who are you making photos for?

[@KyleMcDougall]

Love these conversations, man. A lot of important food for thought in this one. Thanks for being real and honest. I love the direction you’re taking things with the channel and also your awareness and decision to tweak things, instead of just getting stuck in the cycle of repetitiveness (which is an easy trap to fall into at times). Gotta create first and foremost for yourself!

[@MadisonBPhotography]

Very interesting question regarding if social media was gone tomorrow would you still be a photographer. Personally I would still be shooting the same subjects, but I wouldn't shoot as often. Social media almost holds me accountable to keep creating and other peoples work inspires me to get out there

[@heygem]

I have a compulsion to repeat the same topics I photograph over and over, so I'd probably still continue shooting even without social media. Actually before the invention of modern social media, I did put up my photos on Flickr starting 2004, more so I have am easy to access archive of everything, both hits and misses (mostly misses haha). My ideal destination for my photos is in a little book or zine though, not framed on walls, or even a professional business.

[@thatdeafguyuk]

"Social media almost holds me accountable"..... No, it doesn't.

[@joetrrs]

I make photos for myself mostly, to remember people and places that I've met and visited. Things change all the time, looking back at it is always nice.

[@filipposgeragidis3993]

Right there with ya, bud

[@AetherCS2]

Was about to comment something along those lines. It makes it easier to remember moments that otherwise would be forgotten. Moreover, it’s like you live those moments twice. Once when they happen, and twice when you get the rolls back

[@HEYitsTRAV]

I can appreciate the comment about your content, and how lately it seems like you’re sharing more about your life and not so much strictly film photography gear/techniques/etc. But I am one who honestly is enjoying that shift. I have watched your channel for several years now, and in some ways it feels like I know you. Like you said, there are a ton of other channels doing the same type of photography videos. But I look forward to yours because it feels like hanging out with a friend. I’ve learned a lot about photography from you over the last several years, but I also enjoy learning about you and what motivates you to do what you do. Keep doing your thing Matt!

[@owainshaw]

Agreed. I'm enjoying your videos more since the switch in content than I was before. I think they're more about the 'Why' of Photography and less about the 'What' now, and something like this video about our motivations for photographing is more interesting for me to think about than a video of a film stock or camera I might never actually use myself. Still, that's not going to be everyone, but no one channel is going to cater to every viewer's tastes. If this is what you want to share right now, that's great for me.

[@andrewbehrens9045]

this topic has been on my mind SO much. I haven't been shooting much at all recently or posting on social media (for all of the excuses you can think of) and it has been really bumming me out. however, just yesterday I decided to compile some family vacation photos from a few years ago that I love and print one single photo book FOR MYSELF. it is literally full of photos no one has ever seen except for me... and IT WAS THE MOST INVIGORATED AND FULFILLED I HAVE FELT ABOUT PHOTOGRAPHY IN AGES. just making something physical and meaningful for myself and my family to enjoy was like fresh air in my lungs. not for money, not for likes. just for the joy of remembering. as always, thank you for posting these kinds of videos matt. 🤙🏻

[@Steve918-q3x]

Matt, first time to comment on your channel but when I listened to the kind critique, I wanted to share from my perspective. I really enjoy the change and variety that you offer. I am not a film shooter but I once was. :) I love the videos from all of the film guys but they are becoming canned and boring. Q the low downloaded backing track, run the B roll, do the walk away shot..... etc etc etc. I am not trying to be rude I just believe its easy to get drawn into what works and then be trapped there. I really enjoy your videos because of the fact they can be different. You actually inspired me and made me aware of how few photos I make around my house with my family. I am shooting much more thanks to your video. I believe in that, you are most successful, being an inspiration. So keep it up and most importantly just be you. You will always do that better than anyone else. Have a great week.

[@christopherbgriffith]

Your authenticity is one of your greatest assets and why I enjoy your videos and photography so much. Keep doin’ you.

