Hampshire Wedding & Event Photographer - Matt Harris of MJH Pictures - Event Photographer Surrey and Hampshire - Matt Harris

Event Photographer in Surrey and Hampshire: Summer time = Party Time!

28/5/2026

SUMMER PARTY SEASON IS HERE
It seems like Summer has come early (fun fact - the meteorological summer begins June 1st whereas the astronomical summer, which coincides with the summer solstice, starts on June 21st). For me, the giveaway is the 30° heat we've been having and the fact that I've been drinking water almost non-stop for a week and the kids are eating their body weight in ice lollies. It also means that summer party season is upon us and I'm really looking forward to photographing all sorts of celebrations across Surrey and Hampshire - from weddings and birthdays to proms to anniversaries.

WHAT MAKES EVENT PHOTOGRAPHY SO SPECIAL? 
Event photography is all about catching people in the moment. There's nothing staged, nothing forced. Just you and your friends having a great night out and cutting loose from everyday life and forgetting about tomorrow. All those unseen reactions to a punchline from a joke or when the bass drops on the dance floor. I'm there, observing and anticipating that split second when I can press the shutter button and freeze that moment in time. There may be a natural glance in my direction which results in a great unscripted portrait. You could be deep in conversation or lost in the music where your face tells a whole different story. And then you'll spot me from across the dance floor, embrace your closest friend and raise a glass to the camera to let me know that life and this night in particular is just AWESOME and you never want it to end.

This is my favourite type of photography. There are no rules. Everything is off-the-cuff and spontaneity is King. It's an environment I thrive in. So, if you're planning a party over these summer months - or later in the year - and you’d like natural event photography that captures the atmosphere and the heart and soul of your friends and family then I'd love to hear about it.

The images below provide a brief glimpse into my style and the way I work. For a more comprehensive look at my work please take a look at my Event Photography gallery.

Matt is an Event Photographer covering Surrey, Hampshire, Sussex and London.

Your wedding? It's Not All About You...

26/1/2026

Probably a controversial take on your wedding day but, hear me out.

When people start planning their wedding, the focus naturally falls on the couple. Your story. Your love. Your commitment to one another. And rightly so — marriage is a powerful, meaningful promise, and your wedding day marks the start of that next chapter together.
But there’s something I’ve learned from photographing weddings over the years:
a wedding isn’t only about the two people getting married.
It’s also about everyone who helped you become who you are.

Your wedding day is one of the very rare moments in life when all of your favourite people are in the same place at the same time. Friends you’ve grown up with. Family you don’t see often enough. People who have stood by you through those tricky times that life likes to throw at us. That’s not something to rush past — it’s something to celebrate.

So, once those all-important vows are spoken and rings and kisses are exchanged, something beautiful happens. The rest of the day becomes a celebration — not just of your love, but of those around you and the part they’ve played in your story.

That’s why weddings feel so emotional. They’re full of reunions, hugs that linger, and conversations that start with, “Do you remember when…?” It’s joy layered on top of meaning.

And honestly? That’s what gives a wedding its energy and for me, the best pictures. The unscripted moments. The laughter, the tears, the general drunken tomfoolery.
These moments matter because they’re real. They show the wider story of your day — not just what it looked like, but what it felt like.

Years from now, when you look back at your wedding photos, it won’t only be the images of the two of you that bring it all rushing back. It’ll be the faces of the people you love. The memories you shared and the reminder that you didn’t start this journey alone.

If you want to talk about the moments that matter on your day then drop me line!

