Royal seal of approval for Jersey photographer

Friday 22 July 2016

Jersey-based photographer Matt Porteous has been revealed as the official photographer selected by The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge to photograph Prince George to mark his third birthday. 

The portraits were taken by photographer Matt at their home in Norfolk in mid-July and today he has delivered a question and answer session on his experiences as a royal photographer.

A spokesman for Kensington Palace said: "The Duke and Duchess hope that people will enjoy seeing these new photographs. They would like to thank everyone for all lovely messages they have received as Prince George celebrates his third birthday.”

Photographer Matt Porteous said: "I really enjoyed the opportunity to take these photographs of Prince George. It was a very relaxed and enjoyable atmosphere. I'm honoured that they have decided to share these images with the public to mark his third birthday.”

Mr Porteous is a Director of Studio M, a St Helier studio that specializes in portrait/commercial photography and film and has answered the following questions about his love for all things photography. 

When and how did Matt first start becoming interested in photography? As a young boy, Matt showed an unusual interest in photography and in his parent's photo albums. His first yellow, underwater Minolta accompanied him everywhere. It was through that simple lens that he learnt to capture the sublime beauty of nature.

How and where did he train? His mentors, close friends and travel opportunities have all influenced his approach to his work over the past 20 years. He is passionate about his photography and always has been. The love he has for his work, the people and places that he encounters along the way is apparent in the detail and perspective, in the stories he tells in his photographs.

His other accomplishments as a photographer?  Matt has won many awards for his pictures over the years from professional bodies and photography magazines in categories such as travel, sport and weddings. However, his real motivation and drive is to work tirelessly on personal and collaborative projects, capturing the vitality of life. He has travelled widely and has captured the harshly beautiful sand dunes of Namibia; home to the Himba Tribe and the animals of the Etosha Pans, to name a few. In 2015, Matt co-founded Ocean Culture Life, their aim is capturing the truth, beauty and simplicity of people and places connected with the ocean and to educate in order to positively impact on shorelines and marine life. This is best explored in his recent trip to Hawaii.

How he was approached by HRH the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge? The family were made aware of my work and I was approached after that. 

A little more ‘colour’ of his experiences of working with the royal couple and Prince George?  I really enjoyed the opportunity to take these photographs of Prince George. It was a very relaxed and enjoyable atmosphere. I’m honoured that they decided to share these images with the public to mark his third birthday.

His plans for the future?  Just as he is committed to the guardianship of our environment, he is also engrossed in pursuing excellence in the quality of his work. Matt has dedicated his passion and unique skill set to Studio_M, built on the foundations of a passionate, hardworking and organic collaboration. It is here that Matt and his team, blend captivating written stories with compelling visual imagery through both photography and film. The concept of collaboration is one that weaves a tight, secure fabric of innovation and imagination. Constantly testing each other to deliver better versions of ourselves and ultimately, our work. Our future is a pursuit of excellence and exploration. 

And finally, some words from him about growing up/living in Jersey? The ocean holds a special place in Matt’s life. Having grown up along the rugged coastline of Jersey in the Channel Islands. He has surfed, dived and swum his way into a peaceful and respectful relationship with the sea. Jersey is home, in all sense of the word.