Inside Mandee Johnson's Immersive Approach to Wedding Photography
Mandee Johnson approaches wedding photography with a perspective that extends far beyond the couple alone. Her work is rooted in capturing the full atmosphere of a celebration, from fleeting moments of joy to the energy shared across every guest in the room. The result is imagery that feels immersive, emotive and deeply connected to the world each couple creates.
THEODORE Mag: When did you start wedding photography, and what inspired you to become a wedding photographer?
Mandee: When I first attended photo school, my focus was on documentary work because I aspired to be a war photographer. However, my life took a turn when I fell in love and moved to Los Angeles, where I became a photo producer for commercial, advertising, and editorial photography.
A dear friend from college, who was a wedding photographer, asked me to second shoot with her. She thought I would really enjoy it because my role would simply be to document the day. This opportunity not only allowed me to return to photography but also marked the beginning of my journey as a wedding photographer. I had no idea that documentary-style wedding photography was an option until she invited me to that very first wedding.
THEODORE Mag: How would you describe your style in your own words?
Mandee: My photography style is rooted in documentary work. I believe it's essential to capture a wedding day as it unfolds. While there are moments that involve posed family portraits and formal shots, the majority of my focus is on showcasing the couple's world and the celebration they create with their loved ones.
In addition to my documentary approach, I incorporate an editorial flair into my work. The other half of my career involves commercial and editorial photography, where I work with comedians and celebrities. This experience naturally infuses my wedding photography with a sense of spontaneity and stylized composition, elevating it beyond traditional documentary work.
THEODORE Mag: What inspires you outside of photography and weddings?
Mandee: I love fashion, interior design, and architecture, but what truly inspires me is travel, ranging from international adventures, exploring new cities, or camping off the grid to enjoy the beauty of nature. I cherish spending time in wide-open spaces, touching the grass, and taking a moment to clear my mind. I also watch a lot of classic films and movies in general. I enjoy analyzing the lighting and the dynamics between characters; it's a fun way to appreciate storytelling.
THEODORE Mag: What can couples expect when they book you for their wedding?
Mandee: My approach is one of collaboration, allowing my couples to set the level of partnership based on their availability and how involved they are in the overall design and planning process. This also includes working closely with their wedding planner, reviewing the design deck, coordinating the photo timeline, and discussing family and wedding party formalities a couple of months before the wedding.
I'm also a producer, and I spend the other half of my life working in both live event production and scripted comedy content. I bring this experience to every wedding I work on, approaching each one with a focus on pre-production. I love knowing all the information and details, no matter how small. It ensures that my team and I are in the right places at the right times to capture all the moments organically. This approach allows me to visualize the weekend, scout, create a moodboard, and plan, then adjust as needed. Everyone works differently, but I feel most free in my role with a structured plan in place, enabling my team and me to move creatively while seamlessly integrating throughout the weekend.
THEODORE Mag: What's your favourite part of a wedding day to capture?
Mandee: My favorite moment of any wedding day is always the recessional. Every couple is just so happy in that moment, and it's such a beautiful and special few seconds of the day. Outside of that, I love a great dance floor; you can't beat everyone having a fantastic time and getting down!
How do you approach telling each couple's unique story?
Mandee: My approach goes beyond simply telling the couple's story; I like to focus on the broader world they are building for their guests during the wedding weekend, and on the entire environment my couple is creating and then inviting their guests into.
I like to see the world through the prism of my couple. What atmosphere are they building, and what vibe? What they want their guests to experience, and how they want them to feel. Their story then serves as the thread that connects all these elements.
THEODORE Mag: Has your work changed or evolved since you first started?
Mandee: Recently, I went through a lot of my old work and revamped my website. It was really interesting to see how my work has evolved. While my style has not necessarily changed drastically, it has developed a clearer point of view.
At the same time, there are many images from a decade ago that I still love; they feel very much like me and resonate as if I shot them just a week ago. I love knowing that the essence of who I am and how I approach my work has always been present. Rather than shifting or changing completely, my growth focuses on refining my work into the best possible version of itself and on continuing to challenge myself to push outside the box and avoid becoming robotic in my practice.
THEODORE Mag: Looking back, what's a moment from a wedding that really stays with you?
Mandee: The first wedding that comes to mind is my last one in December 2019 because it truly was the best celebration before the world shut down.
On a broader scale, what really sticks with me most from weddings are often the toasts given by friends and family. A really good toast allows me to learn more about my couple and how their loved ones see them. It's incredibly special, especially when it happens during a welcome party or rehearsal dinner before the actual wedding. You gain these little glimpses into their lives that you wouldn't normally experience, seeing them through the eyes of those who love them, and that's magic.
Visit mandeejohnson.com
Instagram @mandeephoto
DISCLAIMER: We attempt to credit the original photographer/source of every image we use. However, in most circumstances, the images we use are provided by the brands spoken about, and we rely on them to inform us of the image source. If you think a credit may be incorrect, please contact us at info@theodoremagazine.com.
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