DOCUMENT YOUR LIFE | staying PRESENT with your camera

One of the most frequently asked questions is “how do you stay present while you take photos of every day life?”
That’s what we’re gonna talk about today.
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[@parkermillican]

This was so good. Ive started carrying my camera more and more. Never regretted having, Ive only regretted leaving it.

[@AeromaticXD]

Same! Even when family members are like “wtf why do you need your camera?” It’s always worth it

[@mattdayphoto]

That’s what I always tell people! Only takes one time. You see a photo with no camera to make it, it haunts you

[@sinjindelmore1203]

@@mattdayphoto I always get this feeling as someone who shoots mostly large format. It’s a struggle but it pushes you to learn how to better recognize and pre plan for the moments you want to capture.

[@C_R_Saltwater]

I got married with my camera on me. And I got one of the most beautiful pictures of my ex - girlfriend (now wife :) )ever. Always wear a camera. Thanks for your inspiring words.

[@hannahcassidy3703]

"it's one thing to feel a moment and make a photo of that as opposed to just making a photo to serve as a reminder." i felt this.

[@mattdayphoto]

🙏🏻❤️

[@smartphoneshooter]

Do you have anyone who documents you being there? I look back at my pictures of my family and see a record of our life without me in it as I am on the other side of the camera. I feel the need to throw in the odd group selfie just to remind the family history that I was there too!

[@helpwakethepeople987]

I feel so sad bc my little brother was the one behind the camera ! He was taken from this earth this year and looking back at the pictures , he took most of them and didn’t appear in many 😔😔

[@emrecantdecide]

My father did this for the first 12 years of my life and he passed away 20 years ago. Today I've got his vision instead of himself in most photos. I know that he was the person on the other side of the camera and always think that this is spectacular. Selfies are... I dunno... 🙃

[@helpwakethepeople987]

@@emrecantdecide 💚💚

[@FlosBlog]

Late answer but maybe you could look out for shadows or reflections of yours? It would announce a kind of presence for shure.

[@neosamosa5520]

@@FlosBlog such a great way to integrate oneself in the moment!!

[@jaredgotcher]

I've carried a camera with me everywhere for the past two years. People have stopped being bothered by the fact I always have a camera, and honestly it's helped me get into conversations about my business as a photographer. Also, I've found that people are way less intimidated by my camera when they find out I'm shooting on film. Not sure why, but film seems to disarm peoples' cynicism. Thanks, Matt! Been shooting way more photos of my family life since I stumbled across your channel about a year ago. Don't regret it at all.

[@totallyfrozen]

I think that if your shoot on film, it gives the sense that you won’t be uploading the photos to social media. Also, at least from my personal opinion as a non-pro, people are less bothered by a professional photographer on scene than by Joe Public “influencer/content creator”. When people see a pro, they assume you aren’t going to shoot petty things and you’re not intentionally looking for scandal and “dirt” (unless your jacket is embroidered with the logo of a media company, I suppose).

[@calahad]

This video couldn't have come at a better time in my life. I'm currently reinventing myself, learning to live strictly in the present, not dwelling on the past and not yearning for the future. I'm a photographer and I take a lot of photos of models and places but almost none from my everyday life. I'm going to change that.

[@mattdayphoto]

I’m happy to hear that!

[@markhinkle2923]

You sound a lot like me. I plan to do the same. Good Luck!

[@calahad]

@@markhinkle2923 THe same to you, Mark! And thank you.

[@ChrisMustermann]

Really great point and funny that you mention exactly this, because I am thinking about the same stuff at the moment ... I also try to live in the present and am asking myself, whether photography is sometimes just a way of freezing the past to remember. Is it possible to combine the love for the present moment with our will to cling to the past? Happy for some exchange :)

[@calahad]

Chris W. Most definitely. Photography is a way to freeze the moment and preserve it for the present and the future, too. I’ve always been a person that dwelled on the past and used to be weary about the future. But 2020, more than any other year, greeted me with events in my life that showed me the most important thing is to be here, now. With your thoughts, body and moments captured with your camera. And by doing that, we can learn from the past and plan for the future.

[@sinjindelmore1203]

I love the capturing of those small nuanced moments that leave this world in an instant and leave you longing for them to appear again. They are beautiful moments.

[@razerville]

I picked up a camera to photograph my daughter and my family but instagram made me forget it. The chase for that “banger” shot had consumed me and I have forgotten why I started all of this. Seriously thank you for this and thank your for reminding me of my purpose. Cheers !

[@GuiorPhotography]

I've never seen a single one of your videos, but you, sir, just got yourself another follower.

