There’s an unmistakable honesty in Cody Goetz’s work. The kind of authenticity that isn’t manufactured or staged, but rather observed, absorbed, and carefully preserved in every frame. Based in Manitoba, Cody has built a career around documenting weddings with a style that feels both cinematic and deeply personal. It’s a delicate balance—finding the beauty in fleeting moments without imposing on them. For Cody, wedding photography isn’t about orchestrating perfection. It’s about capturing truth.
From Filmmaker to Photographer: The Paperback Films Era
Cody’s journey into wedding photography didn’t begin with still images—it began with motion. Before picking up a camera as a photographer, he was behind the lens as a filmmaker. Working with Paperback Films, a well-known wedding film company, Cody honed his ability to tell visual stories through movement, light, and emotion.
It was in the fast-paced world of wedding cinematography that Cody developed his signature approach. The ability to anticipate moments, the instinct to frame a shot in a way that told a deeper story, the art of seamlessly blending into a wedding day while capturing its essence—these were all skills sharpened through filmmaking before ever transitioning to still photography.
“Filmmaking teaches you how to see things differently,” Cody explains. “You’re always thinking about the bigger picture—the way a moment builds, the way it fits into the overall narrative.” That mindset carried over when he eventually transitioned into photography, allowing him to bring a cinematic quality to his wedding imagery.
The Accidental Documentarian
Like many in the industry, Cody didn’t set out to become a wedding photographer. What started as a casual creative outlet quickly evolved into something much bigger—something that tapped into a deep appreciation for storytelling. Since 2010, he’s been refining his craft, developing a reputation for a documentary-style approach infused with warmth, subtle direction, and an understanding of light that feels almost instinctual.
“I'm not a journalistic photographer,” Cody admits. “But my approach is journalistic.” It’s a fine distinction, but an important one. While he doesn’t strictly adhere to a no-intervention rule like some photojournalists, he also isn’t in the business of rigidly posing couples into textbook wedding compositions. Instead, he steps back, observes, and allows moments to unfold naturally. “If I’m getting a couple together, I bring them close, take a step back, and just let them settle into that space.”
That ability to let moments breathe is what makes Cody’s work resonate. It’s not just about capturing how a wedding looks—it’s about documenting how it feels.
Finding Beauty in Every Setting
While many photographers have a dream destination or a bucket-list venue, Cody isn’t chasing a specific backdrop. He’s chasing experiences. “It’s the idea of anywhere different,” he says. “I’d love to shoot more in the mountains. I did a creative shoot out there last summer, and it was such a learning experience—understanding light and timing was completely different from the prairies.”
His adaptability is a testament to his skill. Whether he’s documenting an intimate elopement on a remote island or a sprawling six-day Indian wedding with 600 guests, Cody approaches each event with the same philosophy: connection is everything. “Both were my favorites,” he says. “Because the connection between those couples was so genuine.”
The Couples That Matter Most
In an industry where many photographers define their “ideal client” based on aesthetic preferences, Cody’s criteria are refreshingly simple. “I mostly just want clients that are truly connected with each other,” he says. That connection, that story, is what fuels his creativity.
It’s one of the reasons he gravitates toward engagement sessions. “We can personalize things. I had a client show up with an old truck that was really important to their relationship. So we built the whole session around that. I love sessions like that—where we go beyond just showing up at a field and taking pictures.”
For Cody, the best photos aren’t the ones that look like they belong in a magazine. They’re the ones that feel like they belong to the couple.
Defining a Style Without Being Defined By It
Photographers are often asked to label their style, but for Cody, that’s a complicated question. “There are so many different styles,” he says. “I wouldn’t say I fit neatly into one category.” But when pressed, he lands on something close to the truth: a blend of documentary storytelling with a cinematic eye.
His editing style leans warm and true-to-colour—never overly processed or manipulated. It’s an approach that lets the emotion and authenticity of the moment take centre stage. And while he appreciates the growing popularity of editorial-style wedding photography, he’s drawn more to the raw and the real. “That messy, paparazzi vibe? I’m starting to like it a lot.”
The Art of Balance
Beyond photography, Cody is a father. It’s a role that shapes not only his schedule but also his perspective on the work-life balance so many creatives struggle with. “I’ve been working weekends since I was 19,” he says. “So it’s kind of my normal.”
That unconventional schedule has actually given him more time with his kids. “I get to drop them off at school, pick them up, and really be present in their lives,” he says. “Of course, summers are busier. But being able to work from home means they always have access to me.”
It’s a reality many photographers grapple with—weekends spent working while the rest of the world relaxes. But for Cody, it’s never felt like a sacrifice. It’s just life. And it’s a life that works.
The Honor of Being Named 2024 Canadian Wedding Photographer of the Year
In 2024, Cody was recognized with one of the highest honors in the industry—being named the Canadian Wedding Photographer of the Year. It’s a title that speaks to his dedication, talent, and ability to create deeply meaningful imagery that resonates not just with his couples, but with the industry as a whole.
“I never set out to win awards,” Cody admits. “But it’s incredibly humbling to be recognized in this way.”
For him, the award isn’t just about personal success—it’s a reflection of the couples he works with, the moments he’s had the privilege of capturing, and the artistry he’s spent years refining.
Looking Ahead
When asked what’s next, Cody doesn’t have a grand plan or a neatly packaged answer. He’s not chasing numbers or milestones—he’s chasing moments that matter. For him, wedding photography isn’t about checking off achievements; it’s about immersing himself in stories, capturing the depth of human connection, and continuing to evolve as an artist. At the end of the day, it all comes back to the heart of it—documenting love in a way that feels honest, raw, and timeless.
Website: codygoetz.ca
Instagram: @codygoetzphotography
