APPROACH | STYLE | PERSONALITY
I crave Authenticity in my own life above all else... you can be certain that I will give you nothing short of that.
Photos are for moments, not moments for photos
This is a photo of a younger—and, let’s be honest, less handsome—version of me, sitting in front of some freshly laid wallpaper. I used that exact spot for the first engagement session I ever shot.
What you couldn’t see? Just two feet to the right, the contractor was still laying the wallpaper.
That moment stuck with me. It became the perfect metaphor for how this career has unfolded.
Sometimes, you can only see a few steps ahead. The bridge appears when you reach it. The tracks get laid as you walk. You just keep moving, even when the path isn’t clear.
That’s how I got here. And it’s shaped everything about how I work.
ART THAT REFLECTS LIFE
It might surprise you, but on your wedding day, you'll spend more time with your photographer than your significant other. So, it goes without saying that getting along with your photographer is essential.
I can give you all the pros about why connecting personally with your photographer matters. But I'll leave you with just this one: It's how you get the intimate images you want.
This is why, from our first conversation, I take the time to get to know you and make sure we sync philosophically.
who it benefits
Natural and candid means different things to different couples. Here's what it means to me:
• You'll remain present as I fade into the background.
• You'll have room to breathe and explore in an environment cultivated for you to feel safe being yourselves.
• You'll interact with each other naturally. So that when I do give you direction, it still looks and feels natural in your photos.
what it means
If you can't see the chemistry between two people in a portrait, in my opinion, that image is as good as useless.
This is why I'll never stage or fake a moment for the sake of a picture. Therein lies madness and the opposite of genuinity.
Instead, I look for unscripted moments and quiet interactions, the nuanced, subtle emotions that more accurately tell the story of your relationship.
why it matters
Jessica, bride
“We never would have gotten such beautiful shots if we weren't comfortable and totally at ease with Matt. That's the big difference - the way he makes his subjects feel. How he can study them and capture special moments, [and] his eye for finding the best composition.”
Although I take a more backseat approach to photography, I'm more hands-on when it comes to portraits. However, after 16 years of photographing weddings, I also know that giving too many prompts can paralyze people.
So, I'll provide you with as little guidance - like a slight tweak of the placement of your hand. Or as much direction - like the angle of your body, as you need to feel comfortable.
You'll commonly hear me say, "Say it with your eyes." This is my way of getting you to remember the significance of this day. And to help you think less and be more present.
The end result?: Photos you look dang good in.
when it helps
Come wedding day, I'm ready to rock n' roll. I'm familiar with the details. I'm prepared for inclement weather. And I'm scouting the best locations for backgrounds and lighting - all before I ever load my first roll of film.
But unlike other photographers that might be scared to deviate from the planned path, I am no stranger to rolling with the punches.
Above all else, I will always follow the path that creates the most genuine, authentic photos for you.
where it counts
Sara, bride
“...candid, relaxed, and unobtrusive way of shooting - combined with an editorial feel that makes everyone and everything look fabulous. ”
Besides people taking themselves too seriously… and yeah, mosquitos, traffic, and hot weather—I cannot stand phones out at concerts. One quick pic, maybe a 10-second clip, fine. But I’m there for the experience. Maybe it’s the 90s kid in me, or the fact that I spend so much time behind a camera documenting other people’s moments… but I think we’re missing the point.
Dislikes |
What’s life without a little laughter? I take my work very seriously—just not myself.
Humor |
Easy going. Give me a fire-pit, some beer, a guitar, some mountains (why do I live here?!), my kids, and some good friends and I have total contentment.
CHARACTER |
When I’m not with the fam or working, I’m probably writing songs, roasting coffee, or making candles—hobbies that have earned me the unfortunate title of “The Original Hipster” by friends- a title I find upsetting.
CREATIVITY |
Clementine (12), Wolfgang (8), and Fritz (5)—aka Fritzophrenic. My feral little masterpieces.. They are everything to me!
family |
ELYSE, BW THEORY
“Matthew is an undercover perfectionist. He works harder than most and is simply more talented than most. He’s the real deal!”