A Southport wedding photographer has cemented his place as one of the all time greats after winning a series of awards at a national competition.
Matthew Rycraft, who runs the hugely popular Matthew Rycraft Wedding Photography & Rycraft Studios in Birkdale, snapped his way to five major awards in the recent Society of Wedding and Portrait Photographers competition in London.
Rycraft, who has worked across the country with close to a thousand married couples, as well as TV stars and production companies, walked away from the completion with four merits, a excellent commendation and even found himself in the top 3 for Wedding Photojournalism Photographer of the Year award.
The photograph which found itself a finalist, was taken when weddings were finally allowed to take place in 2021 after the final Covid lockdown, a wedding which just had 6 guests. Fittingly called “Alone in March”.
Despite already being highly decorated for his work over the last fifteen years, Matthew said he was in awe of the talent around him during the competition.
“To have my work judged by some of the best photographers in the industry, even the world and displayed alongside other incredible talented individuals was sensational.
“I’m still coming down from the high!”
During the competition Matthew’s work won awards in the Wedding Day, Wedding Photojournalism, Bride Alone, Wedding and the Commissioned Portrait categories, giving the Birkdale photographer five rosettes to take home with him.
Matthew edited, printed and mounted each of the winning images at his studio.
“It’s just an amazing achievement and I am ever so delighted to have been shortlisted, let alone win!
“I credit the care and attention to detail that I put into my work and it’s not just a day of taking photos. All of my wedding clients know that I will carefully plan out their special day months ahead and work with them to get the very best images.
“For me my true award is seeing how happy and elated couples are when they first look back at their wedding albums. It is a feeling like no other.
“To be a part of the SWPP competition was a nerve wracking experience and I watched my winning images be judged by the best photographers in the industry – true talent that I aspire to emulate and surpass throughout my career.
“Furthermore all of my winning images were on display at the exhibition so they could inspire others and future photographers to get into the industry.
“It’s rare to have one image make it this far, let alone five!”
To find out more about the work Matthew does, visit www.matthewrycraft.co.uk
Matthew Rycraft Photography is located at The Mews Wedding Centre, a Liverpool Wedding Photographer, 15a Liverpool Road, Birkdale, PR8 4AS. Matthew’s new studio is open Monday to Friday from 9am to 5pm, with evening consultations available by appointment. To make an appointment, or for any further information, call 01704 741111, email [email protected] or visit www.matthewrycraft.co.uk.
For more information, or to organise an interview or photo opportunity, please contact Matthew Rycraft on 01704 741111 / 07931 511901 or email [email protected].
Mattthew Rycraft
Matthew Rycraft Photography
The Mews wedding centre, 15A Liverpool Rd, Birkdale, Southport PR8 4AS
01704 741111
matthewrycraft.co.uk