[@e.conwaybryansr.8626]

Thanks Brother Matt, this is golden! I restarted photography after a 21-yr hiatus. I woke-up at the beginning of this year and suddenly realized 21-yrs of my life is missing from film. Children are adults-grown & gone; grand children are well on their way....so I bought a couple of older DSLR’s & spent countless hours learning on KZbin and on-line. Biking, driving the car, walking, even a quick run to the post office, I try to carry my camera. Next, I hope to sell my learning gear and purchase a camera I can become one with so as you mentioned I won’t miss fleeting moments with camera adjustments. I too believe that gratitude helps shape our perspectives and values in life. Stay safe. 👍🏾😎

[@destini8690]

i loved everything about this. i am always the person that is taking photos or carrying around my camera and its just amazing that there are other people who love documenting their life and precious moments just as much as me.

[@drinkmoreagua8984]

thank you so much for this! I recently started taking pictures and filming and it really does put you in the moment and I’m always thankful for having those moments captured

[@luischavezphoto]

This was such a great video Matt! I have been practicing this very thing this year. The beginning of 2020 made me realize that I only touched my cameras for work and not for my every day life. Not only has this mindset given me some of my favorite photos I’ve ever taken, its inspired me to start s channel just for fun instead of watching videos for hours. My wife and I don’t have kids yet but seeing photos of your family inspires me to document my own life.

[@phihaiphan]

Thanks Matt for your inspiration. I’m documenting more and more about my life. It’s a never ending process but what I enjoy the most, like you said, it’s that right feeling when you’re in the moment. I enjoy focusing on those little things that make the whole difference when it comes to gratitude and happiness. I chose to focus on life, emotions, happiness, interaction, storytelling. You’re a symbolism of all of that. Thanks

[@stoopidcat4012]

Dude your speech made me cry at work and I'm not even mad about it

[@10Outta10Baby]

Matt you're the man. Thanks for being an inspiration. Love the honesty, and how you explain your experiences.

[@portraitsofafilmmaker]

Super inspiring. Really makes me think about my personal relationship to photography and what I’m doing it for. Documenting my fiancée and my son, along with the rest of my family has been, and probably will always be, the most rewarding thing. Nothing else even comes close to that feeling of reliving those special and mundane moments with them through looking at a photograph. Thanks for this reminder, Matt!

[@RichardStroffolino]

This is so great, really feel this. I've got two toddlers that like to get up just before 6am most days. Usually get up with them so my wife can sleep in a little. I've found that's such a wonderful time to make photos where I can be engaged in those moments with them, but still be able to capture it on camera. Love the continued emphasis on documenting these every day things.

[@rainerdinkel6918]

Great content as always! Thanks a lot for the inspiration for shooting daily. As a father of two little girls I really understand you pointing out to be present and thankful - every single day! Keep it up!

[@Snapit551]

thanks for making and expressing yourself in this video!! its made me carry my camera with me and its changed how i go about in life and at the same time its changed my photography for the better.

[@alyana22]

Absolutely loved this video. Documenting my life is something I have always been drawn to do, but haven't always been successful in actually doing. As I've learned from this, I really need to master my camera, which ultimately is just a tool, in and out to be able to not even think about the technicalities of it as moments happen in my life. I feel like this video is going to be something I will keep coming back to as a guide. Thank you for this.

[@eklevmyr]

As always a great video. I appreciate the message you share day in and day out. I have been carrying my camera daily for the past six years, which includes the entirety of my childrens' lives. The memories and emotions that have been captured are cherished. The last 7 months or so have not been documented as well (due to work) and I have had to work to motivate myself to keep capturing. Though the quantity hasn't been there, the photos I have made are some of the most important in our lives so far. When I don't think about the gear (thank you old standby cameras), I don't need to think about the machine, and can focus on the moments. Thank you for the inspiration.

[@rafaelrecio3446]

Absolutely inspiring...genuine, authentic...and full of love...thank you so much for sharing these moments..

[@lomeroger4101]

Hello Matt. I would like to start by thanking you for this channel. It seems like you are the only one in the whole KZbin platform, as far as I know, that really talks about photography and not the gear. Nowadays it’s been so hard to find at least one photographer other than you that is really into the art of photography. it’s sad but looks like all do you real photographers are gone and now what we have left is a bunch of young kids who never really studied about photography and keep replicating what they hear from others like them. We don’t see documentaries about photography anymore, we don’t see any photographer who is doing very good work, we don’t see anybody talking about the beauty of this craft. Only you. Thank you very much for your work and for being so competent and integrating this into your family life. please don’t change. Please don’t sell yourself to the manufacturers in exchange for a cheap gear or a few dollars. Have you ever thought about building yourself a photographers community? A community really well curated, where photographers could discuss, share and enjoy the art of photography? I would be the first one joining it. One more time, thank you.

