Who am I
Immerse yourself in my world of photography! I'm Matt Elwood, a seasoned professional with over 20 years of experience, having crafted nearly 400 wedding stories, countless senior portraits, and treasured family memories throughout Nebraska. My work extends to impactful promotional campaigns and expertly composed real estate visuals, highlighting properties with precision and creativity. In my free time, I transform ordinary scenes into vivid art, blending symmetry, bold lines, and rich colors. Explore my portfolio to uncover the vision and storytelling behind each image.
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Family is at the heart of my life. I've been married to my best friend, Nicki, for 26 years, and we’re incredibly proud of our two amazing children. Our son, Levi, is forging his own path as an entrepreneur, running a car detailing business with friends. Our daughter, Layna, is pursuing an education in plant sciences, eager to explore the world of botany. Nicki and I cherish watching our kids chase their dreams.
Professional Summary
Dynamic visual media professional with over 20 years of experience in photography, videography, branding, and marketing. Specializing in weddings, engagement, senior portraits, and real estate photography, with a portfolio of approximately 400 weddings showcasing personalized storytelling. Recognized as a finalist for Lincoln’s Choice Awards for Local Photographer (2025) and dedicated volunteer photographer for Make-A-Wish Nebraska since 2013. Proficient in industry-standard tools and fluent in PC and Mac systems, delivering innovative solutions for diverse clients.
Professional Experience
Photographer, Videographer, and Branding Specialist Elwood Photography, Hickman, NE | 2004 – Present
Founded and operate a successful photography and videography business, specializing in weddings, engagement sessions, senior portraits, and real estate photography.
Deliver tailored branding and marketing solutions, creating unique visual identities for businesses through photography, videography, and social media strategies.
Pioneer innovative photography techniques, transitioning from film to digital, and adapt industry practices to meet evolving client needs in the Lincoln area.
Utilize advanced editing software (Adobe Photoshop, Lightroom, Premiere Pro, Final Cut Pro, DaVinci Resolve) to produce high-quality content that enhances client engagement.
Manage all project phases, from client consultations and concept development to shooting, editing, and final delivery, ensuring exceptional results under tight deadlines.
Recognized as a finalist for Lincoln’s Choice Awards for Local Photographer (2025), reflecting community trust and professional excellence.
Restaurant Team Member & Manager Piezano’s, Lincoln, NE | 1995 – 2005
Performed diverse roles, including shift management, cooking, food preparation, delivery, and customer service, in a fast-paced pizza restaurant environment.
Developed strong multitasking, leadership, and client relations skills, contributing to a positive customer experience and operational efficiency.
Transitioned to full-time photography in 2005 as Elwood Photography grew into a sustainable, self-sufficient business.
Volunteer Experience
Volunteer Photographer Make-A-Wish Nebraska, Lincoln & Omaha Offices | 2013 – Present
Provide photography services for events, promotional materials, and wish-granting moments, capturing heartfelt images that support the organization’s mission to grant wishes for children with critical illnesses. Collaborate with staff to create compelling visual content that enhances fundraising and community engagement efforts.
Education
New York Institute of Photography – Correspondence Course | 2003
Southeast Community College – Photography Studies | Lincoln, NE | 2002
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York High School – High School Diploma | York, NE | 1991 – 1995
Self-taught photographer, mastering techniques through practical experience and innovation during the transition from film to digital photography.
Skills
Photography & Videography: Weddings, portraits, real estate, event photography; studio and on-location shooting; lighting and composition. Editing Software: Adobe Photoshop, Lightroom, Premiere Pro, Final Cut Pro, DaVinci Resolve. Branding & Marketing: Visual identity development, social media content creation, SEO, geofencing.
Awards & Achievements
Runner-up Lincoln’s Choice Awards for Local Photographer | 2025
Photograph of the year 2007 photography-cafe.com
Contact
I'm always looking for new and exciting opportunities. Let's connect.
(402) 770-7458