Who is Eyes2Me Photography
Hello, I’m James Matthews, the owner of Eyes2Me Photography Limited. Wedding Photographer Cardiff. Covering south wales and bourder counties. At about ten years of age and with much persuasion, I finally got a Russian made 35mm camera with a small zoom lens from my father. I think he swapped some pigeons for it.
Unlike most other photographers who got the photography bug from their parents or grandparents, my family were never into photography and couldn’t understand why I wanted a camera.
I became the one with a "good camera". Photographing many family occasions along the way. School trips were always captured. I especially liked the lions of Longleat. My school girlfriend (now my wife) was my model at the time. My first wedding photographs were taken at ten years of age.
Skipping ahead to my adult years, and with some encouragement from family and friends, I formed Eyes2Me Photography. The name Eyes2Me was inspired by a local tyre sales company I saw on the way home from booking a wedding in Cardiff. Although my first instinct was to go with James Matthews Photography. As most photographers select their name for their business. For a while, I did go with my name but liked Eyes2Me Photography better.
I took part in an intensive wedding photography course. It was an excellent and informative course. However, the traditional posed images were not something I enjoyed photographing. I like the natural unposed photos of people. I thought what’s the point in shooting something I don’t enjoy doing. I like the natural images of people. Capturing the natural expressions of people at weddings and events was the style of photography I enjoy photographing.
While undertaking a Diploma in Photography, it was suggested that I keep a file of all the images that I particularly liked or was drawn to. This course of action would help me find a photography style and passion for the type of images I was drawn to.
The dominant style I use is called photojournalism. Or Documentary. Considered as a curious photographer, I often find myself shooting scenes where they capture something unexpected.
To outsiders, Photo-Journalists seem to be the most daring and fast-paced of all photographers as they will regularly put themselves in uncomfortable positions to capture a single photo. But the reality is that Photo-Journalists aren't uncomfortable in awkward situations, they're too busy being excited about the images they're capturing. The thrill of capturing a photo that tells a story that others can't tell is more than enough to motivate a photo-Journalist to act daringly for the perfect shot.
I found that I was inspired by many photographers and especially the works of Robert Frank, Don McCullin, Kevin Mullins and Jeff Ascough. However, the work and humour of Elliott Erwitt still inspire some of my images. I have been fortunate to have attended workshops with both Kevin Mullins and Jeff Ascough. Both are highly acclaimed award-winning wedding photographers.
I joined a number of photography groups and associations over the years. However, I was drawn to the lure of the coveted title "Master Photographer" and joined the Master Photographers Association. With their mentorship, I was awarded my Licentiate as a Master Photographer in early 2020. Earning the title of "Master Photographer". Below is a copy of the local press release that also appeared in the South Wales Wedding Magazine. .
Eyes2Me Photography - PRESS RELEASEJames Matthews, from Eyes2Me Photography based in Caerphilly, has just been awarded his Licentiateship of the Master Photographer Association (LMPA) with a stunning panel of Images in the Commercial category, which is James’s speciality.
The judges’ comments given to James included words like sheer quality, impact, stunning, outstanding and unique, which explained the strength of the whole panel.
Licentiateship of the MPA, is the hardest qualification to achieve within the photographic profession, as this takes a great deal of time, work and dedication to your art to reach this level. Entering the Association at probationary level and reaching the required high standards of this qualification is such a massive achievement.
Not only do you have to submit an extensive panel of photographic images, which are displayed and judged in front of 5 highly respected Fellows of the industry, but you also must produce an in depth working profile, about your work and business practises.
This document goes into the Health & Safety elements that must be understood when dealing with the public, also have professional insurances that protect the public.
This is the reason why the public should only book a qualified professional photographer to photograph those precious memories in life, their wedding, pets or family and children, as it’s the only way they have of knowing they will get the best creative photographs and personal service possible.
Trading Standards ApprovedAfter a lot of hard work preparing document and interviews I was accepted as the only photographer in Wales to become Trading Standards Approved. In other words "Buy With Confidence" I was surprised how intensive they are before accepting a business into the pre-approved scheme. I had to provide a list of 50 wedding couples that I photographed and they picked 10 at random to provide me with a reference.
Volunteering my Photography ServicesI volunteer my photography services with the Remember My Baby Organisation. Helping parents with the pain of still birth.
I also volunteer photographing of families living with a terminal illness, Providing lasting memories for the family.
During October 2019 I spent three weeks of my own time photographing Paramedics in India who have also given up their own time to teach first aid to schools that are many miles from hospitals or first aid posts. This event was self-funding and help from some local business with sponsorships. An experience that I hope to repeat in 2022.
I have participated in many charities and associations to raise money for good causes. This year (2022) I will be hiking 26 miles from Chepstow to Monmouth to raise money for MacMillan Cancer Support.
If you would like to support this cause please donate to my just giving page. All money raised is collected by MacMillan Cancer Support direct from the just giving page.
MacMillan Cancer Support