McGraw Photo Studios

ly emailed a photographer who after a couple weeks emailed us back to say she would like to have a phone conversation with US to see if WE were right for HER. Needless to say, we did not make that call. After a few weeks, my daughter found Matt McGraw’s website. She sent it to us and said this was the photographer she wanted because she said his work was creative and artsy! It was what she wanted. After reviewing his site, we agreed. We made the contact and honestly every time during the next year that we contacted Matt he came right back at us with an answer without hesitation. We hired him for bridal portraits. He gave us very detailed instructions on what to bring, what we would do, who to bring and how long it would last. He did an amazing job of taking the portraits. We went to multiple places in Wilmington – even the top of a parking garage where he took the most amazing and memorable photos ever. His work with light and manipulation of it is over the top. He was able to pick out perfect spots and angles for his shots. It was a very fun afternoon and Matt’s personality put us at ease. He literally turned the photos right around for our review. We had a hard time choosing just one or two to display at the wedding. He also had great advice for how to display and choose frames as well. Matt is incredibly knowledgeable about all areas! We stayed in touch in between the bridal portraits and the wedding, again with Matt answering any questions we had about the wedding timeline and who needed to be where and when. We also filled out a detailed form to let him know who we wanted to get pictures of. He text us to double check and understand family dynamics so that he could do the best job possible. For the wedding day, Matt was there super early with his assistant. He literally was everywhere the whole day and night. Groups of the bridal party took walks (our venue was Bakery 105 in Wilmington, NC) to different areas where he captured beautiful brick backgrounds and made the best use of the light creeping through. His angles again were amazing and the use of space in his photos were again well done! Matt took hundreds of photos. He was in and out of conversations, grabbing people and capturing moments where people did not even realize he was taking their photo! Matt was on the dance floor capturing the fun as well. We had so many comments from others telling us that he is an amazing photographer, even before they saw his photos. The turn around for wedding photos were incredibly quick, despite being in the middle of the Christmas holiday. We got colors and black and whites for all plus the digital downloads. The slideshow Matt put together was amazing, as he let the bride pick the music that went with it. Matt let us share it on social media, as well as share the link to the photos to friends and family. We ordered from Matt instead of a quick developing establishment because of the difference in quality. There was no comparison between what he had processed through his site and the other establishments.

how stoppers (which is what we wanted) with beautiful lighting and framing. We did a family session with Matt the week of the wedding where the weather and elements where some of the worst. Matt greeted it with a smile and up fro the challenge. He was able to think on his feet and come up with a solution fast! The photos came out amazing!!! Matt got on the dance floor with us and got great photos of everyone having a blast! We could tell he was having as much fun as us and that he loved what he was doing. He understood the weird dynamics of my family and was very respectful of it! If you love lighting, a different creative outlook, and some show stopping photos - Matt is your guy!!! We also did a family session with Matt the week of the wedding where the weather and elements where some of the worst. Matt greeted it with a smile and up fro the challenge. He was able to think on his feet and come up with a solution fast! The photos came out amazing!!!

reat experience!

session his creative ingenuity shined, resulting into photos that are literally the dreams of Pinterest users and Instagram Models. He pulled out all the stops - beaches with glistening waves in the background, dramatic thunderstorms with lightening bolts, and sunsets that make you cry. What I love about Matt and the reason I keep using him for myself and family, is that he isn’t afraid to try something new and what’s more is that he WANTS to try something new- he goes beyond the same boring pose and/or background that so many other photographers use. He goes beyond capturing the moment and he captures the essence of YOU. I can’t forget to mention Matt’s professional demeanor, he will always make you smile and feel comfortable to be yourself in photos. He sends a questionnaire weeks before your session and called me twice before each session. Not only did Matt keep in touch with me before my sessions but when it came to my wedding- Matt totally rolled along with my Bridezilla Moments. Matt never once questioned me or made me feel guilty because I simply wanted things to be perfect and had a million questions. In fact, he encouraged me to take a minute to collect myself after being late to my wedding due to the car rental breaking down on the way to the wedding in the middle of a hot, humid, July, Charleston summer day. Any bride can empathize with a moment like that - you’re hot and sweaty, you’re 45 minutes late, there are elderly people waiting for you at an outdoor wedding, and you’re now questioning your venue - I was an anxious wreck of a bride. But when I arrived, after he rescued my grandfather and I on the side of Tradd Street, he said, “Take a minute to collect yourself, otherwise, you won’t remember and experience your wedding that way you want.” Boom! The thing I needed to hear, my photographer made real. And he was right, I was 45 minutes late, what would 5 more minutes be?! We all need an advocate in moments like those and in that moment my photographer, Matt McGraw, was mine and I’m so glad I took his advice! You will not regret having Matt as your photographer, I promise. You will have the most beautiful photos and the best time creating them!

ready to get busy! They were there to capture every minute from getting ready to the goodnight kiss. He made us feel like rock stars! Best of all, he helped us relax and have a good time through it all. Our wedding pictures came out absolutely stunning! Matt is truly brilliant behind a camera!

ends with him in the future!

d we are SO very happy we booked this man. Don't look anywhere else. No one can top the professional work he does.

ot have a great photo or your "bad" side will get shown, hire Matt McGraw. Hands down amazing.

ey could see online asap! Thanks, Matt!

des the "posed" pictures, so I really wish we had more of those. A list of exactly what photos you want would have been helpful in retrospect. Be careful if there are any girlfriends/boyfriends of family members and warn them ahead of time that they will be asked to step out a of a few pictures (this can avoid awkwardness during picture taking, as he will ask them to leave!) Also takes a long time to send the CD of pictures after the wedding even after repeated requests so be aware of that.

Planning a destination can be tricky, but Matt made it a snap. We corresponded back and forth via phone and email for the year or so leading up to the wedding. Even though I was 1,200 miles away, Matt was an absolute professional and put me at ease. I knew we would be in more-than-capable hands. Matt's technical prowess and keen eye are unparalleled. And man, does this guy know his stuff--always the right amount of lighting and exposure for just the right moment. His black and white photography, reflective imagery, and uncanny visual sense make for one amazing experience. Despite all the weather issues we were having (an outdoor wedding, naturally), he kept everyone calm, cool, and collected. His presence during the ceremony and reception never felt intrusive, and amidst all the amazing pictures he was taking, he also kept a close eye on the weather--watching for just the right moment when the rain stopped, the skies opened up, and we could get some absolutely astonishing pictures on the beach. Matt McGraw is everything you could want in a photographer...well worth every penny, and a great guy to boot! (Thanks, Matt--you're amazing!) Doug & Abby

children and he made them feel just as important. He spent the morning with my fiance and then met me at the chapel . At the reception he presented a slide show so the guests could see us getting ready. During the reception he continued to add to the slide show.Matt is a very personable, reliable and committed to providing the best possible service to his clients. He received rave reviews from everyone. Including us. I will recommend Matt to anyone needing a photographer, Bridal or otherwise.