Poll results reveal Toowoomba’s top 12 photographers

The Chronicle asked the public to vote for the region’s best photographer and the results are finally in. See the top 12 here.

From the first moment Matt Edwards picked up a camera, he was hooked, but the former schoolteacher never expected he’d be leaving his job to pursue the hobby professionally.

Matt Edwards has been voted as Toowoomba's best photographer in The Chronicle's online poll. Picture: Annette Andrews Photography

Now, after capturing weddings, family portraits, special events and real estate photos for the past decade, he’s been voted Toowoomba’s best photographer in The Chronicle’s online poll.

The Chronicle asked readers to nominate and vote for who they believed was the region’s best with Matt placing at the top of the list.

Matt Edwards has been voted as Toowoomba's best photographer in The Chronicle's online poll. This is one of his favourite photos taken when he was living in London. Picture: Matt Edwards Photography.

Discovering his passion for the art of photography when he was living in the U.K with his wife, Matt said his family and friends encouraged him to give it a go, so he did.

Sacrificing a secure income to start his business Matt Edwards Photography, he said he couldn’t have done it without the support of his wife and two children.

“It might sound a bit corny but (my favourite photo) is of my wife and sits on my beside table,” Mr Edwards said.

“I always look at it and think of her and how much she supported me to chase my dream of becoming a photographer.”

Matt Edwards has been voted as Toowoomba's best photographer in The Chronicle's online poll. This is one of his favourite photos of his wife and biggest supporter Mel Edwards. Picture: Matt Edwards Photography.

With photography being so subjective, Matt said he believed the secret to his success was his easygoing personality, hard work ethic and the assistance of word of mouth.

The 36-year-old said while he still feels the pressure when it comes to capturing the perfect moment, he loves gifting people with photos they will cherish for the rest of their lives.

“There’s not many jobs in the world where you can do that,” he said.

But it’s not the only title he’s claimed in the past week, after he was also voted the best wedding photographer for Southern Queensland at the 2022 Wedding Industry Awards.