[@vikdaddy]

I think building a following vs being authentic are sometimes antithetical to each other; and it's a challenge being original vs catering to the algorithm. What I enjoy is that you document your city and your family life, and it's similar to what I do. I have a day job, but I love taking photos using my X100V, a camera I have been using for almost a decade (including the previous X100 iterations), much like you do with your Leica M6. Plus above all you seem like a decent fella, and despite the fact I don't even shoot film, I just enjoy your process. So continue being true to yourself, please don't go too heavy don't the gear route *unless* it's something you are truly inspired to use and keep up the good work. Vik

[@azzalos]

Thanks Matt. You are possibly one of my favorite photographers both in terms of style and philosophy. These videos help me grow as a photographer. FWIW my favorite photography type is also documenting my life. I can feel the love and passion in your video and the authenticity is what makes the message resonate.

[@douggottlieb]

I really like seeing how you approach documenting your life and family Matt! There’s no shortage of photogs going to exotic locations and shooting celebrities and models and trying to sell courses or gear. That’s fine too. But you’re approach is unique and very much appreciated. And love the book reviews. Keep up the good work.

[@samandersxn]

mullet looking very powerful my man, wield that power carefully

[@fjalls]

Matt Day, do you have a licence for that weapon?

[@MicaelWidell]

The only way to win in any kind of art, is to make art that resonates with your inner self at the deepest level. If your art goes against your gut feeling you will lose in the end - either your interest, your passion or something else.

[@jesstrisno]

Giving people photos made my day 👍🏼 12:35 “make sure you’re fulfilled first and foremost”

[@willprice7475]

I always wonder who the thumbs down folk are. Are they people who are just having a bad day? I just don't understand. Matt's here just recording himself, literally supporting every type of photographer, being honest about how he feels, and you're giving a thumbs down? Maybe it's just the style of this? I'm just thinking out loud. If you're one of these types, please let me know why.

[@duodua4130]

Just to add - you have a great perspective in this video and as someone who has worked 24/7 as a photographer for 25 years you need to work very hard to keep yourself on the path of someone who is still hungry and happy with your path. Loosing your passion is very hard and everyone struggles with it at some point. Good video and some really good and thoughtful points.

[@JHawk]

Can we talk about how damn good this angle and backdrop looks? Love it dude!

[@MichaelZieschang]

You nailed so damn exactly. You’re finding a place, a ground in that ocean of social media. And that makes your channel even more worth for me watching as I‘m deciding constantly who to watch and follow and take their standpoints into my mind when I‘m out shooting myself. That‘s why I‘m listening to your podcast as well. Funny enough I don’t follow KZbin content creators on Instagram.

[@NorbiWhitney]

Great words and questions dude, really made me think. I first bought a DSLR to make cool videos with friends, for fun, and enjoyed it until I tried to make money from it. Then I totally gave up until recently when I started making videos for my own pleasure again. For photography, with film at least, I've been shooting for 5 years but only sharing on the socials for like a year or so. I expected that it may have changed how I shoot, to kind of "cater" for the fans, but I think it's more inspired me as I see a lot of different styles I didn't know I enjoyed... so I'd say I shoot for me, but am super grateful that the community helps the community and somehow I shoot for them so that I can better shoot for myself, if that makes sense

[@louisrimmer6544]

For me, I think originally I was definitely taking photos for Instagram or to be able to show people photos I've made. In the last few years though that has definitely changed - I'm 100% taking photos for myself, sharing them is just a side-track that I also get pleasure from. If all social media vanished tomorrow I'd still shoot as much, I'd just get poorer printing them off (or at least I'd like to think that I'd still shoot exactly like I do now)! Film photography has now turned into, and it's quite substantially because of you, a document of my life. I love that with film photography I've got a physical piece of events, places, people, colours, food, feelings etc that I want to remember, whether they're positive or not. One of the most powerful photos I've ever taken was of my mums empty wheelchair still sat at the kitchen table the day after she'd died. The photo itself is rubbish - blurry, overexposed and un-level but I'm so glad that I've got that physical image for life. Really great thought experiment though, Matt.

