Today we’d like to introduce you to Melvin Matthews, Jr.
Melvin, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
Thinking back, I remember my first camera. It was a simple Olympus point and shoot that my godmother gave me for my 16th birthday. Before then, my mind only thought of painting or drawing as the only means to express myself, visually. But who knew the things that I could create from behind the lens.
In 2009, when I started to renew my interest in photography, I would often use friends as my models. As a gay male, I naturally gravitated towards the male figure. Often, I would see something in someone that they didn’t seem to see in themselves. And after we would shoot they would be amazed at what I was able to capture. I could find ways of expressing their sexuality without throwing graphic nudity in your face. I guess it’s a unique gift.
To also add to my uniqueness is the fact that I’m color blind. Normally that would hinder most people when it comes to art. But I’ve used it to my advantage by allowing myself to see things in a picture that most people would take for granted. Like the way light plays off someone’s body, casting a certain shadow and allowing it to give you a certain emotion. The same feeling color would bring to a field of flowers. This added creativity also helps me look at a picture and find ways to recreate them, but from different points of view.
Mostly, I shoot out of my apartment, which can turn some people away. But with the things I can create, you could never tell that the space used had furniture shifted to one side and a sink full of dishes in the background. I feel that you should allow your creativity to do the work for you in any situation. That has allowed me to fine tune myself into a style that I’m very proud of.
I’ve been dabbling in videography as well, creating “teasers” for shoots that I have done. One day, I’d love to put my style of lighting and photography into a short film. Who knows what the future holds…
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc. – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
Smooth? NO. Not at all. I’ve been through many things in life. Hurricane Katrina. Being a dad to two teenagers. Those things are nothing compared to your own self-sabotage. As an artist, we tend to second guess, third guess, etc., etc. And a lot of times I would get into my head that my photos weren’t as good as others. It’s hard not to compare yourself to others. Constantly scrolling through social media doesn’t help either.
Living here in the DFW, EVERYONE is a photographer. And a lot of times, their hustle would beat my skills. I’ve tried to really push myself to put myself out there. Kind of why we are doing what we are doing right now. No one will know you if you don’t put yourself out there.
Please tell us more about your work, what you are currently focused on and most proud of.
Well, simply put, I’m a photographer/videographer. I tend to specialize in first time beginning models. I’m very down to earth and easy to work with. You kind of have to be if you want people to expose their true self to you. That was my way of saying to take off their clothes. My photos are heavy on the shadows and bold light. I just really like the feeling it gives. Honestly, I’m really proud of how far I’ve come as a person through my photography. It has become an outlet of expression when I need to relieve stress.
So, what’s next? Any big plans?
I recently went through a name change. In the beginning, I went by DigiGumbo. That was fine until people would actually call me Digi or Gumbo instead of Melvin. I’m getting older and felt it was time to make a name for myself. Hopefully this summer, I will have filmed my first short film and by next year put out my first photo book. My end goal is to have entered a film into the Sundance film festival and to shoot a major magazine cover.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.melvinmatthewsjr.com
- Phone: 5049191971
- Email: digigumbo@gmail.com
- Instagram: mmjrphoto
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