Photography by Matthew James

Hjem
Danmark
Copenhagen
Photography by Matthew James

Photography by Matthew James Sports, Corporate and Editorial photography from award-winning photojournalist Matthew James

Sports, Corporate and Editorial photography from award-winning photojournalist Matthew James

Visit https://www.photographybymatthewjames.com for more info

* NCTJ Photographer of the Year 2011
* Midlands Sports Photographer of the Year 2011 - Finalist

04/02/2025

You know your business is up there with the pros when you appear in the top two of a ChatGPT search for ‘The 10 best event photographers in Copenhagen’!” 😏📸

In an era where people are turning to AI tools like ChatGPT to find recommendations, it’s pretty cool to see Photography by Matthew James listed among the top event photographers in the city.

Whether it’s a high-energy conference, a corporate event, or a set of professional headshots, my goal has always been to deliver work that clients are proud to showcase. Knowing that this effort is being recognised (even by AI!) makes it all the more rewarding.

So, if you’re planning an event or just want to chat about how photography can elevate your next project, let’s make it happen. AI might help you find the best, but I’ll make sure you get the best results.

https://www.photographybymatthewjames.com/p/event-photography

30/01/2025

What makes your place of work so special?

If your workspace reflects your brand and values, I’d love to help you share that story.

There’s something truly special about photographing Nordic businesses. The workspaces here are more than just offices—they’re expressions of values, creativity, and innovation.

In Denmark and across the Nordics, design is deliberate. From minimalist layouts that prioritise calm and focus, to eco-friendly materials that reflect sustainability, every detail serves a purpose. These aren’t just workspaces—they’re environments built to inspire people and reflect a company’s identity.

As a photographer, I love capturing these unique spaces. It’s about more than aesthetics; it’s about storytelling. Each shot showcases not just what the business does but who they are—whether it’s a tech startup in a sleek Copenhagen loft or a family-run business blending tradition with modernity.

The best part? These images resonate. They help businesses connect with clients, attract talent, and even spark pride in their teams. Photography becomes a tool to celebrate their work, their people, and their culture.

Does your workspace tell your brand’s story? Let me help you showcase it through photography.

https://www.photographybymatthewjames.com/p/corporate-photograph

15/01/2025

A Year in Focus: My Best of 2024 Photography Portfolio

Sorting through the thousands of carefully organised images on my hard drive takes time, but years of experience have helped me develop an efficient workflow. This process allows me to cull, curate, and select only the very best images from the year.

2024 was a standout year for event photography, taking me to a variety of breathtaking locations and vibrant venues. In particular there was CopenHill Urban Mountain, Planetarium Copenhagen, Tivoli, Moderna Museet, Glyptoteket, Hilton Sorrento Palace and Copenhagen Marriott Hotel that really stood out. A special thanks to Moncler, KHL Group, INSOL Europe, TrusTrace, thevaluecircle, ACS audiovisual solutions, NJ Production, U.S. Embassy in the Kingdom of Denmark, British Embassy Copenhagen, Celonis, LGT Capital Partners and Autodesk for inviting me to these wonderful places.

The rest of the year has been spent photographing portraits and sporting events for Sparta Løb, Royal Run Danmark, DHL, Grazia, bro, The Telegraph and The Sydney Morning Herald.

Shooting portraits is a stark contrast to covering events. The former requires hours of planning and specialised equipment for the one perfect shot, while the latter often requires quick thinking, adaptability, and the ability to capture fleeting moments as they unfold. Event photography demands an instinctive eye for storytelling and a knack for working with unpredictable lighting, fast-paced action, and ever-changing environments. Both styles challenge me in different ways, but together they keep my creativity sharp and my skills versatile.

Thanks to everyone who contributed to yet another record-breaking year for Photography by Matthew James. I'm excited to see what 2025 has in store.

27/11/2024

What role do you think literature and storytelling play in breaking down stereotypes about mental health?

Tucked away in a quaint 'kolonihave' (allotment) on the outskirts of Copenhagen, I had the pleasure of photographing author for The Telegraph. Her novel 'What Kingdom' explores life inside psychiatric institutions, but not in the way you might expect.

Fine challenges the usual narratives around mental health, rejecting the “stereotypical tropes or metaphors” often found in literature. Instead, she seeks to “shake up this language,” making it more nuanced and reflective of the broader societal context. She believes we need to shift the focus away from individuals’ struggles and towards how society can adapt to better accommodate people who don’t fit the mold of a “fully functional citizen.”