[@suzannelopez9896]

Always a great topic! So many of us (myself included) get sucked into the satisfaction of a photo "doing well" when that's not what it is about , for me anyway, in the least. I have redirected my focus and intent on social media, and it is freeing to say the least. Always great discussions, Matt! I appreciate your thoughts always!!

[@_stevenfoster]

Myspace profile pics for friends... What a trip back in time. Thanks for doing these Matt. I always enjoy them. Good vibes from the Pacific Northwest!

[@owainshaw]

Myspace ... now that's a name I haven't heard in a long time. A long time.

[@evaperagonortega3225]

I've been thinking about this lately and I reached the same answer. I don't like social media because there is so much people sharing fake things. Thank you for sharing your true thoughts.

[@vaydehikhandelwal2785]

I love the social media take...!! Thank you. Keep the videos coming in.

[@Redsword2581]

I think I've found with your videos I have to be in the right mood to watch them, and this is from when I first found your channel, sometimes I'm not in the right mood to watch your videos right away, but most of the time I end up watching the videos a few days later at the latest, and sometimes ill have them playing in the background for some videos where the audio is the main part and you aren't showing photos etc, and sometimes ill watch the videos while listening which is just how I've found that I watch/listen to your videos, I enjoy almost every video you make pretty much no matter what its about. The one that I find that I am least interested in, is the videos about photo books that you purchase, for me those videos aren't something that I really watch since I tend to lose focus part way through and cant appreciate what you are saying as much as I want too.

[@grayexperience]

Ahh...the constant battle. Thanks, Matt. Wish we had more people saying this!

[@alainmijngheer]

For myself I have had the luxury of being a military photographer ( just retired now) and where I could mostly create what I wanted and when I wanted. This within the boundaries of my mission off course. If I shot 5000 pictures or 25 pictures per month my salary remained the same, thus not having the financial stress like other photographers have in order to pay the bills. But I always created private photographs to please myself without having to worry about what other people think. Just taking photographs because I have that urge to create and express myself with my camera. I do indeed share my pictures on social media, but having a lot of Oh's and Ah's ( or not having any) doesn't change my productivity, I just keep on creating and it makes me feel good :) And for me that's the essence of it all !

[@mdbdoc]

Your passion for photography is infectious. I think your newer videos require more application and reflection by the viewer and that can be challenging if someone wants to watch a video to "check the boxes" of knowing a camera, film, process, etc. There's nothing wrong about those types of videos, but to me, it's a different process for learning and growing.

[@freddylopez7536]

I love the humanity in what you do and what you say Matt. I love how you teach and inspire. Your photo vision is awesome. Keep the fire burning my friend. F

[@sbai4319]

Great video Matt. Genuine sentiment that echoes with those like myself who are dedicated to the craft of Photography. Thankyou.

[@michaelchiaretta]

Refreshing. This is gold. You moved me, a lot.

[@duanemcclun]

I really enjoyed your video and I think you were spot on with your message!! Differentiating between photography for a client and self is very true. When it involves photography my philosophy is: There are no rules in photography Best of luck in your photography journey! Best wishes Duane

[@tomasharan2540]

great topic. i love gear for sure but the person behind the lens is equally interesting, reviews can be found everywhere, in the end you follow channels for the person and what they contribute. great channel

[@ruffprophetproductions]

I think I’ve said this on another video but just wanna say I (and the rest of the community) appreciate you Matt!

[@bobsykes]

This was a nice level set. For me personally, I particularly like the videos where you get out of your office and do, well, anything that shares the environment in which you live with your audience. I believe where people live and the things people do shapes them. Those things can be as interesting to me as is a conversation with the person.

