My Story
Photography wasn’t always my calling, but creativity runs deep in my family. My grandfather’s historical images hang in the National Gallery in Grenada, my uncle was part of the early Photoshop development team, and my father was the most sought-after photographer on the island, running the only print lab at the time. For me, photography was something I couldn’t escape - it was in my blood.
Growing up in Grenada, I experienced life’s highs and lows. In 2004, Hurricane Ivan devastated my island home. Surviving that taught me resilience and the importance of striving for greatness. That mindset followed me to the University of Nottingham in 2010, where I pursued a degree in electrical and electronic engineering.
In 2011, I picked up my first camera as a way to connect with my dad, despite being over 7,000 kilometres away. By 2013, I had my work featured on the cover of the UK’s top student magazine and became the most sought-after photographer at my university, covering everything from sports to graduation balls. I was also featured on BBC Weather's website for an image of lightning over the campus.
Ningbo, China & Northern India
In 2014, my photography took me around the world. I was sent to Ningbo, China, to cover the university’s tri-annual sports games and later that year, I joined a high-profile adventure rally through India, travelling from New Delhi to Ladakh and into Kashmir.
Along the way, we stumbled upon a traditional roadside wedding in Manali. It was my first wedding, and I was captivated by the vibrant traditions, the golden groom’s veil, the welcoming community, and the rhythmic drums. That experience planted a seed - I knew in that moment I wanted to be a wedding photographer someday.
Ningbo, China
The Mountains in Kashmir, Northen India
My 1st wedding, in a tent, on the road to Ladakh
First Destination Wedding: The Snowy French Alps
After university, I co-founded a creative agency with friends and eventually launched the wedding photography branch. In 2018, I captured an unforgettable winter wedding in the French Alps, arriving at the reception chalet on Mont Blanc by snowmobile. By late 2019, I decided to go solo, ready to fully embrace my vision.
The birth of Martin J Sylvester Photography
Then came 2020. Like many, the pandemic nearly brought my dream to a halt. But in 2021, I made a fresh start, and the momentum hasn’t stopped. By 2022, I was covering week-long destination weddings in Crete, and in 2023, I photographed incredible celebrations in Sardinia and Northern Ireland.
In 2024, I had the most weddings booked in a single year, and I’m more excited than ever about what the future holds.
As seen in:
Finding Stories in Everyday Life
When I’m not photographing weddings or events, I turn to street photography. This documentary approach keeps my eye sharp for natural, unscripted moments—something that deeply influences my work at weddings. As an internationally published contemporary artist, I love capturing the energy of London’s streets: the people, the movement, and the quiet details that make the city so alive. It’s my way of staying connected to the world and finding beauty in the everyday.
Weddings have a magic that’s impossible to replicate. They’re about love, family, culture, and the little moments that tell your story. Whether it’s a local celebration or a destination wedding halfway around the world, I’m here to capture it all.
Let’s connect - I’d love to hear your story and help make your big day unforgettable.