Matt Smart
Photographer
Life's too short not to laugh, right? Beyond capturing beautiful moments, I'm a firm believer in offering more than just pictures; it's about creating an experience. In the dance of life, I'm a devoted father, a loving husband, a son and a friend. Trust me to freeze your moments in time, with a sprinkle of humor and a dash of heart.
My Style
In my approach to wedding photography, I'm all about capturing real, unscripted moments that tell the genuine story of the day. Think of it as a documentary style, where I blend into the background to snag those candid, emotional shots that unfold naturally. I've got a knack for making sure your wedding day memories are as authentic as they come.
Sure, I'll round up the crew for the formal photos – no worries there. I play the director when needed, making sure everything looks slick and polished.
It's like herding cats, but with a camera in hand.
But what really sets my work apart is the way I connect with my subjects. It's not just about snapping pictures; it's about becoming part of the celebration. I engage with the people I'm photographing, making sure their personalities shine through in every shot. It's the secret sauce that turns a photo into a living, breathing memory.
If you're after a wedding photographer who's a pro at reportage, candid moments, and wrangling unruly family members for that perfect group shot, you're in the right place. I'm all about capturing the raw, unfiltered beauty of your special day – no enchantment needed, just real, down-to-earth photography that tells your story.
WHAT TO EXPECT
Choosing a wedding photographer in your area for your big day should be easy. But I get it, there are loads of photographers out there and it's difficult to know what to do. You're gonna have loads of questions, so to make things simple, I've laid out what to expect if you choose me to capture your special day.
1
Once you've made up your mind, we'll book in a chat to make sure everyone is comfortable.
2
We'll make it official! To secure your date a 20% deposit is paid and contract signed.
3
We'll get to know each other at your complimentary engagement session.
4
It's the big day! I'll spend the day* with you capturing all those special moments.
5
Up to 28 days later I'll deliver your photos in your very own, secure online gallery where you can order prints and download and keep them safe. The gallery is online for 12 months.
6
If you have ordered a collection that includes an album, you can use your gallery to select the images you want to feature inside. You send me your favourites, I design the album, you give it the once over and then it's to the printers!
Testimonials
Theresa & Martin
Such an amazing photographer and a lovely man too!! Thank you for capturing all of our precious memories. We couldn't be happier! x
1 / 5
FAQ
Where are you?
I live in Wolverhampton, in the West Midlands.
What are the services you provide?
Wedding photography isn't just about turning up and taking pictures. Being a wedding photographer means I provide:
• Engagement Sessions - these are free sessions, usually between one and two hours in a more casual setting before the wedding. This is a great way for us to get to know each other.
• Full-Day Coverage*
Covering the entire day, enjoy over 10 hours of reportage photography of your most special time with your loved ones. Everything from the bridal party getting ready through to the evening shenanigans. Your whole day is covered.
• High-Resolution Images - You will have access to your images via your own online, secure gallery. Password-protected, and fully shareable with your friends and family, it's the ideal place to order your prints.
• Editing and Retouching
Editing and retouching services are included, ensuring that the final images are polished and meet my high-standards.
• Prints and Albums
Most of my packages include albums as well as the option to purchase prints. Check out my packages for more information.
• Multiple locations. If you're getting married at a church, but getting ready at your house and having your evening shindig across town, it's cool. Travel is included for multiple locations.
If you can't see a service you'd like providing, get in touch and we'll make it happen.
How much are you?
I'm proud to offer a high-standard, luxury service at an affordable price. My packages start at £595.
Check out the Pricing page for more details.
Do you travel?
Yes! I love travelling. I live in Wolverhampton, but will travel all the country. All my packages include 50 miles of where I am based (WV10 8TB).
Do you offer video?
Wedding photography is my speciality. That being said, I can offer video services, but this is instead of photography. Prices can be negotiated.
Can we see the full galleries of a few of your recent weddings?
Yes, of course! I have a few smaller, sample galleries from pervious weddings available for you to see, but if you want to what everything, we can arrange that!
How would you describe your photography style?
My style is reportage. A fancy French word meaning I shoot documentary style. I’ll capture your whole day as I see it unfold in front of me.
Can I customize a package to fit my needs?
Yeah! Absolutely!
How much of a deposit do you require? When is it due?
A non-refundable deposit of 20% the day you book secures your day. Then it’s yours. No one else can have it. Not even my own mom.
Do you include engagement photos in your packages? What about pre-wedding events like rehearsal dinners?
Engagement shoots are included yes. The charge for an engagement session on its own is £299 but its part of your package. It’s so important to have this as it allows us to get to know one another better.
FAQ
Will you be the one shooting my wedding?
Yes! It’s totally me. Right from the start until you
How many other weddings will you photograph that weekend?
I only shoot one wedding at the weekend. All of my packages include my service for the whole day, so you can relax knowing that I’m going to be focused on your day.
Do you often shoot weddings that have a similar size and style to the one we are planning?
I’ve shot weddings with 10 guests all the way up to 500 and everything in between. The style? Every wedding is unique and yours will be beautiful. If you have some special requests, let’s have a chat!
