Today we’d like to introduce you to Matt Schmidt.
Matt, please kick things off for us by telling us about yourself and your journey so far.
I’ve been dancing around different aspects of the arts for as long as I can remember. I went to Penn State University for theatre then moved to New York after graduating. I got lucky and started working on the Broadway 1st National tour of “Grease” performing across the country. I’ve worked on several shows as a member of the Actors Equity Association. My Gramps and Mom always had a love for photography and it happened to be in my veins as well. So I picked up a camera while working as an actor and that’s where my photography journey began! I made my way to LA a few years ago to start assisting a celebrity and fashion photographer who I met in New York doing a show. Being on professional photoshoots on the Universal lot and other studios around LA solidified my fascination with photography. Seeing prominent film actors and models do their thing in front of a camera gave me a unique insight into how they move and work. I have been shooting headshots and portraits ever since moving to LA. I love photographing actors. Having been one I understand how they tick which helps me capture genuine images that showcase who they are. I love hearing when my subjects start piling on the auditions because of their photos.
Can you give our readers some background on your art?
The acting industry is tough, plain, and simple. It takes a lot of work, patience, and discipline to be a part of it. With my experience as an actor and time behind a camera, I find joy in coaching actors through their photo sessions. Headshots can be uncomfortable, and tricky to get an image that really defines who they are. Not only who they are but what character types they can play. What does Hollywood or Broadway see you as? It’s an important question to define for any actor. You have to know what you’re selling to these casting directors and directors. Headshots are the first impression an actor has. In a sea of photos, it’s the small nuances and details that allow you to stand out, even just a little. Headshots are the calling card, but portraits allow for a different kind of creativity and expression. Portraits for actors and models can make a statement, create something thought-provoking, or get people asking questions. There are endless possibilities that each personality can bring into the shoot that creates something unique.
Artists rarely, if ever pursue art for the money. Nonetheless, we all have bills and responsibilities and many aspiring artists are discouraged from pursuing art due to financial reasons. Any advice or thoughts you’d like to share with prospective artists?
The highs are high and the lows are low as an artist. Financially it can be tough. Most people and a lot of artists know very little about personal finance. Myself included, at first. It wasn’t until I was tired of stressing out about finances that I started learning about it. I read several books and started to take control of things. As tedious and boring as it is I’ve found that it is crucial to take control of, especially as an artist. When you can plant your feet and not have a constant worry about how you’re going to pay your bills you can then put that energy into your art. Keep track of where you spend your money! Start there, then you’ll notice things you don’t need to be spending money on and can cut back. But you’ll never know until you start tracking where everything goes. And do your best to start saving an emergency fund. Just a stash of money (pros say 3-6 months of expenses) that you only touch when life happens, and it will. The sooner you can tackle your financial life the quicker you can push your art further into the direction you want to go. And there’s no shame in taking a for now job. It’s supporting your dream!
What’s the best way for someone to check out your work and provide support?
You can see my work on my website www.matthewschmidtphoto.com or on Instagram @mattwschmidtphoto
Contact Info:
- Address: Studio
857 South San Pedro Street #311
Los Angeles, CA 90014 - Website: www.matthewschmidtphoto.com
- Phone: 4844591467
- Email: [email protected]
- Instagram: @mattwschmidtphoto
- Facebook: @matthewschmidtphotography
Image Credit:
Images were all taken by me – matthewschmidtphoto
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