Her work is a bold call to reimagine mental health care—not as a process of locking people away, but as a collaborative effort to expand our collective emotional understanding. As Fine puts it, “Could we not imagine treatments… involving the outside world gearing itself towards a wider and more comprehensive emotional spectrum?” It’s a question that lingers, one with no easy answers but enormous significance.

20/09/2024

For the second year in a row, Idrætsforbund (DIF) have hired me to photograph His Royal Highness King Frederik of Denmark alongside the city signs that reveal next year's locations.

So much planning went into this assignment, as we were tasked with finding suitable backgrounds that wouldn't look the same as last year's images. Despite being in pretty much the exact same spot!

Typically, despite weeks of perfect weather, the photoshoot had to be postponed at the last minute on our first attempt. But this bad luck gave us the opportunity to fine-tune the entire operation down to the wire.

The rains returned for attempt no.2, but time was against us and the green light was given.

Not surprisingly, we ripped through each photo, each position. And as the signposts were packed into a waiting vehicle and driven elsewhere for the final photo, we made use of the time by filming a short promo video (which is yet to be revealed).

The final image, taken in the gardens of Fredensborg Castle, is my favourite. When I first pitched the idea, we weren't entirely sure we would be allowed to have the building in the background. So a huge thanks goes out to everyone who made this a reality.

Of course, none of this would have happened without the tireless effort of both Suzanne Meyer and Signe Sjølund Torp. Credit where credit's due, as we say in English :-)

To find out more about next year's event, visit https://www.royalrun.dk/

And congratulations to all the host cities:

Viborg Kommune
Horsens Kommune - en del af flokken
Ribe i Esbjerg Kommune
Korsør i Slagelse Kommune
Københavns Kommune / Frederiksberg Kommune

19/09/2024

In all the post-race excitement of the CPH Half Marathon, I forgot to mention a very special event that took place the day before: The Garden Run in Tivoli Gardens.

On a bright September morning, 480 participants ran laps to support the SMIL Foundation. For every lap completed by each runner, Sparta Atletik & Løb donated DKK 10, ultimately raising DKK 35,000 to benefit children with chronic illnesses.

It's not every day one gets the chance to photograph inside Tivoli, so I felt grateful for the opportunity, especially as it was for such a wonderful cause.

A big thanks to Tivoli, the SMILfonden, and everyone involved for making it a special event! And how about those autumnal colours!

15/09/2024

A selection of my faves from Copenhagen Half Marathon today (Sunday 15th September)

30/08/2024

Sticking with the Løb theme, today is the last day of the largest running event in their annual calendar: DHL Stafetten.

For those unfamiliar with the event, over five days, Danish businesses descend on Fælledparken in Copenhagen for a 5 x 5km Relay Race. They compete against other companies (and each other), but the prime focus is to have a great time. Each company pays for their own tent, which is stocked with beer, soft drinks, snacks, and in most cases, a sizzling barbecue.

Each year I try my best to find different angles and motifs, and the highlight so far has been the view from the cherry-picker / lift. Viewing the vastness of the event from 10 metres above the ground adds a whole new dynamic to the imagery (although I admit to being a bit nervous when we couldn't get back down!)

Tonight I'm looking forward to some late-night action (not in that sense), where candles are lit and the mood takes a more relaxed vibe.

If you're taking part be sure to invite me in to your tent for a cheeky beer and some 'hygge' ;-)

28/08/2024

Since 2014, I've had the privilege of working closely with Sparta Løb, a vibrant and growing community that has become a cornerstone of Copenhagen's sporting landscape.

Over the years, I've witnessed the club's remarkable journey as it continues to grow from strength to strength, and I'm proud to say that my own journey as a freelance photographer has been deeply intertwined with theirs.

My relationship with Sparta began when they first hired me to photograph their sporting events, portraits, and cityscapes for their promotional materials. At the time, I was a budding freelance photographer, eager to capture the spirit of Copenhagen through my lens and make a name for myself. Little did I know that this initial collaboration would evolve into a long-standing partnership that would not only help me hone my craft but also allow me to contribute to the club's visual identity.

This summer, I was honored to be asked to take Sparta's official corporate portraits for their brand new website. This project was particularly special to me, as it marked another milestone in our shared journey. The images, now online and ready to be seen, reflect not only the professionalism and pride of the club but also the trust they've placed in me to represent their brand visually.

I'm incredibly grateful for the opportunities they've given me and for being such an integral part of my professional development. Their belief in my work has allowed me to grow as a photographer, and in turn, I've been able to contribute to their continued success by providing them with images that capture the essence of their ever-growing team.

