Today we’d like to introduce you to Wendi Matt.
Hi Wendi, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
I grew up a dancer with dreams of being on Broadway, but troubled times caused me to leave home in search of sobriety and stability. After having kids, extra time, and post partum loneliness motivated me to find a new creative outlet. I picked up a camera in the hopes of capturing candid moments of my children. What I got was a community of friends, a love for learning, a path towards creativity, and a connection with a part of myself that I never knew existed. For over 10 years, I have worked on and developed this skill, allowing it to shape me both artistically and emotionally.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Personally, it hasn’t been, yet I regret none of it as it has shaped me into the person I am. Creatively, it also has not. Learning a craft is complicated and it requires persistence, patience, and a belief in myself. There have been many times where I felt frustrated by wanting to be farther along than I am. I have had to remind myself that this will be a lifelong quest, discovering parts of myself, and my camera, that will unlock a better version of me. I had lots of feelings of being frustrated, disappointed, unseen, and moments of questioning what was the point.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I am a photographer and for now, my main area of specialty is documentary and street photography. I have also dabbled in self portraiture as well. I am most known for my documentary work, capturing the day to day life of families. What draws me to documentary works is the unscripted, uncurated parts of life. I like to capture the quirkiness of what makes kids special without forcing them into a box of conformity. Documentary isn’t always pretty, but it is always honest. I think what sets me apart is my attraction to the raw parts of life. I think there is beauty in the mundane but it requires us to be present enough to see it and appreciate it.
What makes you happy?
Oooff, this is tough question. I am not interested in being happy, I am interested in being joyful. One of my core life lessons has been that allowing myself to feel all of the emotions is the true key to living a fulfilled life. In the past, I tried to numb my emotions so that I could feel safe. The healing from that has been allowing myself to cry at songs that make me feel. Taking risks and being vulnerable, even when I’m afraid that I will be rejected. And working hard to be present, even when it is uncomfortable. I think true joy comes from showing up as authentically as I can, even when it’s scary.
Pricing:
- Documentary Family sessions start at $300
- Creative portrait sessions start at $250
- Prices vary for prints on my website
- I also offer photography mentoring sessions – prices vary
Contact Info:
- Website: https://wendimatt.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wendistoryteller/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/wendi.matt/
