you can put the camera down

[@certs743]

Just found this video now. Sorry for your loss. This video was really helpful. I have been knocked off my game and I have not been shooting much either and I guess it is nice to hear that it is okay to step back and process things differently for once.

[@joeaustinmedia]

We appreciate you using this platform to express yourself Matt, You're doing a great job and thank you for sharing, Take care.

[@thehealthpotions]

Well said, Matt. Sometimes, cameras steal our opportunities to absorb the present.

[@randyrancier1800]

So sorry to hear about your mom! God bless!

[@soccerjockey]

Taking a photo every day is one of the things that helps me stay balanced in my mental health. Allowing myself to NOT take a photo some days is another part of keeping that balance. Thanks for sharing.

[@davidm5790]

This is why I like Matt so much. It’s more than just a photography channel, it’s a channel about a person and their life.

[@ldbass62]

So sorry for your loss Matt. Take the time to be with your family and to heal.

[@DLFoto]

Stay strong Matt, you’re an incredible person and an inspiration for many. But we’re all human and all having a unique experience, so do what feels right for you and forget any expectations.

[@CookedLight]

Brave man talking openly, and just like your mom you are helping others all the time. I understand your feelings about the camera just now, when dad was in hospital I knew it wasn't the way I wanted to remember him, it was all about just being together while you can. Thank you sponsors for doing the right thing 👏🏼 🙏🏼

[@Jeff_St_John]

No reason to second guess anything. You’re doing the right thing because you’re listening to your gut. That’s all any of us can do. Hope you can lean on your loved ones in this moment. Be well dude.

[@joelvideira5360]

Thank you Matt for sharing, you channel and content it's greatly appreciated throughout all platforms. I Can relate to your photography approach because all parents treasures are their kids and family. Love your work, stay strong! We will be here for you.

[@duanemcclun]

Hi Matt Following your 'gut instinct' is the best guidance anyone can follow. As time goes on you'll know when to pick up your camera again. Best of luck in your photography journey and healing from the loss of your mom. Best wishes Duane

[@davidsaylors]

Matt, I come to your channel to see you…not your camera. I hope you can get some comfort soon. Do what you must, I will still be here. 👍

[@chrisdowswell]

This resonates Matt! My day off off the week is Monday and I often feel like I should be wandering, shooting...because its what "I do". The last few months, I've stayed inside and slept most of the day or anything but shot images. Not sure why, but it takes a while to realize that photography is what you do...its not who you are. People are so much more than what they do. This style of honesty, conversation is appreciated and needed...

[@JP1050x]

When I lost my dad, we found him face down in the kitchen alone for a few days. He lived alone, so luckily my uncle was there to see him that weekend. Within that short time, he really didn’t look like himself anymore, and his essence was long gone from his body. We waited next to my dad for a long time before someone came to transport him away, so I ended up taking a lot of photos of his features sort of CSI style. I haven’t looked at the photos yet since I’ve taken them, but the memory of the features of his body are burned into my memory. I wasn’t emotionally close to my dad, but the memories I hold on to was when I was a young child. So, it’s my hope that my children will have fond happy memories of their childhood as they reflect back on life as adults.

[@ridealongwithrandy]

So sorry to hear about your mom. But then again, she is in a happy place and watching over you from above.

[@profHankin]

We have to give ourselves permission to pause. Being present with the good and painful elements in life is important. The universe has a way of showing us what we need to focus on in life. Thank you for sharing. I wish you and your family peace and love.

[@timothylarson3558]

I really appreciate what you shared, Matt. I remember finding your channel in 2015 when I was getting back into the film realm of photography. I lost my dad in February of 2016 and I relate to not feeling like making photos or recording memories in that way. Sometimes it's most important to be present. Take care and I wish you and your family all the best as you navigate through this period of your life.