Freddie & Steph and a Whole Ton of Fun in the Surrey Countryside at Henhaw Farm

10/10/2025

You often get jobs that don't feel like jobs at all due to the people and general vibe and shooting Freddie & Steph's big day at Henhaw Farm was just one of those days. One minute I was hanging out with Steph and her girlfriends when they were getting ready and before I knew it we were all on the dance floor long after the sun had set. Time flies when you're having fun and this is exactly what happened here.
Now, I'm a country boy at heart. Put me in the middle of nowhere and I'm as happy as Larry and this wedding was my happy place. The location for Freddie & Steph's wedding was Henhaw Farm in Surrey where you can rent a field (with spectacular views), bring all your own gear and make as much noise as you like. Fortunately, Freddie's Mum and Dad happen to run an events company (the excellent Mirage Parties - check them out!) so they were able to put together an amazing set up comprising of 2 marquees (one for dining, one for dancing complete with bar), a kitchen, fire pit, a separate stretch tent for the ceremony and around 12-15 bell tents for guests to sleep in. They even bought some cricket kit for an impromptu game before the wedding breakfast (extra kudos to the Best Man for being on wedding dress admin duty while the Bride was in bat!).
The evening entertainment was provided by DJ Rosie a world class talent on the decks who knows just what a dance floor needs to get jumping and then there was Truly, Medley, Deeply who are masters at getting the party going. With evening snacks, drinks and an energy level that was dialled up to 11, I left Henhaw Farm with my ears buzzing (thanks Tinnitus) and my heart full. This job will stay in the memory bank for a long, long time.

For inquiries about photography for your big day, drop me a line at [email protected]

Wedding Entertainment - "Should We Get a Live Band?"

13/2/2025

29 Finger - Wedding and Event Band

29 Fingers - Wedding and Event Band

29 Fingers - Wedding and Event Band

Bon Giovi - Bon Jovi Tribute Act

Fake Tan - Wedding and Party band

Fake Tan - Wedding and Party Band

Fake Tan - Wedding and Party Band

Fake Tan - Wedding and party Band

RPJ band - Rick Parfitt Jnr. Party Band

RPJ Band

RPJ Band - Rick Parfitt Jnr. Best Party Band

RPJ Band - Rick Parfitt Jnr.

The Light Years - Party band

The Light Years - party band

Zazu - Brighton party band

Zazu - Party band

I’ve been a Wedding and Event Photographer for over 12 years now and I like to think that I have a pretty good sense of what works and what doesn’t work when it comes to entertainment. So, with this in mind, allow me to indulge myself for a moment.

I was doing a shoot recently, a 50th birthday party. A not unusual job in intself, I shoot loads of parties. But being a card-carrying member of this very age bracket (and becoming super aware of all the associated aches, pains and grumbles that seem to go with it), I was struck by how energetic everyone was and how up they still were for really letting loose and partying their collective socks off. But do you know what really set it off? The band they had booked. I’ll mention their name later but I have to tell you, the energy these guys brought to the event was off the scale. They were the complete package – they looked great, were really tight musically and the energy they brought took the party up a whole other level. I really don’t think that the room would have had the same atmosphere had it been a DJ playing. Don’t get me wrong, there are some great DJ’s out there who are absolutely tuned into their crowd and keep the dancefloor packed all night. But I wanted to take a moment to extol the virtues of live music and how it can absolutely and positively raise the experience for you and your guests and blow the roof off your dancefloor.

The energy, excitement and personal touch that a live band brings are unparalleled. So, what should you consider when booking one?

Unmatched Atmosphere
A live band can create a dynamic and engaging atmosphere that recorded music simply cannot replicate. The musicians' passion and energy can elevate the mood, making your big day feel even more special. Every song performed is unique, adding a personal touch to your celebration.

Versatility in Performance
Live bands will offer a wide range of musical styles and can adjust their setlist to match the tone of your wedding. Rock? Indie? The best of the 80’s? You could have it all!

Interaction with Guests
One of the standout features of a live band is their ability to interact with the audience. I’ve seen Brides and their flower girls up on stage playing along with tambourines, Bass players getting amongst it on the dancefloor, I’ve even had a lead guitarist jumping off stage and running outside to do a lap of the marquee, all whilst shredding a solo. All this fun, spontaneity and crowd interaction helps to make the evening even more of a memorable one for you and your guests.

