We are absolutely thrilled to welcome Matt Spracklen, better known to many of you as RocknRoll Birder, to the 3LT Pro Team. We've been looking forward to this one - and we think you're going to love him. So without further ado - meet Matt!
Ever since my dad first showed me a slide show of our family synced to music when I was about 8 years old, I knew I wanted to start documenting. I recorded any music I played on an old 4 track recorder, I made movies using a VHS camcorder and soon got my first 35mm camera. Wind forward a few years and I’m lucky enough to have travelled the world documenting bands on tour, photographing destination weddings and have been part of TV crews too. I am in the music industry. Music is my life. But passion is an overused word yet I say documenting is my passion. And I now combine that passion with another; birding.
Was there a single event that made you decide to become a professional photographer?
It sounds cliche but it was a wedding. My Dad was photographing my cousin’s wedding and knowing I knew my way around a camera, asked me if I wanted to join him just as a back up. I loved it and went on to start a photography business where I photographed weddings around the world.
What is your favourite location to capture?
The Lake District. It’s never not brilliant.
Social media – love it or hate it?
Half and half. I’ve worked in and around social media for about 10 years. I love it when it works for you. Not so much when it doesn’t ha!
Favourite camera you have ever used or owned, and why?
The Fuji X100s. Because it effortlessly gives me the photos I want with minimum input or post editing. It’s classic.
I nearly said the Nikon D700 because it was my first camera I bought when I started out shooting weddings. And it’s a bit of a legendary camera I think.
What’s in your kit bag?
Sony A1
Sony 400-800mm
3 Legged Thing Ridley or Bucky.
3 Legged Thing AirHed Cine CC
3 Legged Thing Axis camera strap
DJI Osmo Pocket 3
DJI Mini Pro 4 drone
Pulsar Orni XG35 thermal monocular
Name 5 essential items in your photography bag.
Camera. Vlogging camera. Tripod. Charger. Chocolate.
Are there any strange/unusual items in your photo bag? Household bits?
Cloths I never use.
How would you describe your style of photography?
Natural, reportage.
What is one thing you have learnt over the past year?
Always carry an Allen key
What is your earliest memory of handling a camera?
I remember being allowed to take a picture with my parent’s camera at a very early age. I had a water pistol camera. Then I got my first own camera for my 10th birthday. I still have it.
If you hadn’t got into photography, what do you think you’d be doing now?
I’d probably have pursued my roles in the music industry further - radio, TV etc.
