I’m Matt, and it's awesome to meet you
As a kid growing up, I was into everything. Sport was a massive part of my life for a long time, but there was always a creative side to me that was my quiet 'me' time. I loved drawing, painting and making things. Anyone remember the big art section on Art Attack? I was featured for a drawing of an Apache helicopter made from straws. I loved it. I always took one of those Kodak disposable cameras with me on school trips, but photography as a hobby didn't come until much later for me, when I was home from Uni on a break. My folks have always been into taking photos, and they're damn good at it too, so I grabbed one of their cameras and took photos of everything I could find. This led me to wanting to travel the world and work for Attenborough, but somewhere along the line, human connection became way more interesting.
The fact I get to spend my days with 'my people', be of service to them and give them photos of real, authentic connection with the people who really mean something to them still blows my mind. And every year I love it a little bit more. As a kid, as with most kids, my idea of what I'd do for a career changed with the wind (fighter pilot, marine biologist, soldier and pro cricketer to name a few). But now, I can't imagine doing anything else. I think I love the documentary approach to wedding photography and making layered photos so much because, for me, photography has so many layers to it. I love the creative element of seeing cool moments and making cool compositions, but there is the deeper human element and the inner love of people that allows me to get so close and be accepted into that moment in the first place.
A camera comes with me wherever I go now, because you never know what you're going to see. My work is very influenced by the art of street photography, and most of my favourite and most influential photographers make their work on the streets around the world. That being said, I also have an appreciation for the incredible editorial and fashion photographers whose work graces the glossy pages of Vogue.
When I'm not working, you'll find me hanging out with my gorgeous wife Jess (who is a kick-ass hair & makeup artist by the way) and our ginger fur-ball Fergus, riding my bikes around the lanes and dirt trails of Kent with my mates in search of a good time and a coffee or two, or out shooting some street photos, often on film.
"When we first asked you to work with us, we honestly had no idea how much you would make our day! Honestly, we just can't say enough how brilliant you were!"
Laura & Tom
Candid, laid-back and
in-the-moment
my style and approach
When I'm working, I like to keep things pretty simple and relaxed, and just let the day unfold. I will always prioritise your time with everyone else over any 'formalities' and I'll bring the best energy and do everything I can to make sure you have the best day possible. Just think of me as your #1 hype man with a camera!
I think it's so important that you get to just go and experience this day you've spent ages planning and organising, so I'll always make sure you get as much time as is humanly possible with everyone else you've asked to be there. Aside from the family photos, nothing is staged or posed, it's all natural, in-the-moment stuff, and we'll have a great time making it!
I believe to my bones that, when you look back over your photos in the days, weeks, or even years after your wedding, they should make you feel something, and a photo should transport you back to that exact moment when it was taken. You should be able to show your photos to a total stranger, and they should be able to feel like they were there. Yes, I know that's cheesy, but it's true!
To make photos like that, I shoot from pretty close. I'm not the 'traditionalist' who shoots with a big telephoto lens from miles away on the basis that 'people won't know they're being photographed', because there's just too much separation. So I'm right in the mix with you, and people will know I'm there, but don't worry, I'm there to have just as much fun as you!
We will make sure we put some time aside to make some gorgeous, cinematic portraits, and grab those all-important family photos as well, but the really don't take long, and there are some natural points in the day where we can slip away to shoot those photos, without me having to take you away from spending time with people.
Sadly, we've all been to 'those' weddings as guests, where you watch your mates get married, throw some confetti over them as they exit, and then stand around with a drink and a canapé for ages thinking "where the f*ck are they?!" because they're off doing endless posed photos.
Well, I do the opposite of that!
Shall we do this thing?
If this is all sounding pretty good, and you have connected with my work and my style, I'd love to chat and hear more about your plans for your day. Hit the button below and let's get the ball rolling.