63 Questions with Our Lead Photographer Matt Shelley

Meet Matt, our lead photographer who is there to capture the best of your wedding day. Matt’s presence on your wedding day will be one of composure and intelligence behind the camera as he guides you and your family throughout your day. Nearly 15 years inform his method and instinctive service. The heart and soul behind Matt’s perspective lies within fatherhood, fueled by capturing the moments that matter most.

What is the last song you listened to? Texas Sun by Leon Bridges

Where’s your favorite dinner spot in Dallas? Tei An

Best burger? Neighborhood Services

Sushi or pizza? Pizza

Coffee or tea? Coffee

Books or movies? Books

What’s your favorite book/movie? For Whom the Bell Tolls by Ernest Hemingway

A book that everyone should read? Undaunted Courage by Stephen Ambrose

A movie that everyone should see? Dumb & Dumber

What’s your guilty pleasure? Cinnamon Rolls (La Casita Bake Shop if you’re looking for a rec)

One talent you wish you had? Singing

If you could switch lives with someone who would it be? Richard Branson

If you could have coffee with someone from the past, who would it be? Theodore Roosevelt

Three people, dead or alive, would you invite to a dinner party? Albert Camus, F. Scott Fitzgerald, Thomas Jefferson

Best gift you’ve ever received? A vintage, heirloom camera

Best gift you’ve ever given? A handpicked glass menagerie

Favorite ice cream flavor? Cookies and cream

Milk or dark chocolate? Dark

What’s a dessert you don’t like? Key lime pie

Favorite board game? Yahtzee

Favorite color? Navy

Favorite TV show? Sopranos

If you could make a cameo on one TV show, what would it be? Friends

Favorite band? Pink Floyd

Favorite solo artist? George Michael

What’s a song you could listen to on repeat and never get tired of? Let’s Stay Together by Al Green

If you could sing a duet with anyone, who would it be? Nina Simone

What’s your go-to karaoke song? Benny and the Jets, by Elton John

What’s your favorite animal? Bear

What’s your biggest fear? Drowning

Summer or Winter? Autumn or Spring? Autumn

What three words would you use to describe yourself? Adaptable, Adventurous, Humorous

What’s a book from your childhood that positively influenced you? Shiloh

What is your proudest moment? Today

What’s one app on your phone you couldn’t live without? Spotify

Where’s your dream vacation? Ireland

Best vacation you’ve been on? Kennebunkport

What’s one thing you always travel with? Snacks

Window or aisle seat? Aisle

If you could move anywhere in the world, where would it be? Carmel

Three things you can’t live without? Music, Family, Beer

Are you a morning or night person? Morning

Do you have kids? Yes

How old are they? 4

What’s the best thing about being a parent? Unsolicited hugs

What’s your biggest strength? Adaptability

Biggest weakness? People pleasing

What did you want to be when you were younger? Lawyer

Who is your inspiration? My wife Tricia

Best piece of advice you’ve received? Be curious, not judgmental

One piece of advice you’d give to your younger self? Speak up

What got you into wedding photography? Assisting a wedding photographer

How many weddings have you photographed in your career- ballpark? 300

How long have you worked at John Cain Photography? 4 years

Where’s your favorite destination you’ve traveled for a wedding? Telluride

What’s a dream destination you hope to go to for a wedding? Anywhere in Italy, but especially Tuscany

Favorite part of a wedding? The very beginning, getting ready, anticipation.

Film or digital? Film

Dallas or destination? Destination

Favorite Dallas venue? Brook Hollow

Favorite memory as a wedding photographer? Watching Norah Jones sing a couples’ first dance song

What makes you smile the most? People having fun

What are you most excited about these days? Camping with my son