Today we’d like to introduce you to Matt Brown.
Hi Matt, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
I found photography at a young age. Watching my Dad take photos of the family as a young boy inspired me. I worked at my school newspaper and year book in Jr. High and High School. I went to school for photography and never looked back. I was lucky enough to work at the OC Register with a fantastic photo staff. I freelanced with Sports Illustrated and ESPN Magazine as well as working at Newsweek. I was the team photographer for the LA Angels for four years. I’ve worked at Cal California State University, Dominguez Hills for the last 3 years.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
You really can’t have a 35 year career without bumps in the road. The photo industry went through a major change in 2007-08 financial crisis. Lots of clients I worked with made massive changes. Photo Editors, and Creative Directors I worked with for 10-15 years lost their jobs. It’s always tough to have clients stop calling and see friends lose their jobs.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I’m the university photographer at California State University, Dominguez Hills. I spent lots of time with University President Thomas Parham making images of him and the events he attends. I document events on campus as well. I specialize in portraits. It’s were you really get to meet people and create wonderful images of them. I’m known for my sports photography work. Working at Sports Illustrated and other sports brands have been a pleasure over my career. I’ve been paid to go to Super Bowls, NBA Finals, Stanley Cups and more. When I think about it over my career, I’m must proud of still pushing myself to stay at a high level, It’s not easy. Long hours that turn into long days and the ever changing industry landscape is not the easiest. I believe effort sets me apart from others. I will do anything to make a great image.
What do you like best about our city? What do you like least?
To be truthful I’m not a fan of LA at this point of time. The city has major challenges in front of it and it has soured me on it. Lots of great small business shout down during covid and that’s painful to see. I always tried to take the family to col new restaurants in LA over the years and it breaks my heart to see them close.
What I like least about our city is the high taxes.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://mattbrownphoto.com
- Instagram: 5Browncrew
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100007515944422
- LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/ Vanity URL name
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@thebrowncrew
- Other: https://justagoodconversation.com
Image Credits
All images are Matt Brown/CSUDH