[@davidkieltyka9]

Love the early 20th century baseball player garb! Also enjoying your newer YT approach. I’ve been a hobbyist photographer since 1975, when I was 15. Also been putting photos online since the early days of affordable scanners, when a 600x400 pixel image took awhile to upload & download and 300x200 was more common. 😆 But I’ve always taken pics for myself, with little concern about how they might be appreciated or judged by other folks. This is a luxury working photographers or people aspiring to same don’t have, of course.

[@brandongranados206]

Honestly man this hit home! This changed my mindset personally.. showed me a path if you will

[@geoffrygerrie5088]

I stopped posting my photos on social media since april this year. It's a really great question to asked if socmed not there anymore would I still be a photographer & my answer is yes. I enjoy taking photos with or without an audience to like my work.

[@duodua4130]

Good video - to me, reconnecting with why you started it in the first place is important. I think social media turned me off more than anything. It's changed it from something eternal to something seemingly treated as disposable. I feel like it's changed people's perception on the value of photography.

[@TheFilmFellow]

I’m still very much looking forward to anything Matt Day! Maybe it’s because I’ve followed you from the beginning and you already have such a strong log of video so it’s very enjoyable to see you evolve on your KZbin journey. I very much hope that you’ll share photography which is important to you because those are photos that matter. Even though the person was very polite they still try to influence you. You have to follow your own path in life. Keep going man!

[@so_whatsnext]

to be honest, i didn't watch your viedo recently. because it's too long for me to watch, lol. But this one is a must. You made me think deeply in my any activities, photograhy, interaction between people, and such. And what the most, what keeping me to take a photo all over 10 years before socialmedie were born and be my nature. The reason changes all around each state of my learning process. and now i ask to myself why am i still taking a picture but didn't share a hard copy to anyone any more. pretty hard to answer. but your question is my spark point.

[@becomingorange]

Hey Matt I don’t know if this will get to you but I just wanna say I really love the direction your channel is heading! :) a lot of channels now are about what and how but only a handful talks about why. I mean those channels are still great especially for someone who is new to film photography but as you progress you really want to work on why you’re photographing. so I’m glad that i can get insights from you! Thanks a lot! Love that mullet btw hahah

[@FredericBonneauPhotography]

Photography starts with what you love to shoot , not being guided by trends and social media! I agree totally with you. Can you share the printer you chose for your book because all the online book printing houses are way too expensive for resale.

[@aefoundry]

Great Vid Matt, I feel exactly the same way, I have a very small youtube channel but have been working as a pro artist for over 8 years, i also dabble in of all kinds of mediums including photography (thats how I came across your channel) and I feel the more and more i think about it I ask my self how I should be, or what I should make, or what kind of videos should I produce. It always comes back to, do what makes me happy. When I was still an digital art teacher I would tell my students to make art that you enjoy. The followers and supporters will come because anyone viewing your work will tell that it is coming from a genuine place of passion. Even though I used to teach that, as an artist I feel like we all struggle with that consistently, I do think it could tie into something with the feeling of imposter syndrome, but that is a whole nother topic. Anyways sorry for rambling, keep up the great work man, I am excited to get your book, pre-ordered when you announced it!

[@CookedLight]

Authentic. Can’t ask for any more than that 🤘🏻 Pre-order placed, thanks for the reminder!

[@brandynlacy1681]

Its always time for a video from MATT DAY

[@vintagety3485]

Your personality and style shines through whatever the topic. They’re might be 500 videos on HP5, but if you drop a “HP5 @ 800 in the sun”, I’m watching cuz I want to hear your take and watch you push that shit. Yt and ig game are weird. I’ll be honest that it’s difficult to get away from taking photos I know will do well on ig vs. really shooting what I want. I’m on a hiatus from classic cars for this reason. Very good topic today. I’m into the new stuff and the old. Also, I sometimes think about how our generation (including myself) are often look to photography as a mode of fulfillment. I think of old school photographers and it seems like it was more of a mountain to climb to get to the peak. Like it’s gonna be uncomfortable to push it to the limit, but it must be done. Most of the time I’m like, I need to go on a walk and shoot something so I stop looking at screens and feel productive. I don’t know, food for thought. Rant over

[@mcnacnud]

really liked this video, kinda speaks to many of the thoughts and feelings I've been dealing with, especially since the pandemic has hit. A lot more time to sit back and actually reflect on work and life, and I've learned that my creative outlets are way more important to me than I first thought. Keep up the good work!

