BehindThe Lens
Who I am, how I shoot, and why I'm usually stood somewhere waiting for the light.
Northern Spire, Sunderland
About Michael
Finding a photograph in the ordinary
I'm Michael Wake. Sunderland lad, camera in hand, usually near the coast or out wandering, trying to capture a place and a moment in time nobody else has quite seen.
I'm not chasing postcard shots — just the light at the wrong time of day, a familiar place looking different in the rain, or a moment that's gone in five seconds if you're not paying attention. Photography's my excuse to slow down and actually look.
The Process
Early starts, no excuses
Alarm's set for stupid o'clock, whatever the season. Some shots need a 4am start, others need me stood there past midnight.
Light
Learning to chase the light
Coast, streets, studio — doesn’t matter where. Knowing when the light’s about to do something worth shooting, and being ready for it, is half the job.
Patience
Some shots take five visits, some take fifty
Every now and then you get lucky first time. Most of the time it’s gone back three or four times before it comes together.
Place
Coast, city, wherever the story is
Coastline, old architecture, a street on an ordinary day, a moment at an event that’s gone in seconds — anywhere there’s something worth catching, in any weather.
Collections
A look through the work
Coast, city and aerial work, sorted into three collections. Dive into whichever catches your eye.
Prints • Calendars
Have something in mind?
Whether it’s a print for your wall or you just fancy a chat about photography, I’d be glad to hear from you.