Planning a wedding is a monumental task, with countless decisions that are all vital; choosing the perfect dress, suits, venue, curating the guest list, crafting a cohesive theme, scouting caterers, florists and décor experts and perhaps most importantly—selecting the right photographer to capture it all.

When you are in that moment, the list feels endless. Finding a photographer with technical skills and the ability to tell a story authentically can be even more frustrating.

As any couple would know, this search often requires sorting through portfolios, assessing personalities and coordinating plans to ensure everything aligns seamlessly on the big day.

Few understand these pressures better than our own Jamaican wedding photographer Merrick Cousley. For Merrick, capturing a wedding is about being part of a couple’s story, aligning his creative vision with their personal style and vision.

His journey into wedding photography was as unexpected as it was transformative, moving from a stable career in computer science to a life behind the lens. Today, Merrick’s work is defined by a harmonious blend of classic and photojournalistic styles, allowing him to immortalise both the big moments and the quiet, unscripted ones. Recently, Our Today had the pleasure of discussing with Merrick, his path from tech to the creative world, the artistry behind wedding photography, and his advice for aspiring photographers.

Here, he shares insights into his craft, his influences, and what it takes to truly capture a story through photography.

Discovering a New Path Through Photography

Merrick’s journey into photography didn’t begin with formal training or childhood aspirations. Instead, it began with a love of creativity and curiosity about the world around him. “My journey started more than ten years ago,” Merrick recalls. At the time, he was working a stable job in computer science, focused on hardware and server maintenance. Although he found the field intellectually stimulating, something was missing. “I was never happy being a desk type of guy, so computer science, specifically hardware and server maintenance was a great experience.”

The turning point came on his birthday when Merrick received a camera as a gift. Intrigued, he started using it to take photos of landscapes, enjoying the way he could capture nature’s beauty. “I’ve always been fascinated by the way a single image can tell a story or evoke emotions. It’s like capturing a moment in time that can be revisited over and over again. I love how photography allows you to see the world from different perspectives.”

There’s a thrill in freezing a moment in time, knowing you’re capturing something unique that might never happen again, not only for Merrick, but also for his clients. Photography opened a new world.

Transitioning from Hobby to Profession

For many, the leap from hobbyist to professional photographer can be daunting. But for Merrick, the journey began naturally. It started when a friend, who knew about his budding interest in photography, asked Merrick to photograph their wedding. “They loved the photos I presented, another friend saw those images and asked me to do the same favour.” This was the moment he recognised that photography could be more than a pastime. “It was like a light bulb moment,” he stated, realising he could turn this into a career.

After much deliberation and countless discussions with his family, Merrick made the brave decision to leave his job in tech and pursue photography full-time. It was a leap of faith, no doubt. “The transition to full-time photography was a smooth one. I resigned my job as a Systems Support Officer in 2010, and have not looked back since.”

Influences and the Art of Visual Storytelling

As Merrick honed his craft, he drew inspiration from some of the world’s most influential photographers. “I remember international artists such as Joe McNally, Jase Jarvis, and Jasmin Star to name a few,” Merrick explains. Joe McNally is a renowned American photographer known for his creative use of lighting and powerful storytelling. Jarvis’ work typically includes striking compositions and evocative imagery, capturing emotion with bold colours and contrast. Jasmine Star is a successful American photographer and business strategist, widely recognised for her expertise in wedding photography and brand-building. These photographers weren’t just skilled technicians, they were storytellers who used the camera as a tool for conveying emotion.

Merrick’s journey was also shaped by his early experiences with his first camera, a Canon Rebel XT 8mp with a kit lens 18-55 EF-S. “This was a far step up from using my Blackberry Cell phone at the time and had me spending days on the road doing photo walks with a group of other aspiring photographers.”

Defining a Signature Style

When it comes to wedding photography, Merrick has developed a style that’s both timeless and authentic. “My photographic style is a mixture of traditional/classic and photojournalistic. I find myself over the years placing special attention to semi-posed shots and formal portraits in a location at the venue that is the most picturesque, while capturing all the key moments and details of the entire wedding day. However, there are multiple moments during the day that will require a more candid approach that tells the emotional story.”

This approach allows him to create images that resonate deeply. It’s about capturing the essence of a moment without intruding, being there for the big moments and the small ones, the planned shots and the ones that happen naturally.

The Creative Process From Concept to Final Delivery

Every wedding is a unique story, and Merrick’s creative process reflects this diversity.

