“I want you to look cool, feel relaxed, and be confident when you’re taking your wedding photos,” says Matt Elliott of Matt Elliott Photography. He also says he has bag of tricks when it comes to helping brides and grooms “reduce any awkward rigid bodies”. Yes! Where do you sign us up? Based in Victoria, Matt snaps weddings all over Melbourne, Mornington Peninsula, Phillip Island and the Yarra Valley, and all the way up to Sydney, Byron Bay and the Gold Coast. Phew! His approach to wedding photography is definitely working for him, with so many happy and grateful clients around the country. Today, Matt tells us what sets him apart from other wedding photographers, how he makes connections with his couples and what parts of the big day he likes shooting most.

How long have you been a wedding photographer?
I shot my first wedding for a mate in 2011. Straight after that I put a little website together not expecting too much but within a few months I booked 10 weddings for the 2011/12 season. Those weddings had the flow on effect and within a few years I was booking 35 weddings each season.

How would you describe your photography style?
Natural, candid and thoughtful with enough direction to help my couples look and feel confident in their images.


What sets you apart from other wedding photographers?
I’ve learnt purely through feedback that I have a calming nature which obviously comes in handy when couples are feeling the stress on their day. Equality and kindness are huge for me. I value everyone from all walks of life and all career levels and for whatever reason I can chat to anyone. Every one of us has a story to tell that’s just as important as the next story.

How early should a couple book you in?
Generally, it’s 12 to 18 months for me although there are always a handful of dates in that time that are available. 2020 is at capacity but there are still two or three dates that I could book. January to May 2021 is booking up now.

How do you make a connection with your couples? Why is it so important?
Making a connection with my couples is vital. Providing a safe space for them to be themselves around me is a necessary step in the creative process. Learning about who they are, what their families are like, what they value and what their interests are goes a long way to creating great images. As photographers, we only have a short window of time to get to know our couples and so I ask a lot of questions about them while ensuring they feel safe answering me.

What are your favourite weddings to shoot?
Such a difficult question to answer because it changes so often. One week I come home bouncing off the walls after a city wedding with fine dining and then I’m pumped to be at a winery again the week after. I do love rustic, laid back, cruisy weddings with shared plates of food, homemade desserts, eskies and kids running around.

Are there parts of the wedding day that stand out – that you particularly enjoy photographing?
The portrait session for sure. It’s easily the most difficult for me because of the variation in people and places. I just love seeing the couple come together for the first time that day getting to catch up, spend time with each other before the mayhem of a reception kicks off.

Are you available for destination weddings?
Nationally yes, internationally not yet. I have young kids who have just started primary school so I don’t want to miss too much of this time. Once they’re older and a bit easier to travel with while I manage bags of gear, then I’ll have a look at some overseas weddings.

Top three wedding venues?
You’ll get me into trouble for naming just three! I’m picking three local venues that are different to each other so that I can limit the damage!

All Smiles Sorrento
Baxter Barn
Lindenderry at Red Hill

Shout out to The Old Church Red Hill and The Epicurean though 🙂

The best thing about shooting weddings is…
The combination of people, an outdoor working life, the alone time editing and the freedom to spend time with my kids. I know you said ONE thing but I that was too difficult!

Thank you Matt for chatting with us and sharing your wisdom and what makes your business and photography unique! It’s easy to see why your couples are so stoked with your work, and your message about equality and kindness is so important right now (and always!). To find out more about Matt and his work, check out the Matt Elliott Photography website, or head to the Polka Dot Directory.

Headshot by Matt Elliott Photography