[@nasihulwan1223]

I vouch for this. Film photography has been helping me slow my life down a bit. The best cathartic part of it is when I forget a roll I shot, seeing the photos again after months is the best feeling. I'd never stop.

[@major_organ]

what resonated with me the most in terms of being present is: learning how to use your camera to the point where it's second nature. I make it a point to just hold my camera in my hands for thirty minutes a day even if I don't have film to shoot, so my hands always feel comfortable handling it so when I do go out to shoot I'm only thinking about composition and creating the images I want to (also it's just really relaxing lol)

[@willmccleland2383]

Matt these new videos are so inspiring!! It makes me want to go out and shoot every time you talk about photography and making photographs! Thank you for always creating such enjoyable content!

[@JoeLopez]

I love this. While I took a LOT of photos when my kids were younger, I wish I had shot more of their everyday lives. Great share M@, thank you!

[@MurrayMcMillan73]

I feel this way so much as well Matt. I have SO many photos of life since my kids came along. I have lots of friends who ask ‘do you have to take the camera everywhere?’ Bu t then see the photos I get of the kids- my current favourite being the Fujifilm X100V. It’s perfect for this.

[@ZachStWard]

Really love this one Matt! Great perspective about something that goes into a legacy mindset rather than a momentary mindset. Also, the grading on this was very very nice - love this filming angle and the environment it creates

[@davidr7236]

Had stopped carrying my SLR about two years ago and recently looked back on some of the better photos I took with it and they're just stunning. Phone cameras are so good but they still struggle to compare. Your lovely vid is another kick for me to pick it up again, thanks :-)

[@smodjo]

What you say in this video is what I feel but could not describe. Thank you so much. Your last videos have become so inspiring. Keep on the good work and don't bother too much about clicks. This is the right direction.

[@jkb462]

Interesting video and subject. Some would argue that being present with your camera means not actually being present in the moment. But I’m with you. Documenting the small things in life is a very special practice that makes me so much more grateful for what I have.

[@jedadieaskyland2046]

Wow Matt. You're very good at putting a smile on my face and you're even better at teaching me new things I had yet to think about. And your family is very photogenic! Thank you for the amazing videos.

[@fedpoi]

Excellent video, thank you very much for sharing. This has been a difficult subject for me, I could never completely disconnect from photography when documenting my family. When I was present being the best possible father then I couldn't be the best possible photographer. And if I was the best photographer possible and managed to capture those special moments, then inevitably I was not there. It does not matter if I polished my technique to the point of minimizing my absence, when I pressed the shutter I was not present, and that made me feel like a hypocrite, showing beautiful family moments in which I was not a father. Trade-offs leave a bad taste in my mouth, but when I shifted my focus from using photography as an observational tool to just another family activity, then I felt better.

[@fran.velasco]

Great content, Matt. I'm enjoying your channel video after video after video. I'm currently on my second 365 on my 1.5 years old son and your words here resonate with me more than I could have imagined. I've been carrying my camera every minute for 500 days or so and I'm loving every second. It has made me see all the little details and at the same time I've been present for and with my family; I rarely check what I shot, I just shot and process once a week or so. It's an amazing process and can't wait for my daughter's birth next January to start her 365. Committing to creating a picture a day has led me to create even more than that, to the point I wish I had documented my life before. Thanks for sharing this kind of stuff, really.

[@timothylarson3558]

Excellent video, Matt! Though I have to say as a single guy that isn't around many other people outside of work I often feel like I have nothing worth documenting. History a huge hobby that takes up a lot of my extra time so I feel like I spend more time preserving other people's memories than I do making my own.

[@frankocharlie]

Great advice overall. Another advice i'd add to this is to adjust your camera settings as you move or as light changes, constantly. It takes a second and doesn't take you away from the moment, and allows you to make sure the process of capturing is only focus and snap, making sure you're still there to enjoy everything

[@teocrawford]

Those photos are so gorgeous🥺 I love your philosophy on the topic!

[@LizOde]

You sound so good. Like listening to something motivational. I love how you take the photos.

[@jmurfer]

Very nice video Matt, love the way this channel is going. It is not only about the technical aspects of photography or gear, but it is becoming a bit more philosophical, more about what really means to be a photographer. Keep up the good work!