You can see the 20+ images I shot for them (plus a few I didn't) here:
https://sparta.dk/ansatte-i-sparta/

18/08/2024

Front Cover photography for Grazia Magazine, featuring Irina Torres.

This is the first time I've been commissioned to shoot a front cover for a fashion magazine, and I was aware of my own limitations. Looking at past editions of Grazia helped me figure out where my personal style would fit in, and Irina and I talked a lot about colours and balance.

Copenhagen has an abundance of available backdrops that look great in portraits, but I wanted to keep this one simple. A hint of urbanism surrounded by green sums up the equilibrium that the city offers. From my perspective, at least.

The weather wasn't on our side, but the deadline was fast approaching and time was running out. After weeks of hunting for the best location to fit Irina's busy schedule, we were forced to go ahead during sporadic rain showers.

Fortunately I came prepared with umbrellas and an assistant, and Irina rocked up with dazzling style and professionalism.

Can anyone in my Danish network correctly guess where we took this photo?

09/08/2024

Being on the other side of the camera doesn't come naturally to me, which is why I full empathise with many of my portrait clients.

Before heading off for a long, well-deserved summer vacation, I was invited to the apartment of Collinge for a photoshoot. Mike, a talented graphic designer and photographer, needed subjects for a personal project with a twist: the images were shot on a roll of film!

It's been 20 years since I last used a regular SLR camera, and Mike reminded me that there's still a lot of joy to be had with them. In particular, the lost art of waiting for the film to be developed and the excitement that comes with it. Not to mention the satisfyingly heavy 'clunk' sound with each shutter release. Ahh...

The entire experience rekindled my appreciation for the timeless beauty and patience film photography requires. It was a wonderful reminder of why we love what we do as photographers – capturing moments that tell a story, whether digitally or on film.

24/06/2024

wins the much-coveted "Photo Location of the Month" award. Five Stars!

Palm trees, temples, mosaics, statues, and intricate wood carvings await you inside one of Copenhagen's finest art museums.

And from a photography perspective, I can't think of a better place to hold an event. Not only was the light perfect, but the rich greens and reds really add a dynamic that simply doesn't exist in most corporate event spaces. My photography portfolio is about to get an upgrade :-)

Congratulations to and LEF marketing & events for selecting such an awe-inspiring venue for

12/06/2024

During last month's Global Fashion Summit in Copenhagen, I had the pleasure of capturing the launch event for TrusTrace's third industry playbook, “Unlocking DPP: The Why, What and How of Digital Product Passports”.

This was my third assignment for , who have returned to Copenhagen three years in a row, and who always choose great restaurants, where sustainability is key!

The event this year was hosted at the stunning Michelin-starred , where I was lucky enough to have a taster of their delicious meals, which also look great on camera :-)

A big thank you to Melanie Hughes, Katie Karayiannis, Anja Sadock and the team at for their wonderful organisational skills and support, and for hiring me once again. Looking forward to next year!

21/05/2024

Royal Run just keeps on smashing its own PB!

With more than 95,000 people taking part across all of Denmark on Monday, the sheer number of people gathered in the streets needed to be seen to be believed.

Luckily I have a few tricks up my sleeve to help capture large crowds like this 😉

Huge thanks to all the organisers and supporters, including , , , , , , , , and of course

18/05/2024

There’s a great gym in Copenhagen called where I’ve been training continuously for about 4 years now. The community there is without a doubt one of the friendliest I’ve ever been a part of, where people stop to say hello or offer a complimentary fist-bump (post-Covid).

I don’t go there to promote myself as a photographer, so I’m grateful to have photographed not one, but two fellow Vesterbronx members recently.

spotted me during the and correctly called out my name to get my attention (oddly, most people call me James).
Meanwhile, has been making waves as she launches her own brand, including a partnership with

And for the record, Celine smashed my own marathon PB, and Irina can squat way more than my spindly little chicken legs can manage. I think I’ll just stick to taking very adequate sports photos!

11/05/2024

It was a smorgasbord of musical talent on display at Moderna Museet Malmö on Wednesday evening, as the British Embassy () hosted a very special pre-Eurovision event.

As well as a live, stripped-down performance from the UK's , the crowd got to hear Swedish Eurovision stars (aka Lynda Woodruff), and talk about what the contest has meant to them.

Tonight I'll be tuning in to watch the final of the @ song contest, while simultaneously keeping an eye out for those hard-to-catch

08/05/2024

Participants at this year's run past the burnt-down ruins of . The 17th century structure was nearing the end of a renovation to celebrate its 400th anniversary when it unexpectedly caught fire on the morning of April 16th.

