Derek Cookson Photography – Royal Oak, MI Wedding and Portrait Photographer

WELCOME!

My philosophy of "Life, Laughter, and Love" was inspired by my wife when she had it engraved in my wedding ring, always there to remind me what's important. It's also what guides me to capture what I do, when I have a camera in my hand.

Friends will ask me if I consider it work, but I ask, how can it be? When I am blessed to be able to share such wonderful moments in peoples lives, to be shared forever, I can't call it work, but I can tell you it's the best job in the world. And I would love to share it with you!

-Derek

11.5.10

Radmila and David: Engagement in Grand Rapids!

Radmila and David brought me out to Grand Rapids Michigan one AWESOME Fall evening (ironically, it was supposed to storm that night!) to take some engagement photos, and little did I know just how HOT the whole night would be! It’s rare to feel such a strong love, admiration, and fun between two people, and I feel lucky to have been someone who got to share it with them that night!

Enjoy the photos, and don’t forget to check out all the other fun at our facebook page at http://www.facebook.com/derekcooksonphotography !

no comments

comment

11.4.10

Fall in Love!

It’s a great time to fall in love! Fall in love with pumpkins, fall in love with the chilly air, fall in love with….fall!

There’s just something about this time of year, as I walk down the sidewalks and hear the crunch of the leaves under my feet. Daydreaming new possibilities, digesting old ideas…a time of reflection, of the future and the past!

I want to start taking more photos for MYSELF. I want to share my photos with YOU. Therefore, I share myself…with you. I’m not just any guy with a camera, I’m a man with dreams, a photographer with passion, a husband, soon to be a FATHER, and I think I’ve got a lot to share.

What do you share with everyone in your life?

But I, being poor, have only my dreams;
I have spread my dreams under your feet,
Tread softly because you tread on my dreams

-Yeats

no comments

comment

11.3.10

Family Photos at the Cider Mill – Sneak Peek!

I have to admit, I had a ton of fun, photos and donuts with Laura and her beautiful family at the Yates Cider Mill, in Rochester Hills, Michigan….In that order! (Mmmm…cidermilldonuts)Â For anyone NOT living in Michigan who might read this, Cider Mills are a Michigan staple in the fall, and the Yates Family Cider Mill is one of the most picturesque of them!

Anyways, these two little girls were the TOTAL stars of the show, with bounds of energy, and enough smiles for everyone! I couldn’t resist snapping a few extra of just them…such cuties!

Enjoy the photos, and don’t forget to check them out on facebook, at http://www.facebook.com/derekcooksonphotography

no comments

comment

10.27.10

Stephanie and Rob – Mill Race Engagement Photos Sneak Peek

Stephanie and Rob were new to me; We hadn’t had much of a chance to get to know each other before our shoot…but really, with a smile like hers, isn’t it easy to fall in love?

We had a great time travelling to Historic Mill Race (Just outside Northville Michigan), sharing some laughs, some talk, and some fantastic photos! Wish them luck as they prepare for theirÂ tropical wedding in Summer 2011, and don’t forget to share the comments here or over at the facebook page, http://www.facebook.com/derekcooksonphotography

+ - 1 comment

comment

October 27, 2010 - 2:03 pm

Christina Trader - Another amazing job! The lighting is just wonderful.
Many faves in this set.. and packed with inspiration 🙂ReplyCancel

10.26.10

Maddie – Senior Session Sneak Peek

Maddie Maddie Maddie…how can someone BEGIN to describe the beautiful smile on this Senior in only a few words? I found that just being around her puts you in a better mood, and she has a laugh that will inspire everytime!

We had a lot of fun around Troy and Birmingham, starting at the Somerset Collection and ending up on the rooftop parking garage for the sunset; I hope you enjoy the photos of this superstar as much as we did!

+ - 1 comment

comment

October 27, 2010 - 2:01 pm

Christina Trader - What a doll!!! You captured her personality so perfectly, Derek. Beautiful!!ReplyCancel

10.22.10

The Lego Store Grand Opening at the Somerset Collection

And now for something completely different!

As some of you may know, I am the Event Photographer for the Somerset Collection, and sometimes an event is so cool, I can’t wait to share it with everyone! This was for the Grand Opening of the Lego Store…and they celebrated by getting all the children to help, over 3 days, to make the pieces that would contribute to one 8 foot tall Buzz Lightyear, put together by a “Master Lego Builder”. It was pretty awesome, check it out, and don’t forget to share them with the people in your life on our facebook page, http://www.facebook.com/derekcooksonphotography

Lego always has a special place in my heart from remembering the many…MANY..hours spent just dumping the parts out on the floor and thinking “What can I create today?” I encourage you to do the same with your kids! No batteries needed, just imaginations! I’m not advertising for Lego here, I’m promoting creativity!