Considerations When Booking a Band
Budget - Live bands can vary significantly in cost, so it's important to determine your budget early on. Keep in mind that while a live band may be more expensive than a DJ, you can’t really put a price on the added value that they bring in terms of atmosphere and the interaction can be well worth the investment.
Band's Experience and Reputation - Researching a band's experience and reputation is crucial. Look for bands that have performed at weddings and events before and have positive reviews from previous clients. You can also ask for references or check out their social media profiles to get a sense of their style and professionalism.
Style and Genre - Consider the musical style and genre that best matches the theme of your wedding and your personal tastes. Discuss your preferences with the band to ensure they can deliver the kind of performance you envision. It's also helpful to attend a live performance or watch videos of their past events to see if their style aligns with your expectations.
Logistics and Venue - This is an important one. Discuss the logistics with your venue to ensure they can accommodate a live band. Consider the size of the performance area, the availability of power sources, and any noise restrictions that may apply. Communicate these details with the band to ensure a smooth setup on the day of the event. Also, how long do they need to sound check? Do you have an area for them to chill whilst waiting to perform?
Setlist and Special Requests - Work with the band to create a setlist that includes your favourite songs and any special requests you may have. This collaboration will help ensure that the music reflects your personality and enhances the overall experience for you and your guests. Most bands will also offer a DJ option so that, when they take a well-earned breather between sets, you’ll still have music to keep everyone entertained.

There are a ton of bands out there, each with their own kind of special sauce. Here are a few who have really caught my eye over the years:

Fake Tan: The band I was talking about at the start of this blog? It was these guys. Full of energy, excellent crowd interaction and really tight musically.
The Light Years: These guys are high-energy performers. Oozing personality, they take fun extremely seriously and after an evening spent in their company, your voice will be hoarse and your feet will be sore.
29 Fingers: With a focus on classic rock and pop hits, 29 Fingers had the dance floor absolutely heaving. With an element of dress-up and props for all the crowd, the fun and laughter that the band brought was like nothing I’d ever seen before.
RPJ band: Led by frontman Rick Parfitt Jnr., a performer who literally holds the crowd in the palm of his hand, and surrounded by some of the best session musicians around, the RPJ band delivered an epic performance that had the crowd literally braying for more. They are highly regarded in the events industry and have a pedigree to match.
Zazu: Based in Brighton, I think I saw these guys at a wedding in Wiltshire. They were fun, quirky and had wide and varied set-list that really appealed to the crowd. Like the bands mentioned before, they performed to a packed dancefloor who demanded not one but 2 encores.

So, there’s some food for thought for you. Take a look at some of the pictures in this blog and hopefully, you'll get an idea of what I'm talking about. From creating a vibrant atmosphere to offering personalised performances, the benefits of live music are undeniable and will really be the icing on the cake of your big day.

Matt Harris is a Hampshire photographer who specialises in Event Photography, Wedding Photography and Party Photography. Covering Hampshire, the Home Counties and beyond. If you’re planning your wedding, party or event and are looking for a photographer who has a knack at capturing all the fun while being as discreet as possible then drop him a line today!

#hampshireeventphotographer #hampshireweddingphotographer #hampshirepartyphotographer #hampshirephotographer #bestpartyphotographer

Rosie & Bertie - An English Country Wedding at Holywell Estate in Hampshire

17/5/2024

It never ceases to amaze me hearing stories about how couples first meet. That spark created by the universe that brings two people into each other's orbit and then grow's into an unconditional love. And so it was with Rosie & Bertie. Both Doctors, they first glanced upon each other walking in opposite directions in the stairwell of the hospital they both worked at. That was the spark and soon after a first date happened. However, disaster struck! Bertie was moving to Australia in 6 weeks to take up a new position. The fledgling romance seemed doomed....or was it? Rosie, trusting her heart, took the brave decision to up sticks herself and follow this man she had just met to the other side of the world where she knew no-one and had no family. Her gamble paid off though and fast forward to a blisteringly hot day in the quintessentially English walled garden of the beautiful Holywell Estate in Hampshire where, in front of their friends and family and conducted by Rosie's best friend, they were declared husband and wife. Ain't love grand?

This wedding, arranged by Rosie's mother (due to the obvious logistical problems of being on the other side of the world) was an elegant yet relaxed and free-flowing affair. The love for these two reverberated around the walls of the garden and I can honestly say it was truly a joy to capture the moment for them.

Rosie's Mum did an amazing job of bringing everything together and in The Holywell Estate, she found a venue that was able to accommodate all her needs in the most amazing of settings. The Little Kitchen Company in Winchester kept everyone's bellies full and Bertie's friends took turns in DJing and keeping the dance floor jumping.