[@ChrisMustermann]

I really love the fact, that you combine photography with philosophical views on our life and how we can see and change the world around us.

[@calanwebster5331]

dude I love your photography?? you really know how to express the moment, thank you for this video

[@anellejournal]

this is beautiful. thanks for sharing these simple moment that gives a nostalgic feeling every time you stair each photo or even video.

[@MrMooseShoes]

Amazing video! I completely agree with what you’ve said. I’d also like to say I love listening to your voice. Keep up the good work!

[@JCarlos.unknown]

Important stuff. Nice one, Matt. Inspiring and beautiful: being thankful (the love for photography) in times of negativity - that is important, very important.

[@stephaneg]

Your best video ever Matt! Please continue to inspire us with your work Matt!!

[@acrummey85]

During my film days in the 1980s and 90s I was the camera guy, a Pentax K1000 was my constant companion. Many family members would have had no pictures without me. In recent years the smart phone seems to make the camera redundant since it can get great images but... I have started carrying a camera again. The tactile nature of the camera, and its greater flexibility, make it more enjoyable for me and allows me to get better pictures, mostly of family. Great video.

[@YesImZane]

Stoked for you man, you’ve certainly got it all. Keep up the good work

[@capturedbyannamarie]

One of my favorite videos you have made. Really great advice and tips. Thank you!

[@noonsound4894]

Awesome video Matt. Really appreciate your approach to photography and life. Your photos are always fantastic and inspiring.

[@krisceuppens5273]

Beautiful Matt, and I completely agree with you! Small moments rock!

[@smoothiguana775]

really respect your work mah dude. someday when i have a family of my own, i will be documenting my life with them as you are doing with yours. beautiful photos in this video

[@MoghulVeyron]

This vid has encouraged me to carry my M6 more, recently I’ve been trying to plan a day of using it rather than just carrying it around and letting the moments happen in front of me. Great vid!

[@mattdayphoto]

Happy to hear that! Put it to use. 👍🏻

[@K3zz21]

Absolutely LOVE this

[@djflipflop]

This. I'm 2yrs deep in my photography journey and got into it simply because I wanted to document every step of my sons life. Just now rolling into the film realm (hehe see what I did there), but shooting digital has became a form of memory lane entertainment at the end of the day for my wife and myself during our "ok, he's finally sleeping, let's eat" time. Reviewing his mile stones he hit (or surpassed) or the very random moments we had that day whether it was a simple laugh session or watching bugs simply crawl on the ground that sparked his interest. It's been a vital part of my life since then and don't plan on stopping anytime soon. Thanks for being that dad that's up in their kids face savoring that moment not just for you but for the whole family. Such a wholesome feeling. You're awesome Matt, please keep up the great work.

[@djflipflop]

And thanks for reminding me that I'm not as weird as I thought I was for always having my camera on me, 😂😂😂 (totally forgot to add that).

[@JoeHyPhotography]

Matt, you're videos are so genuine. It's so refreshing!

[@mattdayphoto]

Thanks, man!

[@lilysui]

So true! I just get started to do what you are suggesting! So happy to find you! KZbin recommendation reads my mind!

[@JoeBplus12]

This definitely made me bring my x100s back out and just capture the little stuff with my kids. Now Im sub'd to KZbin, Podcast and IG. Looking forward to more stuff!

[@KAUSTUBH447]

One of the best video from you Matt. Keep inspiring.

That's exactly it - being in the moment and taking a picture ... not interrupting the moment for everybody by taking the picture. Yes. Yes. And yes. You so often see this - even with famous youtubers - who "life the live for the camera" and not just document what is. For it's a question of respect, too. To respect the experience I am having - others are having ... and just making some pictures nonchalontly ... ;-) And so true - you have to know the gear - the more intuitive it is, the more you can be present. Thanks for your awesome videos! :-)

[@benfey5329]

Thanks for sharing. The photos you included in this video have such energy. I can picture the scenes and emotions.

[@astore3757]

Fantastic video. You can understand the emotions when you'll look and print the negatives with your family in the future.

[@15Askari]

This is exactly what I needed. Thank you for your work...

