Matt Guest

Wedding | Last Updated: February 11, 2021

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Hi, my name is Matt and I’m a wedding photographer based in Sheffield, South Yorkshire. I have been shooting weddings for just over six years now.

My main two cameras are the Canon 5D Mark IV and the 5D Mark III.

I like to shoot mostly with prime lenses – mainly 35mm f/1.4, 50mm f/1.2 and 85mm f/1.8 as these lenses really suit my documentary style of photography.

I also use a 70-200mm f/2.8 lens which helps capture the natural and candid moments from a distance. It’s a great portrait lens too!!

Using prime lenses was one of the best things I ever did in terms of developing my photography. You learn to see in various focal lengths and it forces you to think more about your composition and your position relative to the subject.

Large apertures and shooting wide open are also key for me at weddings when only using natural/available light. I use a couple of Canon Speedlites, but these only make an appearance on the dance floor in the evening.

I’ve been using Canon equipment ever since I started shooting weddings over six years ago. For me, it’s the best and suits the way I work perfectly.

Cameras

Canon 5D Mark IV

My main camera for a couple of years now. What can I say… It’s just absolutely brilliant. Much lighter and better in low light that my trusty Mark III. I will be getting another one soon to replace the Mark III now that the busy season is winding down.

Canon 5D Mark III

This is the camera I started off with along with a Canon 6D which I use as a back up now to both of the 5D’s. It’s getting a little tired now so I will soon be replacing it, but I will never let it go as I feel so attached to it. It will probably end up on a shelf in my studio once I hang it up.

Lenses

Canon EF 85mm f/1.2

I always start shooting the morning of a wedding with this lens. I shoot the bride preparing, then move on to details.

Close-up portraits with this lens are much better at conveying emotions. I also like the way that this lens can make you almost invisible. You are able to keep your distance and watch everything unfold before you. I find this vital to the way I work.

This is quite a heavy lens which stays on my camera all day, but the shots it produces for me are the reason why this is the favourite lens that I have in my kit bag.

Canon EF 50mm f/1.2

I use this lens mainly for portraits and the odd confetti shot. I find it ideal when I want to get a closer crop of my couples. It comes into its own in low light, especially when shooting in the golden hour.

Canon EF 35mm f/1.4

Along with the 85mm this lens is on my camera for 90% of the day. This is probably the most versatile lens in my bag. I can get up close for portraits or stay back for larger group shots. This is also a great lens for intimate ceremonies where you are quite pushed for space.

The performance in low light is also great when shooting wide open. Absolutely brilliant lens.

Canon EF 100mm f/2.8

I use this lens to capture close up details. Super fast and super sharp. I would say it’s the least used lens in my bag, but I wouldn’t be without it.

Canon EF 135mm f/2
I got this lens because I wanted something a little lighter than my 70-200 to use during speeches and the odd portrait. At f/2 this lens is insanely sharp, and I love the buttery skin tones it gives me.

Canon Canon EF 70-200mm f/2.8

Had this lens for years and I absolutely love it. I use it for all sorts of different things.

It comes into its own at large outdoor weddings, when I want to capture the nice candid moments without getting too close. The way I document weddings is more like being an observer, just waiting for those unexpected moments to happen – and with this lens I can simply go unnoticed most of the time.

Canon EF 16-35mm f/4

This is the latest addition to my kit. I wanted something I could use in the thick of things on the dance floor to get really wide and this lens enables me to do that.

Lights/Triggers

Canon Speedlite 600EX RT x 2 – Used mainly on the dance floor. I also drag the shutter with these flashes zoomed right in to create some crazy light trails.

Bags/Straps

Lowepro ProTactic 450 AW

This is a fantastic bag that keeps all of my equipment neatly organised. It’s quite heavy when full, but holds everything I need and more.

Ona Bowery

This is a fantastic little bag. It is with me all day, and I use it to keep my personal belongings in along with a couple of prime lenses, normally my 50mm & 135mm.

Holdfast Moneymaker

I have two cameras, so I have quick access to two focal lengths. The Holdfast Moneymaker enables me to work quickly and comfortably. Probably the best thing about it, apart from looking smart, is the way it takes the strain away from my back. Definitely one of the best investments I have ever made.

Hardware & Software

iMac 27, 2017
Adobe Lightroom and Photoshop for skin retouching.
VSCO film preset, slightly tweaked to my style.

mattguestphotography.com | @mattguestphotography