The Current Wedding Roadmap

14/5/2021

I thought I should write a short post about the current situation with weddings and where we're at because, if you look at the current government guidelines, it is a bit of a minefield of vague and ambiguous statements. Couples who originally scheduled in their big day for this summer with a hefty dose of confidence are no doubt feeling fairly anxious about their big days and whether their plans line-up with all the "rules". Add in all the current chat of "Indian variants" and the media's selected quotes from SAGE scientists about perhaps pumping the brakes on relaxing restrictions, then couples and suppliers alike are left scratching their heads and wondering what on earth to do.

I'm going to put a link to the official government guidance here so you can take the time to go through it and digest at your leisure. Pay particular attention to the sections on eating and entertainment/dancing. There is also a liberal scattering of words like "must" (which means its enforceable by law) and "should" which means it isn't. When you compare it with the relaxation of other restrictions around the country in other sectors, its a frustrating read to say the least.

In a nutshell, here's where we're at right now:

Step 3: 17th May (at the earliest)

Up to 30 allowed at a ceremony/reception at a Covid-secure venue indoors or outdoors (including private gardens for receptions)
Weddings can now take place indoors but only in a COVID secure venue
Weddings can take place outdoors in COVID secure venues and in private gardens
No social distancing is required between guests when seated at tables
Masks do not need to be worn when outside, but do need to be worn when inside other than when eating or drinking
Live performances are permitted but dancing is advised against and dancefloors must remain closed

Step 4: 21st June (at the earliest): The government aims to remove all restrictions on weddings, subject to the outcome of the social distancing review and the Events Research Programme.

You've all waited such a long time to have your perfect days, you've postponed or cancelled and rebooked only to have the rug pulled from underneath you yet again. The lack of clarity and information from the government has been woeful and words like "at the earliest" don't help to alleviate any of those worries. At this point all we can do is trust that the steps laid out are achievable and that we will get back to normal sooner rather than later.

If you want to stay up to date with what is happening then I strongly recommend that you follow The UK Weddings Taskforce on Instagram (@uk_weddingsorg) #WeddingsTaskForce as they have been campaigning tirelessly on behalf of all couples and suppliers within the wedding industry to get clearer and more definitive answers from the government as to what can and can't be done and their vision out of this lockdown.

From a personal point of view, I am making a lot of bookings for 2022 and beyond and receiving lots of enquiries so it would seem that couples are holding fire on 2021 so that they can have the wedding they want with confidence at a later date. If you're planning your wedding for 2022 and have yet to think about photography then do please drop me a line, it would be great to chat!

Matt is a Surrey Wedding Photographer who covers the Home Counties and beyond.

Instagram: @mjhpictures
Facebook: MJH Pictures - Photography by Matt Harris

Here's to Letting loose!

30/4/2021

"C'mon, c'mon let go
Lose your blues
Everybody cut Footloose"

I don't know about you but I miss dance floors. The energy, laughter, craziness and noise, it's the best part of a wedding or party. All the formal stuff is out of the way and now it's time to cut loose and go a little crazy, lose the inhibitions and get lost in the music and the moment.

Capturing these moments is a huge part of a wedding or party for me, it encapsulates everything about the coming together of friends. Forget about your troubles, leave your worries at the door and just be free for a couple of hours. Its the best feeling, I can see it on peoples faces. The pictures don't lie. The joy and the moment is there for all to see.

We're getting back to normal, weddings and parties as we know it are going to happen again and I want to be there with you, capturing the moment you let it all go. So, here's to all you crazies, dance floor loons and bonkers brides with your buddies - see you out there soon!

I cover the Home Counties and beyond and I'm still taking bookings for later this year and have some availability for 2022, if you're interested in capturing your friends in all their dance floor glory then give me a call!