[@LouisThiell]

That first picture, I've looked at it many times. It's a gem, it's so beautifull. true art :) Thanks

[@willlawson2304]

I absolutely whole heartedly agree, love this

[@aparajito1]

Hi Matt, i was rewatching this video and really like the concept of "Document your life" especially in this difficult time where lot of us are stuck at home. It is the "perfect" time to start. Im going to glue my Fujifilm X20 to my hand.😄

[@robertrippy7588]

I initially became interested in photography because of wildlife and birds. Lately, I’ve really begun to enjoy catching organic moments with family and friends. My favorite photo recently was of my daughter talking to my mother at the mall. I don’t even remember taking the photo. Neither are aware of the photo being taken, and it’s such a perfect moment that somehow reveals who they truly are and the relationship they have. I can’t even explain it, but I hope I can continue to build upon that and capture more of those moments.

[@valentinscho6164]

the "feeling like a sponge" anecdote you made I really felt that !

[@saurabhwadhonkar3279]

This one of the best advice I have received, thank you so so much! ❤️ Bless you!

[@enricojakobsoriano]

Wonderful video, Matt. I’m not sure why I’ve only just discovered your channel but I’m glad it happened. Thanks for the insight and inspiration. You got my sub. ✌️

[@jacobmurphyphoto]

hitting that like button simply based pm the first few photos alone! But honestly really great advice that we all need reminders on.

[@ibrahimz]

THANK YOU for sharing such pure reflection with us

[@leonardocerutti]

Absolutely loved this! Thanks for sharing

[@mr.thinmint2848]

I took a lot of pictures from 2012-2015 but I stopped because it wasn't as fun anymore. Then I started taking pictures again in January of 2019 and haven't stopped. I currently have a photo journal of about 8,000 pictures. I do regret not taking very many pictures in 2018 however. That was arguably the best year of my life and all I have of it are memories that will fade. People, take more pictures! You will thank yourself down the road. Everything is important.

[@brendanwho]

Thanks for the reminder that most great shots have a few so-so or good shots on either side of them, and that its okay to take more than one exposure per scene.

[@vaydehikhandelwal2785]

What a beautiful family!! You have inspired me to make images all day and I am going to start tomorrow itself!!

[@diegus5134]

This video is really inspiring. Thank you. I'm involved in a photo project about "my typical day" (as a result of an advanced photography course). But I couldn't find anything special or impressive. Now something is moving inside me. Thank you again.

[@lucasmota2403]

This is easily your best photography in my opinion. I identify with it and it inspires me.

[@oswin5565]

Thanks so much Matt! All good points! My camera is always on me! I'm glad you get it.

[@masterpeace925]

New space looks great man. Thank you for the messages in this.

[@iamkc16]

What an inspiring take of capturing daily life. ❤️

[@kjmd]

I just discovered your channel through this video. This was a really moving concept, thank you for this insight.

[@ss6078]

Your photos have soul in them, I was so awestruck by them that I couldn't follow what you were saying, awesome photos😊

[@christopherginn]

Amazing. Well done and beautiful work!

[@sabath7439]

Beautiful message, thanks so much for sharing it!!!

[@Queennatalie1999]

My dad used to photograph me, my mom and brother in childhood so much. Back when cameras weren’t in smartphones and with a small digital camera. Then he would need to develop them all to physical photos and carefully arrange them in albums by the timeline. I miss those times so much, nobody would pose for a photo, he would just take photos of the moment. It was so beautiful. Gotta get myself some small digital or film camera to captire moments as well. DSLR are amazing, but they’re huge and I want those small ones because people tend to be afraid of DSLR as if the photographer is some kind of paparazzi.

[@arockwell4408]

Great advice. I'm learning that through my photography I am more present, in the moment.

[@markhinkle2923]

Very good video. Any young photographer that takes this advice will not regret it when they get older. As an older photographer, I plan to take this advice and finish strong. Thanks, Matt

[@imjustherenotsurewhy1627]

Man, this was so good. Definitely lit that spark for me again. Great video, Matt!

[@mattdayphoto]

That’s what I like to hear!

[@bastihansenfilms]

Matt I loveeee these images! Thanks for putting up this kinda content!

[@Reno_T]

I really like this shorter but still powerful style of video. Another great one , good work 👌🏻

[@Joshuatube2010]

Excellent video. I wholeheartedly agree with every sentiment. I wish the video had been longer. More like this please!

[@thomaspinches9518]

Such beautiful images of your family.

[@samhardy2038]

Good job Matt. You’re getting there.

[@johnespinoza768]

This was perfect. Thank you!

[@Westopher]

Thanks for the reminder, Matt. Great video!

[@briannelinder7666]

I love this so much.

[@philipp-niclaspfenning9223]

Wow, thank you for this video. You nailed it.

[@ibarrabenjamin1]

Really good video. It is inspirational! I feel that the challenge for me will be how to make different photos and not the same one over and over again.