University of Kent Headshots

I’ve recently spent three days with students at the University of Kent studying in Canterbury and Medway. Through the University’s Careers and Employability Service, I focused on capturing as many headshots as possible for students to use on their LinkedIn profiles.

That tiny square on a LinkedIn profile is the first impression students are providing prospective employers and research suggests you are 36 times more likely to receive a message with a professional headshot!

I ended up photographing over 120 students and here are a select few!

Harriet and James’ Wedding

This was without question one of the most relaxed, chilled and laid-back weddings I have had the pleasure of capturing. When I caught-up with Harriet and James a few weeks before their big day, they said that they just wanted me to capture the moments as they happened (no awkward posing with people being forced to say cheese). The weather was absolutely perfect for this winter wedding and the Secret Garden’s rustic and vintage vibe matched perfectly with everything, from the bridesmaids dresses to the flowers.

These guys held their service at the stunning chapel and the weather was perfect for wintery walk with the newly weds around the gardens. The top off the perfect day, there was a sparkler exit followed by some smashing dance moves to 80s pop!

“Thank you so much, we love them! You have really captured the happiness of the day”

Clark and Jodie’s ‘Day of the Dead’ themed weddings

Clark and Jodie’s big day was truly one of a kind, with rain pouring (literally red level weather warning scale), a request for guests to dress as comfortably as they wish and an overarching day of the dead theme. But most importantly, this day truly reflected this awesome couple and was foremost characterised by their love for one another.

The service at St. Peter’s Church in Bridge, near Canterbury, was particularly special as it was delivered by Clark’s Step Mum (which happened to be her first wedding) and their reception at Barham Village Hall was so much fun to capture.

Working alongside the talented NNastia Photography, who was my second shooter, we completely forgot about the rain, with so many special moments being captured inside.

We also had the chance to take the couple to a nearby stately home for their indoor newly wed session, which provided plenty of opportunities for relaxed portraits.

The couple also showed their awesomeness by standing out in the cold and rain, allowing for unique night-time portraits!

“I can’t recommend Matt enough. We are so so happy with the photos! He’s professional and friendly and is really passionate about getting the best photos he can. Thank you Matt for giving us some precious memories to cherish forever!”

— Joddie Stupple

Sophie and Joe’s wedding at the Crown Lodge

What a wedding! When I met Sophie and Joe a few weeks’ before their big day, they told me they had one big requirement; they wanted the coverage to be a relaxed and natural as possible!

The wedding started at St Cosmas & St Damian’s Church in Challock, which is an absolutely stunning Church, followed by the reception at the Crown Lodge in Wye (an equally stunning location).

Despite the heavy wind and rain, we managed to get outside after the meal for some relaxed portraits, shortly followed by Lofty Harris playing into the evening.

“Matt was amazing - neither of us felt very comfortable being photographed but Matt instantly put us at ease and I felt like he really understood what we wanted. He captured some amazing photos of our day that will be treasured memories for us forever. Matt was really responsive to messages and got us our final gallery 2 weeks after the wedding, with some sneak peaks after about a week. Thank you so much for your amazing work”

— Sophie Lawrenson

Personal Branding Session for EnglishQi

I recently had the chance to work with the Founder of EnglishQi, a new initiative which helps individuals develop their English language skills for professional development.

As a new business, the Founder was looking for a series of images, including ‘action shots’ to help market the business.

We worked across multiple venues (with some challenging lighting conditions) to create some simple yet effective imagery.

You can check out some select images below:

Innovation Weekender Coverage

I spent a full weekend with staff and students from the University of Kent, University of East Anglia, University of Essex, University of Suffolk and Writtle University College, providing full coverage of their Innovation Weekender.

This event, which features as a part of the EIRA initiative, led to students spending 3-days at the Bowels Rocks outdoor centre in Tunbridge Wells. The event focused around a challenge set by senior staff within PepsiCo and the students worked in teams to find innovative ways to promote their brands, including Walkers, Quaker Oats, Naked Smoothies and Doritos.

During the mornings, students developed team working skills through undertaking activities such as skiing, rock climbing and archery, whereas in the afternoons they attended workshops focusing on skills such as presenting and creative thinking.

The students worked well into the nights on their team projects and on the final afternoon, they were tasked with pitching their ideas to a senior judging panel (alas via technology due to the current COVID-19 situation).

As the photographer, I had an awesome weekend, providing action shots of students climbing rock faces through to capturing the students working through their challenges collectively. I also had another chance to collaborate with the fantastic KMTV, who were providing video coverage.

You can see some select shots from the weekend below:

Business and Student I-Teams Final Coverage

The University of Kent’s Hub for Innovation and Enterprise recently held a grand final for their I-Teams initiative; a six-week programme where students worked in teams to provide innovative solutions provided by businesses such as Southeastern, Lucas UK Group and TMLEP.

During the six-week period, the teams received mentorship and guidance from staff at the Kent Invicta Chamber of Commerce.

I was tasked to provide documentary coverage of the final, which included networking events, the judging panels and the student presentations.

I also gained the chance to work alongside KMTV once again, who are providing video coverage.

The images will be used to promote the event in forthcoming years and provide new content for the University’s website and social media outlets.