05/05/2024

Today was my 10th as a photographer, and it doesn’t get any easier.

With a sold out crowd, trying to get from A to B - with two cameras and a bike - felt impossible at times, but somehow I survived.

As always, there were plenty of surprises along the route, including the ruins of the burnt down Børsen building, and the moment the elite “caught up” with the other participants.

Shout out to everyone who crossed the start line today… I hope you had a wicked day in our wonderful city!

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Videoer

A Year in Focus: My Best of 2024 Photography Portfolio Sorting through the thousands of carefully organised images on my hard drive takes time, but years of experience have helped me develop an efficient workflow. This process allows me to cull, curate, and select only the very best images from the year. 2024 was a standout year for event photography, taking me to a variety of breathtaking locations and vibrant venues. In particular there was CopenHill Urban Mountain, Planetarium Copenhagen, Tivoli, Moderna Museet, Glyptoteket, Hilton Sorrento Palace and Copenhagen Marriott Hotel that really stood out. A special thanks to Moncler, KHL Group, INSOL Europe, TrusTrace, thevaluecircle, ACS audiovisual solutions, NJ Production, U.S. Embassy in the Kingdom of Denmark, British Embassy Copenhagen, Celonis, LGT Capital Partners and Autodesk for inviting me to these wonderful places. The rest of the year has been spent photographing portraits and sporting events for Sparta Løb, Royal Run Danmark, DHL, Grazia, bro, The Telegraph and The Sydney Morning Herald. Shooting portraits is a stark contrast to covering events. The former requires hours of planning and specialised equipment for the one perfect shot, while the latter often requires quick thinking, adaptability, and the ability to capture fleeting moments as they unfold. Event photography demands an instinctive eye for storytelling and a knack for working with unpredictable lighting, fast-paced action, and ever-changing environments. Both styles challenge me in different ways, but together they keep my creativity sharp and my skills versatile. Thanks to everyone who contributed to yet another record-breaking year for Photography by Matthew James. I'm excited to see what 2025 has in store.

𝗩𝗲𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗯𝗿𝗼𝗴𝗮𝗱𝗲 𝗦𝗵𝗮𝗿𝗲𝗱 𝗢𝗳𝗳𝗶𝗰𝗲 𝗦𝗽𝗮𝗰𝗲 𝗔𝘃𝗮𝗶𝗹𝗮𝗯𝗹𝗲

𝗩𝗲𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗯𝗿𝗼𝗴𝗮𝗱𝗲 𝗦𝗵𝗮𝗿𝗲𝗱 𝗢𝗳𝗳𝗶𝗰𝗲 𝗦𝗽𝗮𝗰𝗲 𝗔𝘃𝗮𝗶𝗹𝗮𝗯𝗹𝗲 We have an available space in our shared office on Vesterbrogade For 2.500 DKK all inclusive, you can join 9 other creative heads in the heart of Copenhagen. You'll get your own space to decorate and setup, plus access to a meeting room, shared kitchen, a sofa and a relaxed atmosphere. The office is located on the ground floor of a backyard building, so it's safe and quiet. Private Parking is also available. Get in touch for more information, or contact Nikolaj on 2990 9571

The Croatian town of Dubrovnik actually took me by surprise. I don't know what I was expecting, but I was impressed with the friendliness of the people, the grandeur of the old town, and the overall relaxed vibe. October, it seems, is a great time to visit. I was there to film an annual congress for INSOL Europe and arrived a few days early to soak up the atmosphere. Here's a short snippet of the locations I visited, including a Behind The Scenes ending for all you Photography by Matthew James lovers out there!

Last year was quite the paradox for the business: one of the quietest 12 months in regards to photo assignments, yet THE best year financially. Surely that’s everyone‘a dream to work less and earn more? The result is a corporate-heavy “Best Of 2021” portfolio, lacking travel, music and vibrancy, but it’s the direction I’ve been aiming for for several years. Still, aren’t we all looking forward to a year of festivals and outdoor events in glorious weather? You bet your ass we are.

