, I shoot across Victoria. Travel within 100 km of Geelong is included with your coverage. For bookings outside of this range, just let me know in your contact form.
Q: Do you travel outside Geelong?
Ready For photos that actually feel like you?
Weddings around Geelong and the Surf Coast book out fast, so if you've got a date in mind, don't sit on it too long. Packages start from $2,500, have a squiz at the wedding packages, and reach out.
COPYRIGHT © 2026 MIKE ATCHISON PHOTOGRAPHY
