Matt is an extremely driven individual that is incredibly passionate about his work, he aims to be the best at what he does, always produces to the best of his ability and will always go that extra mile for his clients. He has a natural and dogmatic attitude for over coming problem in all aspects of production.

Tell us a little more about yourself and your background?

I am a commercial Advertising Photographer and Digital Retouch artist working in the UK and South Africa. I grew up in Cape Town where my parents own a farm out in the Klein Karoo. I remember looking out at the sunset one evening and feeling the need to capture it, and that is where my passion for photography started. So I saved up for my first camera the Fuji Finepix S1000FD and never looked back. SA is a beautiful country that will always hold a special place in my heart.

When did you Start Photography and what can you recommend to other photographers trying to find their niche?

Photography started for me as a hobby when I was a young boy (age 13). It was only later in life (age 19) that I made the conscious decision to take my hobby up full-time and turn Photography into a career. I believe finding a niche takes years of trial and error, failure, success and determination. As a photographer trying to find a niche you need to explore all the options, genres and techniques. Experiment in the studio and on location, but most importantly, never give up!

What was your proudest moment in your photography career so far?

One of my proudest moments in my career so far was shooting a massive international camping for Altel 4G. There were roughly 150 people on set, it was a great opportunity to be head photographer on such a large international campaign. Another proud moment was when I got commissioned to shoot Candice Boucher, one of South Africa’s top models.

Do you remember your first experience with the Camera?

I think I was a bit young to remember my first experience with a camera, however I will always remember the moment and feeling inside when I realized that this is what I want to do for the rest of my life. It was incredible.

I studied Advertising and marketing at the AAA school of Advertising for two years where I specialized in Art Direction. This has really helped me as a photographer because it taught me how to craft my work, always pay attention to detail how to create and direct my sets.

What are some of the biggest hurdles you have been faced with as a photographer and how did you overcome them?

I suppose the biggest hurdle I have been faced with in my career, is the overwhelming amount of talented competition out there across the globe.  This is a hurdle that will never go away as each day there are more and more talented photographers entering the industry. I believe the only way to overcome this is to believe in your self and your work, secondly practice, practice, practice and finally never give up on your dreams and goals.

What are your latest and upcoming projects?

I have a couple of things planned and a few tricks up my sleeve, but I guess you will have to wait and see. Keep a look out on my Facebook and Instagram page to see what I’m getting up to. I have also recently moved to the UK to start-up my career in Europe. I am currently on the hunt for new clients and an agent to represent me in the UK and throughout Europe.

What is your favorite type of photography?

My favorite genre of Photography is split between portraiture and product. They all have their pros and cons. For example I love fashion and beauty because I get to work with some amazing and beautiful people across the world. On the other hand I love product and automotive photography because I enjoy how technical, precise and challenging it is.

What advice would you give aspiring Photographers, Graphic Designers and People wishing to excel in the Photography and creative design Industry?

Most creative fields are highly competitive and usually quite saturated, however if you believe in yourself, persist and never stop trying, regardless of failure and rejection, I believe the only outcome can be success! My other advice would be to find your niche; this might take a long time but will stand you in good stead for the rest of your career.

What is your favorite lighting modifier and piece of tech?

That is a difficult question to answer, as there is no one specific modifier for every job. If I had to choose only one modifier to use for the rest of my days it would have to be a medium size octa box, just because I feel it is the most versatile and flexible. I have used my medium Octa on set instead of a beauty dish or soft box and the results have been amazing.  My favourite piece of tech would have to be my camera, I recently had to take it in for a service and I got to see it being opened up in front of me (open heart surgery), it really is a very impressive and compact piece of tech.

What good personality trait should a model have while in front of the camera?

A model should always have a happy persona on set. I understand that we all have bad days, myself included, however it just makes the world of difference when the model is happy and having fun. In turn the photographer will ultimately get more involved in the shoot, which has a domino effect throughout the team and even to the client. I think more models need to realise the effect their attitude and mood has on the entire production.

What is your biggest pet-peeves?

One of my biggest pet peeves is when you buy a new piece of kit that doesn’t work!

Who or what motivates and inspires you?

I get inspiration and motivation from all areas of my life, whether it’s my friends and family, films or past experiences. I’m constantly looking out for new inspiration and ideas for photo shoots.

   Looking back in time to when you started, did you ever think you would get this far in the photography industry and where do you see yourself in 5 years?

Honestly, I didn’t see myself getting as far as I have this quickly. However I always had hope and never stopped trying. In 5 years time I can see myself owning my very own agency, whilst still traveling the world and shooting campaigns

Do you normally take Photography bookings Abroad?
Yes I most certainly do. I am currently looking for new clients and an agent to represent me in Europe and/or the USA to expand my business,
so to answer your question, Yes enquiries and bookings are always welcome.

If you could change anything about the photography industry, what would it be?
Again that is a very good question. I think if I could change one thing about the industry it would have to be the closed off and UN-accommodating attitude that a lot of the big companies and agencies have.as it just
makes a photographers life so much more tricky and more importantly it makes it incredibly difficult to catch a break.

Follow Matt Geeling Via His Social Media Networks