Using Photoshop to age your face

The new Adobe Photoshop: making me look as old as I feel! OK, so check this out; it's pretty scary. Yesterday I paid a visit to the foot therapist (chiropodist) to discuss my weird toes (they bend upwards, if you really want to know). Since the first Lockdown began last March I've been visiting all sorts of doctors to try and get a better understanding of what needs sorting out. So far I've had one tooth removed, a cyst discovered on my wrist tendon, a very stiff neck (almost) fixed, and now an opportunity to straighten out my feet. In short, I feel old... and I'm only 38. Wanting to share some visual content to illustrate this, I stumbled across Photoshop's new ability to make someone look much older. Not only that, but it can change the expression on the person's face, too! Naturally I added 'Anger' to the mix, and was shocked by the realistic results. Face-altering software is nothing new, but there have been serious privacy issues with the ones found on Facebook, etc. Still, even Photoshop's ability to do this raises some questions: "Why would anyone need to do this?" asked my colleague when he saw my results. Apart from helping the police to find missing persons or fugitives, can you think of any other reason this technology needs to exist?

Despite it being a pretty quiet year for photo assignments, 2020 has still produced several gems for my portfolio. At 54 seconds long, it's the shortest "Best of..." video I've ever created, but that just might give you the excuse you need to press play!

PbMJ Xmas Message, 2020

PbMJ Xmas Message, 2020 At least one of you claimed to be depressed by the lack of a Christmas Message from me last year, so this year's video is dedicated to you. I sincerely hope all of you reading this will have the best Christmas possible (in the current circumstances), and that 2021 brings a much-needed end to the stress and frustration of this year. Lots of love, Matthew xXx

This video was originally posted to my personal profile at the weekend, and I’ve been overwhelmed by the response and positive feedback. Getting this Australian road trip memoir published has been a long battle (mainly with myself), yet here it is, ready and waiting to be read by anyone who believes that all of us have a tale or two to tell. To those of you who have bought it already, thanks for your support. It means a great deal to me. Happy reading...

Livly Food App - Launch Party

Just before all this lockdown madness kicked in back in March, I'd just signed a contract with a new client in the food industry. Livly – a Norwegian company – were already well established back in their home country, and in February they contacted me to help them branch out into Denmark. With 30 Copenhagen-based restaurants already on their list of clients, they needed a photographer with a flare for food photography and video skills. The first of many assignments was their launch party at the Norwegian embassy, where the guests wined and dined in a beautiful building with a fantastic back story, and gorgeous sunshine to boot. Sadly this video was the last assignment I did for the company before the investors pulled the Corona plug. But it has made me rethink my food photography strategy during these quiet months, and I'd definitely like to get back into it.

Best Images of 2019 - PbMJ

Isn't it great how we can all look back on our lives each time the New Year rolls around! For photographers like me, it's an opportunity to assess the work we've created over the past 12 months and get a better idea of where we're heading. This year I've been a lot more critical of my work and removed dozens of images, so what's left is a short 'n' sweet slideshow of fantastic images that I hope you'll also enjoy viewing. And maybe – just maybe – you'll spot yourself amongst them!

KICKSTARTER CAMPAIGN PRE-LAUNCH

At long last I get to announce a personal project I've been working on for eight years. On Tuesday 22nd October I'll be launching a Kickstarter campaign to raise funds to publish a travel memoir called Bug-Tight Box: Living the Van Life in Eastern Australia. In the middle of the worst recession in recent history, my Danish partner and I gave up our secure and stimulating jobs in the UK, sold all of our possessions and bought a one-way ticket to Sydney. The book tells the story of what happens next, as we trade our hard-earned cash for a small, second-hand van and embark on a six-month 5,000-kilometre road-trip across a foreign land. The places we visit, the people we meet and the cultures and traditions we encounter along the way. Furthermore, it also reveals the ups and downs of spending each day living, eating, and sleeping in a vehicle together. How do two romantically involved people react to being so close to one another all the time, while adjusting to the sudden changes in daily rituals and routines that are so often taken for granted, such as cooking, bathing and entertaining themselves? Starting in the southern metropolis of Sydney and ending in the tropical northern town of Cairns, Bug-Tight Box takes a witty and honest look at what life on the open road is really like for outsiders trying to make sense of the Australian way of life. From Tuesday it'll be possible to show your support for the publication of this book and receive a copy before anybody else. As part of the campaign, I'm offering rewards to anyone who pledges their support, including Limited Edition signed prints and digital and printed editions of the book – from as little as 10 DKK. I'll be revealing more about the rewards on offer and the story itself over the coming days and weeks, but right now I'd really appreciate your help in spreading the word about this campaign. The first 48 hours are the most crucial, so if you'd like to be notified when the campaign goes live, just fo

2018 PbMJ Christmas Message

Who knew, that five-minute's worth of captions would take half a day to write out and include in the final edit? Regardless, it's time for the 2018 PbMJ Christmas Message. Please accept my apologies in advance.