Today we’d like to introduce you to Matt Blum.
Hi Matt, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
I’m just your average guy, really. I managed to turn a love for photography into a career spanning over 20 years, and on a whim, decided to write a book about the whole wild ride. It hit #1 on the Amazon New Release charts for weeks under the artist category. I honestly didn’t see it becoming the hit it did nor garnering the attention it did. It’s funny, isn’t it? Sometimes, us ordinary folks can pull off something pretty spectacular when we really put our minds to it.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not, what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Nah! Nothing great comes easy…ever. Without challenge, one doesn’t learn, and without some heartache, one likely won’t appreciate a win.
Early in my photography career, like most budding creatives, I had all the energy and a head full of ideas. I just didn’t have the attention I needed to get the whole operation off the ground. In hindsight, if I had gotten that attention early on, I would’ve eventually revealed myself for the amateur I was at the time. I think that’s where a lot of us find ourselves in the beginning: all gas pedals with no set direction.
As a photographer, on of the big pieces is accruing all the necessary equipment. You THINK you need the latest and greatest gadgets to push to the front of the class sorta say, but looking back, you just need to do. Master the things you have in your arsenal – again, MASTER, not just tell yourself you know it – then, when it’s time, look at what will help you take that next step and plan a route to obtain it. Think long, then work your way backwards through the steps to achieve that goal.
Thanks – so, what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
Well, at its core, my work is about capturing the human element, those raw, unguarded moments that tell a story more vividly than my words ever could. I specialize in portrait photography, but it’s not just about snapping pictures; it’s about peeling back the layers to reveal the essence of a person. I suppose what I’m known for is my ability to make people feel comfortable in front of the camera, to get them to open up in ways they might not even with close friends. That’s when you capture something truly special.
What am I most proud of? It’s the trust people place in me – the way they let their guard down and share their vulnerabilities. That’s not just a responsibility; it’s a privilege. It’s what allows me to create images that resonate on a deeply personal level.
What sets me apart, I think, is my approach. I don’t just look at this as a job or a technical challenge but as a continuous journey of discovery and connection. Each shot is a chance to explore not just what makes each person unique but also what we all share. That’s what I aim to bring to the forefront in my photography – those universal human stories told one portrait at a time.
What has been the most important lesson you’ve learned along your journey?
The most important lesson I’ve learned along my journey is the power of persistence paired with adaptability. In photography, as in life, things rarely go according to plan. You might set up for a perfect shot, and then the lighting shifts or your subject suddenly becomes uncooperative. Early on, I’d find myself frustrated by these moments. But over time, I learned to roll with the unexpected, to see each setback not as a roadblock but as a detour pointing towards new possibilities. This ability to adapt – while staying adamantly committed to your vision – is crucial. It’s about not just enduring the ups and downs but embracing them as integral parts of the creative process. That’s where real growth happens, both in your craft and in yourself.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.BlumPhotography.com
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/BlumPhotography
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/mattblumphotos
- Twitter: www.x.com/BlumPhotography
- Youtube: www.youtube.com/mattblum