[@Wileyinthestreets]

I’m sorry about your loss. Thank you for being so open and take your time. Thanks for all the videos that you do. They’ve helped me through hard times so I hope you can get through all of this ❤️

[@PhilKnall]

Much love Matt. I don't think you'll regret trusting your gut, the pictures of when your mom was well are going to be more important to you in the long run. You don't have to be a reporter in your own life.

[@michaelgermundson8166]

My heart goes out to you and your family Matt.

[@richardstollar4291]

It took me a year to show my wife the photo I took of her and her father while he was on his death-bed in hospital. It's hard and eventually you'll develop the roll and whatever the results it'll be emotional. Thanks for sharing.

[@brycepinson8641]

Sorry about your loss. I appreciate your authenticity on this channel. Also love that your sponsors are being understanding of the situation. I’ve been through 6 month periods where I didn’t shoot. When the time is right, you’ll go pick the camera up again naturally.

[@tejasrinivas3049]

Sorry for your loss Matt.

[@ChrisCollick]

I appreciate your honesty and vulnerability, Matt. I wish I always had the energy and the motivation to take photos at any given time. Sadly, I don't always do, but your message is an encouragement to me. Continuing to pray for you in the meantime. Thanks for continuing to be an inspiration for the amateur photographers.

[@garymorrow9324]

Sorry for your loss. I know how hard it is. It will take time. I'm happy for your family. Being a stay at home mom is the best thing for your kids. It will be stressful....but time goes quickly. Kudos to your sponsors...Good people. Gary

[@andrewhawkins6454]

Another great video Matt. If you always do the best that you can do. You should never look back and criticise yourself for those decisions. Hindsight is 20/20. Personally, I think you're doing a fabulous job. Take the time to pat yourself on the back once in a while. Look after yourself and your family. Best wishes from Wales. 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿👍

[@khaiphong1]

Matt, My condolences to your and your family. I feel like it is okay to put your camera down, this is a very emotional video for sure. Like other have said, we are here for you and we're here to see you. I have been watching you back in 2017 when I was in high school, now I'm almost graduating college. You inspired me to do a lot of doumenting, just taking pictures everywhere and anywhere I go. There are times that I don't want to... like you said, it's okay. Camera isn't everything, but living life is; take your time. I hope to see more of your video in the future, thank you.

[@Spencer_White]

Sorry to hear of your loss(es), hope all is as well as it can be right now. ❤

[@256k_]

I'm sorry for your loss Matt, My father passed away in august after a long and grueling battle with cancer. It was (and still is) the most difficult physical and mental fatiguing experience i've ever had. Still slowly trying to be at peace with it. a quote that has helped me that I've read was: "We don't move on from grief, we move forward with it." I wish you peace and love. take care of yourself first and foremost.

[@davidlane2796]

Sorry for your loss, you don't need to take photographs to grow as a photographer. Your experience over recent times and how you embrace it will come through in your future photography.

[@michaelnewmanphotography]

So sorry for your loss :(

[@steven1000000000]

Hey Matt. Having lost my dad before, I feel the pain. It never goes away, but it gets easier. Take a bit of time and remember the good times.

[@rowanobrien4027]

I’ve been going through a rough time with a relative and I’ve found it hard to photograph, I know what you mean when you say it just feels “wrong” I hope you heal and I send u all my best wishes

[@davideastham]

So sorry Matt. My condolences to you and your family.

[@tylohr3681]

Well said, Matt. And I hate to break it to ya, but I think we're all more invested in this channel than just for photography. You oddly feel like a longtime friend. I've suffered through this dichotomy myself. Documenting your life doesn't always mean in photos. Much love, man! 🙏

[@ericmontaephoto]

Take all of the time that you need Matt. This video hits home after I had my heart attack I just didn't feel like doing anything let alone pick up a camera to take pictures. It's a process that no one knows how long it will take to recovery from. All the best wishes to you and your family. Stay strong and continue following your instincts.

[@TheFilmFellow]

Great video Matt! Wish the subject matter wasn’t about a loss but this is great in terms that it will help others and maybe then a tiny bit it all doesn’t feel so senseless. Keep just being yourself brother.

