Matt is a hugely talented photographer, with a history of design and art directing that puts those skills in a wider context. He runs courses that encourage us to develop skills that embellish our words, telling stories with images as much as prose. Whether you use a SLR or phone photography is your thing, Matt is the person to help you tell your story more fully. You might enjoy his excellent Substack.
In this session, Matt discusses his approach to food photography, emphasising the importance of telling a compelling story through images. He shares insights into using grids, natural light, and different camera lenses to enhance photos, particularly with smartphones. Matt also covers the use of backgrounds, layers, and editing techniques to create visually stunning photographs. He addresses questions about consistency across different platforms and provides practical tips for both amateur and professional photographers. The session wraps up with a deep dive into how light and props can dramatically change the mood and narrative of an image.
00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome
01:58 Matt's Journey and Philosophy
03:04 Foundations of Phone Photography
05:58 The Importance of the Grid
15:31 Mastering Light in Photography
21:52 Understanding Lenses and Perspectives
26:38 Choosing the Right Backgrounds
30:06 Exploring Backgrounds and Textures
35:31 The Importance of Layers in Styling
39:47 Editing Techniques for Professional Photography
41:46 Telling Stories Through Images
49:49 Balancing Consistency Across Platforms
54:15 Final Thoughts and Q&A
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