His work begins with an initial consultation, where he meets with the couple to discuss their vision and preferences. “The style they prefer (e.g., candid, editorial, traditional, cinematic), most likely they love what they see on my platforms and want me to take full creative control. Are there specific moments or family members they want highlighted? This sets the creative tone for the shoot. Some weddings have specific themes (rustic, glamorous, boho, etc.), this has very little to do with my photography style as the approach,” Merrick explains. This initial meeting helps him understand the couple’s personalities and establish a shared vision for the photos. He further explained, “Together, we discuss must-have shots, such as first look, family portraits, first dance, and any other special moments. This ensures I don’t miss anything important to the couple.

Once the vision is set, he moves into the planning phase. This involves everything from creating a shot list to visiting the venue beforehand. “If possible, I visit the venue(s) ahead of time or study the space online if I can’t go in person. Understanding the lighting, layout, and key photo spots at the location is essential for planning. Because of my experience over the years, I am very familiar with most venues in Jamaica and can plan accordingly,” he says.

On the wedding day itself, Merrick’s approach is a blend of meticulous planning and flexibility. He arrives early, equipped with a variety of lenses, lighting equipment, and backup gear to ensure that he’s prepared for anything. Weddings can be unpredictable, however, he is also ready to adapt to the moment, capturing both planned and unplanned situations.

He states: “During the cocktail hour or reception, I may be focussing on family group shots while my assistant covers candid moments between guests, family interactions, and shots of the reception décor, flowers, table settings, the cake, etc. These images add richness to the overall wedding album. I’m on standby for key moments, always looking for emotion and storytelling. I also capture energetic moments like dancing, ensuring that I can convey the energy and joy of the celebration.”

Facing Unique Challenges of Wedding Photography

While wedding photography is incredibly rewarding, it comes with its share of challenges. Merrick has faced his fair share of technical and logistical hurdles, from unexpected equipment failures to challenging lighting conditions. When asked how he deals with those circumstances, his response was: “First by not showing the panic on my face! There were instances where a lens, flash or even a camera will fail during a session and I have to switch to backup gear. There are also times when the angles, lighting, mood (clients or my mood) are not working, in these situations, I have to push through trying different angles, poses and locations until the inspiration resurfaces.

“The biggest challenge has been the adaptation of very high vendor fees at hotels limiting, client options of hiring outside photographers (and other vendors). The hotels charge this fee to clients essentially forcing them to use their in-house photo studios. Fortunate for me, I have still been able to attract clients despite those high fees, but it will be a barrier to entry for most photographers.”

Merrick has managed to build a loyal client base through his reputation for quality and professionalism.

A Continuous Journey of Growth and Adaptation

Reflecting on his career, Merrick acknowledges that his style and approach have evolved over time. “I prefer wedding photography primarily because it encompasses most genre of photography: macro, portraits, fashion, a little bit of sports, landscape, events. The dynamic nature keeps me excited, and I get to meet so many wonderful people. I do notice a rising need for real estate photography and I would like to provide the same high-quality imagery to the Jamaican market.”

Photography trends are always evolving, and new technology is constantly changing the way work is produced. One trend that he has embraced is the use of drones, which allow him to capture sweeping aerial shots of venues and landscapes. “Drones continue to be popular for capturing wide, aerial perspectives, especially in weddings, landscapes, and events,” he explains.

He also incorporates AI tools into his editing process, using them to streamline tasks like culling and colour grading while maintaining creative control. AI can speed up the workflow, but the final decisions are always up to him.

“Your style is your brand”

For those looking to make their mark in photography, Merrick has a wealth of advice. “Master the basics,” he begins. “Learn about your equipment so you can bring your vision to life. Learn to see and use lighting. Experiment with various genres (portrait, landscape, street, wedding, etc.) until you find what resonates with you. Your style is your brand.”

Building a strong portfolio is another critical step, Merrick notes. “Your photos are your primary marketing tools, display them wisely, focus on quality over quantity,” he says. “Consistency in quality and style is key when presenting your portfolio to clients or employers, stay persistent and patient.

“Success in photography doesn’t happen overnight. It takes persistence and continual learning. Embrace rejection and learn from it.”

Staying Inspired and Avoiding Burnout

Staying inspired is essential, but he acknowledges that creative burnout can be a challenge. “I take breaks and focus on life outside of photography, reconnect with my love for nature and friends. The funny thing is, in my everyday life I am continuously viewing things not just with my eyes, but visualise what it will look like through a lens. I also listen to inspirational podcasts, YouTube videos and other creatives in general, getting insight on their methods on avoiding burnout.”

Leaving a Legacy Through Photography

For Merrick Cousley, the ultimate goal of his career is to leave a legacy of memories that will be cherished by generations to come. In wedding photography, he feels a special sense of responsibility. “Through photography, I hope to leave a legacy of capturing moments that resonate with my clients and people for generations, reflecting both the beauty of life and the depth of human connection. In wedding photography, in particular, the images I create are not just photos, they’re lasting memories that preserve the essence of a couple’s love, their story and the emotions of those around them.”