[@jordanibarra9211]

Sorry about your loss.

[@jacobmaness7244]

Sending love to you and your family Matt. Thank you for doing all that you do and you bring so much to the community.

[@CrisConstantin]

You’re doing great, Matt. Keep inspiring and thank you for showing human feelings. We are not machines and anytime we are able to prove it we should. Photography is a gift and the good thing about it is that you can open it everyday, or just pick it up when you want to put a smile on your face or others. Don’t rush the process and heal yourself thorough love, man. Stay strong🙏🏼

[@eggy68]

Thanks for this message, Matt. I think we can all benefit from the occasional break to be "there" with our loved ones.

[@ZackDowdy]

Time > Money, well elaborated Matt. I think it's important as humans we don't judge our success based off performance. Much love, I'll watch every video you make.

[@williamshaffer9216]

As a daily shooter, I sometime go without taking any photos. Nothing inspires me. You'll know when it's time to pick up the camera. You'll just know!

[@Jessehermansonphotography]

This is one of the last, if not the last KZbin channels that the creator is REAL with his fan base. You have built a lot of connection Matt. Glad I’ve been around since the beginning.

[@mastaw]

I doubt you have seen all of KZbin.

[@Jessehermansonphotography]

@@mastaw lol. I’ve seen a lot of it. But sure, I haven’t see “all of KZbin”

[@bakaroo23]

Good vibes to you.

[@Francois_L_7933]

All my most sincere sympathies to you and your family. Things like that suck, but that's life. And yes, it is definitely OK to put the camera down. Take the time that it takes. There's no obligation to document everything. There's no point in rushing thing things. Take care.

[@sigmagamer364]

this man is lovely

[@j.k5654]

My condolences 💐

[@jonathanclark5794]

Love you man, love your content, stay strong we are here for you

[@queencrimsonqueencrimson]

Sending you lots of love Matt. You're amazing.

[@bimbimbembem1356]

I think you took the right choice of putting down the camera I pushed myself to take one last photo of my 3days old son a few seconds before he passed away I developped it, it just felt wrong. I wished i didnt take that photo

[@stuartbaines2843]

Every Time its different ..

[@MakersTeleMark]

Matt, I burried my Mother and my Father. I didn't take a single photo. Between the icu and the hospice, and cleaning out their shit, I just was trying to be the best me, and be present. My strength is to you. I did take a photograph of my dad's blood on the floor in front of his nikon f and m2 with a huge blood streak before he drove himself to the hospital and died in the same room that I was born. Maybe TMI, but I feel you brother. Take time. Put it into your marriage, because that is your future, not youtube. Loves. Deep deep loves.

[@carstenlueter2250]

Don't think you will kick yourself for putting the camera down. You decided to fully lean in into the situation and the camera almost certainly would have been an obstacle...or a crotch you didn't want to use either. Some things have better places in our hearts than on photographic paper. Keep up with your great work...once it feels right again.

[@jimwlouavl]

You have shared the ups and downs of your life. Now, it’s our turn to share our support for you and your family. Take care of yourself and your beautiful young family. Not photographing makes sense: You use your cameras as an artist’s tools not as a photojournalist.

[@jeffreyharris2502]

Sorry for your loss. May GOD be your guide

[@calvinchann1996]

Condolences.

Take your time. We're not going anywhere. Family comes before work, both on the dictionary and in real life.

[@stephenward5133]

Take care.

[@gui4j]

Taking it easy buddy … time is your friend …

[@Brunotourville]

You should process that film, for your kids. When you will be ready.

[@justinconnaher8868]

🙏

[@tonyparatore888]

Hugs

[@JuanAuribus]

Leaving a stable nursing career to put the family's financials on a small 6000 view per video KZbin channel? What??

[@dylanhill6736]

I took 2 years off as a photographer.

[@_jprater]

#FTA

[@mdbdoc]

Would rather you talk about real life and how it has impacted your photography than force a video that you're not really into.