Matt Irwin has been a working photographer since 1990. In that time he has covered almost every type of photography imaginable. Matt splits his time between publishing his own works as originals, books, calendars, prints and his professional clients, who range from advertising agencies, government departments, local government and business of all sizes.
Matt has also been creating content for his growing and successful YouTube channel which covers a wide range of behind the scenes and insights from how his work is actually created to the gear, and the industry as a whole.
Tell us a bit about your photographic journey. How did you get started, and what keeps you passionate about it today?
From the age of about 11 or 12, I could see the power of the frame, the ability to create something within this magical portal. This ability to edit the world and capture something only I could see and then share, epically exciting. I started publishing my own works and postcards and greeting cards in 1990 / 1991 selling them at David Jones and Myer. My photographic works also sold across many galleries and retail stores. I also moved into all sorts of commercial photography. After 35 years I have shot almost everything. Also in the 1990’s I pursued my passion for filmmaking, working on short films, TV commercials and music videos, as a camera assistant, DOP and director. I have continued since then working in both film making and stills photography. Since the late 1990’s onwards I have published over 200 greeting card titles, 4 books, diaries, journals and over 30 calendar editions among many other publications.
The world is amazing, light is amazing, ‘the frame’ is amazing. I still get a tingle down my spine when I know I have nailed an image. Technology continues to allow further experimentation and exploration of photography. We can create images today that were not possible 10-20 years ago. Thus the art of photography is ever changing and evolving. This is exciting, and I will never stop exploring this space.
How would you describe your approach to capturing a scene or subject?
Having captured so many different subjects across the decades, it is always different. I think the most important aspect for me is understanding what my client (or me) are after. What is the intention for the piece we are creating. Having a deep empathy with the goals drives everything else forwards. I have always said I can shoot anything anywhere and make it look good, and sometimes locations and situations are tough. Yet there is always a way, always an angle.
My style is trying to keep things as natural as possible, unless that is not the intention. Also as cinematic and dramatic.
What role do Tamron lenses play in your photography?
The 35-150 Tamron is an extraordinary revelation for what is possible today. Being a f/ 2 – 2.8, in one package makes it super useful across many use cases and shows Tamron commitment to making lenses for everybody.
Beyond technical skills, what are some essential qualities that helped you become a better photographer?
I think besides understanding the intention of what you are trying to achieve, it is observing. Taking time to understand a space in three dimensions, thinking about light across time, looking at texture and reflection. A simple scene or location can offer a very wide range of permutations, and it is worth a little extra time taking those in. Wether it be a space or subject, the same applies. Great communication skills.
Who are some photographers (or artists in general) who inspire you, and how does their work influence your own?
Jeffrey Smart (Australian Painter) Ridley Scott (Filmmaker – Blade Runner) Ansell Adams (Photographer) Use of colour, light, creating cinematic and graphic outcomes, ultimately generating an emotional response visually.
Tell us the story behind one of your most impactful photographs.
I have had many successful images in my 35 years, so very hard to choose. This image is known as ‘Pulp Fiction’ named due to the book store in the image. Pulp Fiction is probably my most successful image of all time, it was on the cover of my first coffee table book and has sold countless original prints.
This image is not about the technical greatness of the gear, it is about framing, light, the moment, the story, the atmosphere, the sense of place. Early in my career it became clear I always needed some sort of reasonable camera in my pocket at all times. Pulp Fiction is from 2006, late one night moving between venues, the rain was falling and I new something good was happening here.
With my 8MP packet camera in my back pocket, no tripod, I carefully placed the camera on a rubbish bin edge (wet and slippery) adjusted to get my frame, manually set the exposure, 0.4 of a second at f/2.8, set the self timer to a few seconds. With one hand below the camera incase it slid off the wet surface, the other above keeping rain of the lens, Pulp Fiction and a few other images were created. Ultimately the success of this image is not technical, although a lot technical was required, it is the emotional connection which makes it successful.
Any advice you have for aspiring photographers?
Originality and perseverance in your own work. Listening and strong work ethic. Gear is secondary to all of this. Oh … and be good, be amazing !!!
Are you working on any exciting projects you’d like to share with our readers?
These days I also review cameras and lenses, so there are always exciting projects in the pipeline, I am also close to completing my third Melbourne book. Along with getting my photography studio complete later this year.
Thank You!