[@jaysvito]

You've articulated so well this topic, thank you for sharing your story bro - Philly, PA Area

[@atroche1978]

I shoot for myself, which is why I print all of my shots. I do share some images on Flickr though.

[@dionysusrex9183]

I shoot for you too, but so far you’ve said nothing. I’m not even sure if you like what I’m doing.

[@atroche1978]

@@dionysusrex9183 Lol

[@philwatt1865]

Great questions for a photographer to ask themself. More importantly though is that the ‘bag of suck’ dvd in the background there? Great video. Jerry Hsu backside nollie heel down 14? Forgeddaboudit!

[@tsvetomilsemkov2527]

Great stuff, Matt ;) I am not a film photographer and I skip the videos about film, but I really enjoy your other stuff especially the photobook "series". Keep up the good work!

[@NPJensen]

Well, photography is what I do for myself, when I'm not working. It's the reward for doing a demanding job, that takes a lot out of me. Photography is how I "recharge the batteries". As far as social media goes - it's a bonus to be able to share what I create with my camera gear - primarily on Instagram, but it's absolutely not what motivates me to go out and shoot. When I have a camera in my hand, I think about compositions, light, aperture and shutter speeds - not what would make for a good photo for social media. Photography has always been part of my life. My father was an avid photographer, so I have hundreds of slides of myself from infancy onwards until he passed away, when I was still a kid. There was always a camera around, and when he was no longer there, I picked up the camera and kept going - though at a much slower pace until the digital age...

[@benjaminkessler6455]

I love the new Style and click even faster now : ) The conversation with your twin I‘ve watched 3 Times, has so many little bits I Love...

[@zverinafilip]

Man, thank you for such an openness, really helped

[@spinozatrack]

Photography and live are one only thing

[@flymrjones]

Good job Matt and great info. Too many people are giving into the social media content producing pressure.

[@crwn_munkz]

The reason I have an Instagram account is because the immediate question to follow when you tell someone your a photographer is: What's your Instagram???

[@coastalartistlivingonislan8395]

I agree with you. You have seen the look on the guys face last week when I said no I don’t post my film work on IG. It’s a Rights grab. I hardly post to IG, just some happy snaps every now and then. I still have a decent photo career without worrying about social.

[@musicdude1546]

Man I'd love to buy the book but I can't. I'm still supporting by subscribing and liking the vid. Thanks man you inspire me so much, and without a doubt other people!!!!

[@manuelrodriguez7200]

That VX 1000 and Bag of Suck in the background made me love this video instantly.

[@morgantitterington1974]

I so needed this talk I am feeling flat I am in the third year of my photography degree and honestly starting t-o lose passion because everything in my mind is swirling I feel like I can’t relax because I am thinking will this be good enough for my assignment sometimes I think of uni and photography that much that it starts to annoy and weigh me down I sometimes feel i am going nowhere so what’s the point and I lose all motivation, I don’t think all this Covid lockdown stuff is helping either, then something will happen or I will get an idea and get my motivation back I have deffo hit a big brick wall with my inspiration and my work flow great video thanks so much! Enjoying the new format of your videos

[@AeromaticXD]

Honestly, it’s very important to ask this question, I always wonder - even with a smaller following on my Instagram - how much I think about social media when I have my camera in my hand. It can be tough to see it sometimes.

[@RyanThomasAng]

Thanks for this video, I think I’m at a stage of my life where I’ve questioned my purpose of photography, if I’m doing it for the clout or because I genuinely enjoy it.