#surreyweddingphotography #surreypartyphotography #hampshireweddingphotography #hampshirepartyphotography

Love in the Time of Covid: The Micro-Wedding

15/10/2020

Thanks to some, quite frankly, absurd rules laid out by the government as to how many people can attend a wedding, couples are once again finding their plans thrown into disarray. From rearranging to downsizing, to cancelling and then having to downsize further, the goal posts are constantly shifting and no-one knows whether they are coming or going. We are all in the dark. However, it is now becoming apparent that couples are now embracing the concept of the micro-wedding. Now, it's not quite a "phoenix rising from the ashes of what used to be the wedding industry" scenario and it might not be what couples originally hoped for but it what it does mean is that the ceremony becomes ever more intimate and personal, you have more time to enjoy being in the moment and of course there's the plus-side of being able to keep your costs down where once they were threatening to explode. Plus there's always the promise of a rip-roaring party on the horizon as and when this pandemic finally fizzles out. Also, by still using suppliers like florists, make-up artists etc. you'll be keeping all the vital cogs that make up the wedding industry afloat as they struggle to get by with no help from the government.

With this micro-wedding concept in mind, I've tailored my coverage and fee to fit in with your plans. So, if you're at the point where you're thinking "enough is enough, we're not being messed around any further, let's get married!" then do get in touch and we can talk through your plans. It might just be a decision that in years to come, you'll be glad you took.

For now though, if you're still having doubts about going ahead then I'll leave you with this fabulous quote from Harry Potter & The Deathly Hallows: Part 1...

 Ginny: Seems silly, doesn't it? A wedding. Given everything that's going on.

Harry: Maybe that's the best reason to have it. Because of everything that's going on.

Stay safe.

Matt

Matt Harris is a Surrey Wedding Photographer who also covers Hampshire and the rest of the Home Countries and beyond. He is also an established Event Photographer with a number of private and corporate clients.

Leap Year and the peculiarity of popping the question

28/2/2020

This year has the distinct pleasure of being a leap year. To the uninitiated this means that the month of February has an extra day in it (something to do with how long the earth takes to orbit the sun and the calendar having to play a bit of catch up. I don’t know, I could be wrong but its sounds convincing, right?)

Much like the World Cup, the Olympics or the cleaning of my car, this event only takes place every 4 years. But did you know that the day also has a peculiar wedding related tradition tied to it? Apparently, when it’s a leap day (the 29th February) tradition dictates that a woman may propose to her suitor. Now, whilst woman are definitely capable of asking a man for his hand in marriage whenever she so pleases, traditionally in Ireland, this right was reserved particularly for a leap year. Why though? Where does this tradition come from?

It is said that the tradition originated in 5th century Ireland when St. Brigid of Kildare complained to St Patrick that women had to wait far too long for men to propose (it’s fair to say that she probably hadn’t had much luck with men). Legend has it that St Patrick, probably wishing for a quiet life, decreed that women could propose on this one day in February during the leap year. The legend then goes on to say that on hearing this decree, St. Brigid dropped to her knee and instantly proposed to St Patrick. No doubt a little taken aback by surprise, Patrick declined her offer but he did give her a kiss on the cheek and a silk gown to soften the blow. How Brigid took this refusal, I’m not sure. But a silk gown is not to be sniffed at so hopefully she was pretty cool about it.

In other European countries, this tradition evolved somewhat and, in the upper classes of society especially, tradition dictated that any man who refused a woman’s proposal on the 29th had to buy her 12 pairs of gloves. Why 12, I don't know. Owning that many pairs of gloves seems a little excessive and hopefully, in today’s society, something like an Amazon voucher would suffice, certainly in terms of practicality.

There you have it then. That is the leap year proposal. There was even a terrible film made about it (I hesitate to use the word comedy) starring Amy Adams (don’t check it out, it’s 2 hours of your life you’ll never get back.) In the spirit of tradition though, I think it’s actually quite a fun idea. So, if you do propose to your man on the 29th Feb and, instead of wondering what you’re going to do with a new silk gown or 12 pairs of gloves, you may actually find yourself having to plan a wedding. If that is the case then congratulations and be sure to drop me a line as I’d love to hear all about your story!

choosing the Right Wedding Photographer

25/2/2020

Matt Harris of MJH Pictures

I thought it was about time that I wrote a little bit about myself and how I work. Making sure you choose the right photographer who, not only shoots in the style that you're looking for but who is also someone with whom you can gel with and feel comfortable around is no mean feat. Before we talk about me though, let's have a look at the sort of things you might want to take into consideration when making your decision.

