An interview I gave to a magazine a few years go.Who is David Matthews?

Who is David Matthews?

An interview I gave to a magazine a few years go.

Where is home?

Home is where I am who I am with and what I make it. Roots are where I come from.I have been called a transient higgler.


.When did you first realize that you wanted to get into photography and how long have you been involved with it?


I was eight years old and my parents bought a Brownie 127 camera while on holiday. There was something about holding the camera and creating an image that felt good. Four years later I captured a lorry crash into a house and with the help of a local photographer I had this published on the front page of the local newspaper with a circulation of 100.000 and a buy line "Photograph by David Matthews". I was hook knowing so many people could see my work, and the bonus I was paid for use the photograph, the payment was larger than my folks had paid for the camera.. .


Are you formally taught or self taught?


I am most totally self taught, helped by mentors over time and being thrown in at the deep end. Sink or swim.
Are you satisfied with your choice of getting involved with this profession? Is there anything else you would rather be doing?
From the first moment I held a camera in my hand, I never wanted to put it down and I honestly don’t think I could ever stop my addiction for photography. I cannot think of anything else I would rather do, and am grateful to have been able to follow my passion..
What is your favourite part of heading out for a photo shoot?
I love the feeling of when I head out and it excites me because I don’t know what joys of nature I’m going to be able to capture.


When you’re out photographing, what do you find most challenging?


Photography is most challenging and rewarding I have been involved in. I am constantly chasing the next photograph, the weather in all conditions, and into the night.


What has been your most memorable session and why?


Wow, Do I have to choose one or can I choose four? Each season brings me joy and challenges, spring a new awakening summer of relaxation recreation Fall the harvest and colour change, winter the bleak colourless world.


How do you keep yourself motivated and your photography fresh?


I’m motivated, have determination and addiction because every day is different and you never know what you’re going to capture. I constantly look out for potential places to be photographed as and when the weather conditions are right. To find that one unusual angle and show the world as I see it is my delight.


What has been the biggest source of inspiration in your work?


In my journey as a photographer, photojournalist and industrial commercial photographer all challenges are wonderful. I have recorded history covered horrid events and now enjoy sharing the beauty I see.


What has been the best source of information along your photography journey (workshop, online forums, classroom, mentor, etc)?


Reading books retaining information and putting it into practice, and the joys of working creating in camera and a dark room. Many well known photographers have been an inspiration to learn from and develop my own technique and vision.


What advice can you share with someone who would like to break into the photography scene?


The advice I had was Don’t’ do it there is no money in photography. Mostly they were right but did not understand the satisfaction creating any image has for me.
Photography is so rewarding love what you do love you see and try and capture that moment in a unique manner and never grow up, never give up, enjoy the moment that way you will never be working.


Your use of light and color is truly exceptional. Is there a secret you can share that may help explain how your photos look so vibrant and interesting?


I’m very fortunate to have traveled the world observed many different events and lighting situations. Vibrant and interesting is a compliment maybe the best thing I can share is when no to take photographs. Unless it is a record shot just recording a moment of event do not take photographs between 10 am and 5pm especially in the summer when the sun is high a flat light and increased ultra violet haze. .


What is your favourite image?


The last one I took, and the next one I take. Some are more appealing than others but the excitement of each is a joy. I do not have an overall favourite I am still waiting to take that perfect Photograph. Oh and I believe you do not take a photograph you create a photograph.

What type of camera(s) do you shoot with? What is your favourite lens?


Um I think it is a black one! Over the years I have used many different cameras and lenses, the make model size to me is not important it is how you use the tool in hand, and paint with light. Right now I am using Canon EOS DSLR, mostly with an 18 to 55 mm leans.


What is in your camera bag?


Two cameras a cleaning cloth, spare batteries, a couple of graduated filters, also UV, neutral density and polariser filters. I prefer to edit in camera than any photo editing programme. ,spare memory cards, a couple of lenses a remote shutter release a flash light and a packet of mints.


What is your favourite photography accessory?


My favourite accessory is an elasticized neck strap it helps ease the weight of my equipment.


What’s your photo editing software of choice? How important is post processing to you?


I always shoot in raw so that I can get the best available image quality available and not lose details in my images therefore I use Light room or Photoshop to process my images. I don’t use any other form of editing software.


Was there a point in your journey when you started to feel really good about your work? If so, what did it feel like to get past that ‘tipping point’?


Right from the first moment I was able to photograph a beautiful sky landscape and animals, I have been addicted and always wanted to see and get better.


What do you think the future holds for you? Where do you see yourself in the next few years?


In the future, I would still love to have a camera in my hand; health permitting and I would like to have improved with my photography