[@chrisdowswell]

Great thoughts/video Matt! I used to be in the industry and now I'm far removed from it, but can be tempted to "shoot for the share" if that makes sense!? Shooting instant film lately has been such a blast! It's just for me and I'm liking that. Keep on truckin!!

[@averywagg1839]

A vocation in the creative arts allows for more self fulfillment than let’s say, an electrician, or computer programmer, but you have to enjoy any job you do - at least to a certain extent. Photography allows more latitude than other jobs. As we all grow in life, the reasons we do things will even change. Good luck. I do enjoy your growth and your videos..

[@lezcano-uj8mt]

thank you -you open my eyes today

[@TheBigNegative-PhotoChannel]

" if social media was gone tomorrow would you still be a photographer? " So it can happen to everyone that they don't have a social media account anymore. Instagram has deleted my account and the account of a buddy because of an APP error. We will not get the accounts back because of the lack of support. The question whether one would still photograph without social media should be asked earlier than one thinks.

[@WesleyVerhoevePhotography]

love this video a lot, important questions and great answers

[@Oncewasgolden]

There is something about a platform(they all do this) that wants to dictate when I should be creative. You must cater to an algorithm, rather than you own personal need for “feeling” that photo. Something about that whole deal just says to me that this platform and creativity do not mix. Thus it seems insane to me to allow that to happen to yourself, unless you have some deep seated need for validation. I don’t have a need for validation, but I do have a need for creativity on my own terms. I avoid social media as a result. If you are not taking the photos for yourself, then you allowing yourself to be held hostage to demands of others. Free the bonds! Take care!😎

[@brunosknowledge1510]

Seguo sempre i tuoi video...👍🏻

[@TonyReidsma]

I deleted all social media over a year ago and I find I shoot much less, but I’m much more deliberate with my photography. I do miss Instagram but it was mostly a distraction in my life.

[@rhsmare]

Would it be possible to have captions please?

[@danielrossi6122]

Hi Matt continue what you are doing wisdom is coming.....

[@PatrickGregoryDaniels]

I find myself more involved with photo journalism . I like to meet people and I'm interested in their basic and remarkable stories.

[@cheesun124]

Thanks for sharing Matt, great stuff

[@TheBigNegative-PhotoChannel]

And the fact that some people don't like your content as much as before. If you take it exactly, you only make videos where you are sitting somewhere in the talk. Either with you or with other people. I just think there are many people who just enjoy a comfortable photowalk with you matt and like to see other photographers taking pictures of things. I personally am one of them. It's great to hear about photobooks and that you have taken different pictures of your family. But it cannot replace the direct on location video. Your videos are still good, but there are signs of fatigue. The question is then whether you produce videos just for your fans or whether you want to continue your course.

[@AlexanderBischof]

hey - jsut discovered your channel with a recommendation of a Leica shooter ;-) - true words - jsut wanted to say that i would shoot as much as if social media would not exist - started shooting in analog era ;-) and nearly same situation: family, kids, and photography actually as a side business (which hopefully grows)

[@heygem]

About what the commenter you mentioned, I'm sure people watch you for varied reasons. I appreciate the care that goes in all your photo work, but not all photos necessarily resonate with me. But I usually watch every video (although not immediately) because I like your voice and the stuff you say in the videos.

[@nik79001]

mate that was like a one shoot stuff.without script, just lines. pretty bosom

[@johnjbh7089]

Great wisdom Mat.