Have you ever shot a wedding at our ceremony and reception venues? If not, do you plan to check the venues out in advance?
I love new venues! It really allows me to push my creativity to new levels. I always check out new venues ahead of time. This is to determine the locations ‘best-bits’ and also to speak to the staff to see what they allow, don’t like, that sort of thing.
Have you ever worked with our planner? Videographer? Florist? DJ?
It’s a massive industry, so there’s a good chance I’d be meeting them for the first time. Which is great – I love meeting new people.
Do you shoot digitally? With film? Or both?
Primarily I shoot digital. It’s the age we’re in. It’s faster meaning more candid and relaxed shots.
Do you include engagement photos in your packages? What about pre-wedding events like rehearsal dinners?
Engagement shoots are included yes. The charge for an engagement session on its own is £299 but its part of your package. It’s so important to have this as it allows us to get to know one another better.
How many hours are included in each package? How much do extra hours cost?
You get me for all day. Which are 10 hours. Typically I’ll start at 11 am and leave at about 9 pm. But sometimes I may need to stay later because of other reasons like the dinner is delayed or the DJ has forgotten his shoes. Whatever the reason, you don’t need to worry about the photographer as well. If you do want extra hours, we can arrange this when we discuss the day.
Do you offer a photo booth?
No.
Do you offer retouching, colour adjustment, or other corrective services? Are those included or an additional charge?
All part and parcel of your package!
Can we order prints or albums directly from you?
Albums are a part of some of my packages, so it might be worth exploring those before considering purchasing after the event. But you can order them anytime, yes! Prints are available to purchase directly from your personalised gallery.
What type of album do you offer? Do you provide assistance selecting images and designing the album?
The Bellissimo Album is seven award-winning albums which is handcrafted and finished by a specialist team. The Bellissimo Album is the perfect wedding album. You album also comes with two smaller versions, perfect for the inlaws!
Are albums or prints included in your packages? How many pages or prints are included, and what is the turnaround time?
Albums are yes! You get 25 spreads, which is 50 pages as standard. If you need more, they cost approx. £30 for an extra 5 spreads (10 pages). Turnaround time. Once you have viewed your photos (delivered within 28 days after your big day!) you can make the selection you want in your album. We’ll work together to get the perfect album designed. Once you’re happy with it, it’ll take approx. 10 days be to handcrafted and finished by a specialist team of professionals.
How long after the wedding will we receive the images? How will they be delivered?
28 days. You’ll first receive the news they’re available via email, containing a link to your secure, online, personalised gallery. The gallery is available for 12 months. You can download the photos from there onto your hard drive at home to create your own backup.
Your USB stick in a presentation box will be delivered approx. 2 weeks after that.
Will we have the rights to the images?
Yep. All yours.
Will we receive the negatives and/or high resolution digital images? Is there a fee for that?
All photos are edited and delivered to you in JPEG format at a high resolution.
Will the images be accessible online? For how long?
Yes, online in your own password-protected gallery. They are there for 12 months.
Do you accept payments in installations?
Yep, that’s totally fine!
What is your refund or cancellation policy?
Deposits are non-refundable. The final balance is to be paid 2 weeks before the wedding date. If you need to cancel the wedding date, please do so in writing to matt@matthewsmartphotography.co.uk
If the written notice of cancellation is received within 120 days of the due wedding date then the amount of the price that Matthew Smart/Matthew Smart Photography shall be entitled to is calculated in accordance with the table below (detailing the amount Matthew Smart/Matthew Smart Photography is entitled to)
0-14 days = 100%, 15-60 days = 75%, 61-90 days = 50%, 90-120 days = 25%, 121+ days = 0%
Do you have liability insurance? Does it cover your assistants, as well?
Yes. I am insured for the cover amount of £2 million. Assistants are covered too.
Do you carry backup equipment?
Yes! I carry 4 cameras at all times.
What is the backup plan if you are unable to shoot my wedding for an unexpected reason?
My head would have to be hanging off for me to miss your day. If I did lose my head, I would be spending what’s left of my energy on finding you a replacement. If that is not possible, you would receive a full refund.
How will you and your assistants be dressed?
Smart. Trousers and a shirt, with a tie. If it’s hot, like stupid hot (over 30 degrees), then we may wear smart shorts and a shirt.
Can we request a list of specific shots we would like?
You can, yes. I encourage my customers to make a list of the images I won’t have a clue about. Like you, Aunt Agnes and Uncle Fred. But you don't need to detail everything, like the dress, the shoes, the cake etc.
Will you be posting about our wedding on your website and social media? Will you be submitting our photos to magazines or blogs?
I won’t go into a wedding planning that, but there is always a chance that your day will stand out more than any other, and that will make me proud. I do reserve the right (as per the contract) to use any images for advertisements and such, but I would never do that if you are strongly against it.
Wedding Photographers near me
I can be found most weekends in Walsall, Wolverhampton, West Bromwich, Dudley, Birmingham, Bromsgrove, Coventry, Solihull, Sutton Coldfield, Shropshire, Staffordshire.