Why it's an important investment...
Deciding on who you want to capture your wedding for you may well be the toughest decision you make. There are a lot of factors to consider and there are a lot of photographers out there who offer all sorts of different things which really won’t make your decision any easier. There are those couples who consider their wedding pictures to be the most important investment they’ll make and then there are those who will treat it as an afterthought.

It’s really down to the individual but to offer my ten pence worth, when considering a photographer for your day you need to remember that your pictures are the only tangible thing you’ll have after all the celebrations have finished. They are your lasting memory of the day and will be shown to your children, grand-children and great-grand-children. So, it’s probably not the best time to rely on your Uncle Bob “because he has a nice camera” or your friend who is a pet photographer. As well as the technical skill involved, shooting a wedding is a talent all in itself. It’s pressurised, there are time constraints, there are changes in location and light every 5 secs and you only have one chance to capture the shot. You have to be a people person, a confidante, a diplomat, a problem solver and have the patience of saint all at the same time.

What style do I choose?
There are 3 main styles used these days for wedding photography – Traditional, Contemporary and Reportage.

Traditional Style is a throwback from the more traditional era of film photography and was more focussed on taking posed shots and involved a lot of direction from the photographer and was more demanding of the wedding party. The drawback is that you miss out on a lot of emotion from the day and spend a fair bit of time away from your guests.
Contemporary has its roots in the more fashion or editorial style photography. The shots are slightly more relaxed but involve more exciting lighting and fancy angles. They might look good but again, can be quite demanding of the wedding party. Would you rather spend 2 hours having your picture taken by a photographer with a “creative vision” or would you rather be spending time with your guests?
Then there’s reportage or documentary style photography which is more about telling a story and capturing the emotion of the day as it unfolds naturally around the photographer. This tends to be the more popular style of photography these days and is certainly a style that lends itself best to such an emotional occasion like a wedding. If you do prefer this style just be aware that the photographer might not be keen on doing any group shots as it won’t align with their vision.

How much should I pay?
This is a bit of a minefield and something that can be quite daunting. One photographer might have 2 different packages, that take into account their length of coverage. Another one might offer platinum, gold, silver, bronze or pewter packages that go from the very basic level of coverage all the way up to including 3 assistant photographers, a wind machine, drone, film crew and a thoroughbred stallion. Basically, a Duran Duran video. It can all get very confusing and may actually have the detrimental effect of putting you off looking for a decent photographer.

Everyone has a different budget to work with, but you need to understand why you should place so much value on finding the right one.
You might find a photographer who will charge, say, £400 for full-day coverage and offer 1000 images, 3 albums, a video and a partridge in a pear tree. If they can do all that then all power to them but in truth, that is unrealistic. The average photographer will spend an awful lot of time on just one wedding, including meetings, recce’s, travel, actual photography, uploading and backing up shots, editing, printing and delivery. So, as well as great pictures that tell your story, in reality, you’re paying for time and you’re paying for experience. A safe pair of hands on the day who knows exactly what to do, where to be and when to do it with the minimum amount of fuss. Someone you can trust and who you don’t need to worry about, leaving you to enjoy the biggest day of your life. So, don’t be put off by a higher fee when you’re shopping around.

Choose someone you like and are comfortable around
This to me is probably the most important part of choosing a photographer. You’re going to be nervous enough as it is on your big day and the last thing you need is a photographer who is bossy, in your face and demanding of your time. You should only work with someone that you feel comfortable with, someone who makes you feel relaxed. If you’re relaxed, everyone around you will be relaxed which will put you at ease in front of the camera and help create those natural and fun memories that will last a lifetime. This really isn’t something you can put a price on.

Matt Harris - MJH Pictures

Matt at work (note the morning coat trousers and waistcoat!)

Working with me…
Where do I fit into all of this then? Well, it’s important to know that I’m a pretty easy-going guy and I like to think that this comes across in my pictures. With this in mind I always try and meet with couples when they’re thinking about their photography. Just to sit there and have a chat over a coffee and not even talk about weddings will help you decide what sort of person your photographer is. It’s important that you click (no pun intended). If you decide that you hate me, then that’s totally cool. No harm, no foul. A lot of my couples have actually told me though that, when it came down to making a decision, the fact that I was happy to meet for a chat with no pressure helped them make up their minds. Then, when the day of the wedding came around, it was nice to have a friendly face in the morning during all the preparation.

