Meet Matthew Norton

Today we’d like to introduce you to Matthew Norton.

Matthew, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
I initially started creating with a camera because I was intrigued by photo composition. After spending months learning the fundamentals of photography, I found that I enjoy shooting portraiture more than any other form of photography. I would be lying to you if I said am pleased with where I am as an artist. I believe there is so much growth that awaits any creative that is willing to endure the pains associated with progress. I can tell you with certainty that I am willing to endure as much pain as necessary to become an artist that is ultimately satisfied with his work.

Has it been a smooth road?
No. At times it seems there like are more struggles than not. First of all, I am colorblind. You can imagine the obvious challenges that I face due to the deficiency of color. Besides, I have been canceled on many, many times by models and clients. It is never easy having planned a session only to receive a text that reads: “So… you’re gonna hate me but…” Most of the time there is no rescheduling either. I honestly do not know whether they are facing embarrassment or if they found a – cheaper – photographer. It’s stressful, to say the least. With that being said, I am very pleased with the individuals that I have had the opportunity to work with. My journey has been an interesting one so far. I am excited to see what challenges await me in the future.

We’d love to hear more about your business.
I consider myself an urban portrait photographer. My specialty is planning and executing creative natural light portraits. I think that I stand out because of the locations I am drawn to. I have never been a fanboy of clean and beautiful locations. I like to shoot in the dirty and forgotten areas of my city liquor bottles, road trash and all. Most people would look at a tattered spot and immediately turn away but I feel it as my responsibility to bring life back to the very place that life once existed. It is easy to dismiss something because it’s old, dirty or irrelevant but I believe those are all reasons to embrace it. If something is old, it was once young. If something is dirty, it was once clean. If something is irrelevant, it was once relevant. We cannot be so quick to reject a place that once harbored beauty.

Is our city a good place to do what you do?
I believe amazing art can be made anywhere. With enough drive, anything can be accomplished. I would recommend entering the creative community regardless of location. As long as there is perceived beauty there is potential for greatness.

Contact Info:

• Email: matthewnortonphotos@gmail.com
• Instagram: @matthewnortonphotos
• Twitter: @matthewnphotos

Image Credit:
Haylee Hendricks, Brailey Smith, Madison McGrory, Hunter Bailey, Adam Davis, Becca Taylor, Jessica Graham and Janea Elizabeth

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