[@calahad]

Yo did I travel back in time? This Matt looks so much younger. :D

[@alexcarrillo5510]

I agree with James Elliott as I also have a quote from photographer Edward Steichen as he said in 1955: "No Photographer is As Good As the Simplest Camera" He said on the Family Of Man Exhibit, in which I have the simplest cameras as I will not buy an Expensive $$$$ to prove to THEM that all they do is BRAG on their gear in which that they use social media as their photos is just no meaning or no story as they point the camera to a scene that looks interesting, But it has been done before.... My Gear is OLD, and but they still work to create, and make images.. My Gear is from the late 1950's to 1960's to 1970's as I am very much loving it... My oldest camera is a 1933 Kodak Recomar, and 1933 Plaubel Makina as the lenses on those two modes TACT SHARP, and again why show I fork money for a camera that in what I have is giving my much more pleasure than getting a Sony right? So I now have my photos on social media - Photo Tumbler, as it is my shots from the 1980's, and will be doing more, and now I will be going to Flicker next. But these are my shots in all the years that I have doing photography since 1972, and I think that is my opinion that I think that I did good for myself, and I feel good about it... Thank You Matt.

[@PatrickGregoryDaniels]

Great question for our awareness

[@filipradic5065]

Very vise video, great talk. Eat well, stay healthy and have good light :)

[@JohanKim-uo5wd]

Pretty sick to see a Northern Co. board hanging on your wall and a VX2000(correct me if I'm wrong) The realest!!

[@thatdeafguyuk]

Hi Matt, can you switch on the English closed captions option please? Thank you.

[@brineb58]

I shoot ultimately for me, I sell a few photos from time to time, but it's really an obsession to document my version of reality ... if others dig it, cool if not ... no big deal for me!!!

[@warren5111]

Just got my book order in!!

[@kodyo1017]

Personally I’m loving your content At the moment 🙌

[@TommyGrisselFilms]

beautiful discussion matt

[@martingross6748]

Hi Matt, great video :-) you make good job. Two question. I love you cap, what kind of brand it is? And second your brown leather camera strap looks fine too, could you please tell me where can i buy one? Have a nice day and make good work as well.

[@intergalacticpeachpatrol]

if social media/instagram/etc; disappeared tomorrow, i think i'd be out making photographs *more*... social media - instagram in particular - takes up so much time... writing captions, hashtags, and so on... it's the "ugh... this again" part of the process. if it wasn't necessary for any reason (money, an online portfolio of sorts, marketing, etc) then we'd be... more free? but then there's the part where we lose our platform and we lose our means of sharing our art with the *world*. sure, we could share it locally... in the form of zines, galleries, etc... but then it takes the viable-business part away for a significant amount of people and also limits just how far our art can reach people. it's definitely difficult to find a balance. we miss every shot we're not there to see. i'm making my photographs, at least currently, for my mum. she's on the other side of the country, which i'm locked out of due to covid, and my photographs are a way of saying, "look, mum... there's beauty here." as an attempt at keeping my fear and depression a little less out of control, and to stay meaningfully connected to her... giving her things to look forward to and enjoy while i'm not there.

[@slicedmittens]

i take photos for matt day

[@vblakely]

Great video! Thank you; I needed this. I ask myself that question on a daily basis. I need to focus on photography for myself and not for others, number of likes, or how many views. This is destroying my photography.

[@brianjohnson8133]

Thank you for making this video

[@jakesteurrys4225]

If social media were to go tomorrow i would definitely still shoot the same things as i do now.😊

[@eklevmyr]

Sitting here and thinking about the photos from the weekend, then Matt Day pops in and asks who I’m taking photos for? Why are you in my head Matt? It’s a bit creepy.

[@BartRos1980]

Without social media my business at this moment of Covid-19 will certainly suffer. But I would still be making the same images and products. I would just have to find more traditional ways of getting the word out.

[@sednasix6608]

I needed this...

[@Ry_Gordon]

Very well said man!

[@AlloyDiesel]

I was a professional photographer in my twenties, then left because I lost the joy. Clients want you to make the same photo over and over again. This got boring. Now I shoot purely for myself, and I wonder why I do it. Sometimes I think it is to glorify God, a way of saying thank you. I take this tiny slice of reality, preserve it forever. But I do want people to see and enjoy my photos, it's not entirely a personal project. Ultimately, I have decided that it is just a compulsion and I should not try to understand it. Like a sheepdog must herd sheep, I must take photos.