Matt Pocknell
Husband, dog-dad, former royal marine, coffee addict and self-appointed nerd.
My job is to immortalise these moments in all of their epic intimacy, because although words alone may not do your love story justice, your photos certainly can.
I'm a husband to my wife Natalia, a dog-dad to my burley boxer Rocky, a former Royal Marines Commando of ten years, an amateur (but highly committed) barista, keen triathlete and professional elopement and intimate wedding photographer. I love exploring the great outdoors, curling up with a good book (and coffee), and eating millionaire shortbread like the world is about to end.
But above all I love capturing love stories, especially when those love stories involve making a commitment to one another while standing on a mountain top, or next to a crushing river, or in a field of endless snow. There's something magical about making lifelong vows in these epic settings, whether that's just the two of you or alongside your loved ones, it is something that words alone can't quite describe. My job is to immortalise these moments in all of their epic intimacy - because although words alone may not do your love story justice, your photos certainly can.
But I'm not just here to capture your story, but to be your greatest cheerleader, your loyal sounding-board, and your trusted guide across the landscape, wherever it may be.
I shoot around 35 elopements, intimate weddings and adventure sessions every year, in every single type of setting possible: mountains, waterfalls, forests, fields, castles, barns - you name it, I've done it!
Coffee is a huge passion of mine, and I spend far more time making it than I do drinking it! My favourite drinks are a flat white or cortado, and I love picking up fresh beans from local roasters whenever I travel.
A decade of my life was spent serving in the Royal Marines, and in that time I travelled to most of the world's continents. The attention to detail and sense of adventure I gained from my time in the Royal Marines were some of the attributes I carried into my photography career and the running of my business.
I have a boxer dog called Rocky, and he is my loyal editing companion. I’m afraid he won’t be assisting me at your elopement, but he does take your photographer out for some fresh air a couple of times a day to ensure he remains focussed on the job at hand.
Triathlon is my other big passion, and when I’m not capturing elopements or editing photos, I can be found out running on the local trails, cycling through Loch Lomond or at the local pool getting some lengths in. I hope to one day qualify for the amateur world championships!
During your elopement, wedding or couple session, I use the perfect blend of guided shots and candid moments to produce the most beautiful results.
My style is inspired by the world of cinema, with an emphasis on cool, dark tones that make your photos look like frames taken from a film. I am heavily influenced by the colour, composition and storytelling of directors such as Christopher Nolan, Denis Villeneuve and Ridley Scott, who utilise these characteristics to convey deep emotion. In simple terms, my style can be described as moody and cinematic.
During your elopement, wedding or adventure session, I use the perfect blend of guided shots and candid moments to produce the most beautiful results. I seek out the epic, jaw-dropping shot, but I am also constantly on the hunt for the in-between moments that are so easily missed. What you end up with is a stunning set of cinematic photos that do your love story the justice it deserves.
From the moment you reach out until long after your photos are in your hands, I am your companion and guide. Whether it be recommending accommodation or navigating you to your perfect elopement ceremony spot, I am there not only to produce stunning photos, but also to make your day a truly incredible experience.
@mattpocknellphotography
From the Gram