Today we’d like to introduce you to Matthew Norton.
Matthew, please kick things off for us by telling us about yourself and your journey so far.
At a young age I knew I was a creative person. I can’t remember a time in which I was not intrigued by art and how each piece had its own unique composition. I spent my developmental years pursuing different mediums such as sketching, songwriting, poetry and I even remember making an attempt at filming a documentary. I believe my journey in photography has been greatly influenced by the art forms I practiced years ago. That brings us to right now in 2018. I am a mere year and a half into my photography journey and loving each forward stride.
Can you give our readers some background on your art?
I am a photographer. Wow. It still feels weird to apply the title “photographer” to myself. Anyway, I am a photographer. Specifically, I am a natural light portrait photographer. As much as I enjoy forests and railroad tracks ballrooms and all of the other wonderful places people typically take portraits, I prefer to shoot in urban areas. The great thing about living in Dallas is that almost everywhere you go you can spot urban elements. One thing that I make sure to tell those I work with is that I love trash. Yes, I did say that. No, I am not a mentee of Oscar the Grouch. I just choose to believe that even the most horrendous of places are beautiful. Sometimes it’s a bit more challenging to see the beauty than others but it is always there. If it means that I go to a location simply for the corner at the end of a parking lot then so be it. It’s worth it. Those that see my work can expect to see individuality. I like to observe that which other photographers do but never to the extent of appearing to be a mold of any particular person or genre.
In your view, what is the biggest issue artists have to deal with?
I think that the pressure to be known has hindered the creative journey that each artist must undergo. I recently heard a quote that said: “The saddest words in the English language are vacant lot.” When an artist begins their creative journey, they are faced with two options: quick or tedious. If one chooses the quick track, they mimic that of others at the expense of their own natural progression. I see a lot of beginner photographers coveting expensive camera equipment and shortcuts in their photo editing. At the end of this quick process, sure they might take great photos and appear to edit them well, but often times they lack originality as a result. There is an entire lot that was never filled with knowledge and experience. It is those that pass up the quick track to entertain the tedious route that are the most creative and versatile artists because their creative identity is not based on comparison to other artists. A great artist makes it a point to occupy every spot,
What’s the best way for someone to check out your work and provide support?
I am on Instagram under the name @matthewnortonphotos. People can support my work by following my account, engaging with my posts and allowing me a chance to work with them to create art and preserve memories!
Contact Info:
- Email: matthewnortonphotos@gmail.com
- Instagram: @matthewnortonphotos
Image Credit:
Kendall McCrae, Brecca McIntyre, Marisa Duran, Madelynn Jones, & Tiffani Lehman, Joshua Davis
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