What is my style? Well, I guess I would fit into the reportage or documentary bracket. I don’t like to call it that though as it feels a little pretentious. The reality is I just use patience and observation. I also listen. When the time is right, I take the picture. It’s about capturing the fun, the emotion and the honesty. That’s the real story of your day. But if you want group shots then I’m more than happy to do those as well and we’ll work together to make sure that they’re in the schedule. If you want the whole wedding party, then that’s great too. I have been known to balance on the top of a borrowed step ladder or hang out of a top floor window. I’ve even been up a tree to capture the shot (sadly there is no evidence to back this up but trust me, it’s true!).

People are often surprised when I say that I stay to the end of the wedding. Most photographers will only go up to the end of the first dance. But to me, as well as being a declaration and commitment of your love for each other, a wedding is also a cause for celebration and a party. You might well have friends and family flying in from all over. So it’s important to me that I capture that party element as well, and that takes place after the first dance. You’ll often find me on a dancefloor or standing on a stage whilst you and your guests are in full on party mode. This is where some of the most fun shots happen and I want to make sure that I capture them for you.

I also make sure I dress appropriately. I think this is really important for a couple of reasons. Firstly, it’s a wedding and it’s a smart affair. Out of respect for the couple who have booked me and for the occasion itself, I make sure that I am wearing what the guests are wearing. Morning coat, black tie or lounge suit? I’ve worn them all to photograph weddings. I’ve been to too many weddings as a guest where the photographer is wearing jeans, trainers or a polo shirt with their branding all over it and it looks terrible.
The second and most practical reason is that if I’m wearing what the guests are wearing then it helps me to blend in and become almost invisible, allowing me to float around unobtrusively in order to capture everything as naturally as possible.  To quote a couple of former brides of mine:

“We had so so many compliments about how fantastic he was, and some people even thought Matt was a guest as he blends in so well!”

“He captured our wedding day perfectly - all the joy, fun and laughter are held in his brilliant images. He’s also exceptionally discreet, you really didn’t know he was there.”

When it comes to my packages, I have just the one*. When you book me, I’m yours. For the whole day. No time limits. You’ll then receive a few sneak peek images on WhatsApp a day or two later, and a slideshow set to music a few days after that. These are great to view on honeymoon; I’ve had many couples get back to me to say how thrilled they were to receive these and relive their day whilst lying on a beach.
Three to four weeks after your wedding day, you’ll receive a USB with 400+ edited, hi-res images in a mixture of colour and black and white which are yours to keep and print as well as an online, password protected gallery which you can forward to family and friends. I’ll also send you two 8x10 Fine Art prints. That’s it! All very simple.

I also offer engagement shoots which are a great way to get to know me more and for me to find out more about you. They also help you get used to being in front of a camera. I don’t know anyone who likes having their picture taken so these shoots are perfect as come the big day you won’t be so phased by having me around.

So that’s me in a nutshell, my work is an extension of myself. Uncomplicated, easy, honest and natural. Your day is all about you and if I done my job properly, then hopefully you won’t really have noticed me at all.
I hope you find this guide and insight into how I work and what I provide useful. If you’ve recently got engaged and you’re thinking about photography for your wedding, then do get in touch as I’d be more than happy to meet for a coffee and a chat and hear all about your plans.

*If you’re getting married during the mid-week (Mon-Thurs) a reduction on my fee is available.

Matt Harris is a Surrey Wedding Photographer who covers London and the Home Counties. He has also shot weddings as far as Wiltshire and Oxfordshire.

MJH PICTURES - PHOTOGRAPHY BY MATT HARRIS
Hampshire Wedding Photographer, Hampshire Party Photographer, Hampshire Event Photographer, Surrey Wedding Photographer, Surrey Party Photographer, Surrey Event Photographer, Sussex Wedding Photographer, Sussex Party Photographer, Sussex Event Photographer
Tel: 07887 648 775
Email [email protected]

Leave a Review!
If you've used my services recently and would like to leave review then please click here

© MJHPictures 2026. All Rights Reserved. Privacy Policy / Site Map.