Matt Pocknell
Today we shine a spotlight on Wedding Photographer Matt Pocknell. Matt is a Scotland-based elopement and intimate wedding photographer with a cinematic, moody style influenced by renowned filmmakers. A former Royal Marine, he brings a sense of adventure and attention to detail to his work, capturing both epic and candid moments in stunning natural landscapes. Passionate about creating unforgettable experiences, Matt offers guidance and support to couples throughout their journey, delivering photos that beautifully preserve their love stories.
Here’s a little more about International Wedding Photographer Matt Pocknell.
IWPOTY Q : How long have you been a professional photographer and how did it come to be your chosen profession? Did you work in other professions previously and if so what?
PHOTOGRAPHER: I am in my second year of being a professional photographer. Photography came to me as I was searching for a new career as I was nearing the end of my time in the British Armed Forces, and I was determined to turn my passion for photography into a business. During my 12 month notice period, I started with a basic portfolio, attended as many courses as possible and worked for free, and by the time I was out of the military I was able to seamlessly transition to the world of full-time photography. I now shoot elopements exclusively, and work throughout the Scottish Highlands.
”The photos Matt captured on our day were incredible! Matt was an absolute pleasure to work with. His organisation and preparation was super impressive and took a weight off our shoulders. He made us feel extremely at ease and in good hands from the start. We could not recommend enough!
IWPOTY Q : What is your most favourite venue or location to shoot at and why that specific place ?
PHOTOGRAPHER: Glencoe! It is magical, atmospheric, produces beautiful light and changes an incredible amount from season to season.
IWPOTY Q : What gear do you shoot with? (eg. Canon and Primes ABC) etc
PHOTOGRAPHER: 2 x Canon R6ii with 28-70 f2 and 85 f1.2
IWPOTY Q : Do you incorporate much in the way of added light in your shoots? If so, what lighting gear is your go-to ? Speed-lights, LED’s etc?
PHOTOGRAPHER: Natural light only
IWPOTY Q : What is the best tip you have ever received from another photographer or business owner? This could be a business related tip, technical advice, posing suggestion, camera setting, way to plan a shoot etc
PHOTOGRAPHER: The key to storytelling is range: a wide shot to set the scene, a top-half shot to add a little more intimacy, a shot where the couple fill the entire frame for full intimacy, and then focus on details such as hands. This creates balance and helps to tell the story through the couples’ gallery.
IWPOTY Q : Do you have a great story you’d like to share with us about something crazy / epic / unreal / unpleasant etc that’s happened to or with you at a wedding or on a shoot?
PHOTOGRAPHER: During an elopement this year, the weather was so bad that the couple were legally married in the back of my car, before we headed out into the wild and captured as much as we could!
