leafie + lize have a friend called Matt who isn’t too bad with a camera. Matt is always up for adventuring and he documents such adventures through the lense.
Almost a year ago now, he journeyed solo around Australia on his motorbike and right now he’s probably somewhere in Europe after trekking through India and Nepal. Yes, we did say he likes adventure.
Matt has just recently started his own blog in which many of these journeys are featured. We dare you to stop by for a visit.
Before you do though, we asked him a few questions about about his passion for travel and photography.
Before you do though, we asked him a few questions about about his passion for travel and photography.
When did you first start taking an interest in photography? Who or what inspired you?
Growing up, my mum always had a SLR handy, she has always been interested in family & people shots so my interest just developed naturally. However, wandering the farm where I grew up sparked my interest in landscapes.
Growing up, my mum always had a SLR handy, she has always been interested in family & people shots so my interest just developed naturally. However, wandering the farm where I grew up sparked my interest in landscapes.
What is it about photography that you love most?
There are so many things I love about photography. I love how it heightens your senses as you look around your environment for the right shot. I love the challenge of being able to capture the 'feel' of a place or the emotion of people for that split second.
There are so many things I love about photography. I love how it heightens your senses as you look around your environment for the right shot. I love the challenge of being able to capture the 'feel' of a place or the emotion of people for that split second.
The way the same scene, landscape or person can be perceived and captured so differently by each person is also really cool.
In all of your photos of people, your subjects seem so comfortable with you behind the lens, which captures the ‘real’ person and moment. What's your secret?
My interest in people shots really started in India, as that was really a huge part of what India really is.
Whenever I travel it is invaluable to learn a few words or phrases of the local language to ask for a photo. I use a zoom lens to create some space and I always smile and show them the result.
I think in many developing countries having your photo taken is such a novelty and I have often posted off developed prints to them later.
What camera do you use?
I have always used Canon gear from habit and familiarity. I currently have a Canon 20D, external flash, wide angle & telephoto lens, tripod and a few filters (UV, Polarising, Star), remote switch and a tripod. This is all worth the inconvenience to travel with many times over!
What was your main motivation to pack up your life, quit your job and ride around Australia? Did you need a new challenge?
I love travel or adventure of any kind. I have always dreamt of having the freedom to travel without any immediate deadlines, to live day-by-day.
Camping from the bike was the perfect way to experience Australia and gave me absolute travelling freedom. Travelling alone was definitely something I viewed as a challenge, even in my own country, but being a lone traveler also opens the doors of generous people.
What do you like most and least about traveling the country solo on a motorbike?
Most: Packing up each day and having everything I needed on the back of the bike, heading off on a new adventure. It was always a good feeling to ride off to a new place.
Least: Being exposed. Most days it was bliss, but being exposed all day on the bike and then through the night camping. I had no idea how windy it consistently gets at 2am!
Has it changed your perspective on life at all? Learned anything about you?
I feel less in a hurry to do everything now. I realise I have a lot of time to experience the world. It was good to reflect on all those life choices, particularly career and goals. I spend a lot of time thinking about these things but it is different to be away from them for long enough to be clear and become focused.
What do you like most and least about traveling the country solo on a motorbike?
Most: Packing up each day and having everything I needed on the back of the bike, heading off on a new adventure. It was always a good feeling to ride off to a new place.
Least: Being exposed. Most days it was bliss, but being exposed all day on the bike and then through the night camping. I had no idea how windy it consistently gets at 2am!
Has it changed your perspective on life at all? Learned anything about you?
I feel less in a hurry to do everything now. I realise I have a lot of time to experience the world. It was good to reflect on all those life choices, particularly career and goals. I spend a lot of time thinking about these things but it is different to be away from them for long enough to be clear and become focused.
