Conversations with Matt Coughlin

Today we’d like to introduce you to Matt Coughlin.

Hi Matt, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
I was pulled into the creative world through TV production. In high school, I started working at my local cable station, getting involved however I could — running cameras, editing, you name it. Eventually, I got the chance to produce and host my own sports talk show, and that experience made me realize how much I loved collaborating and creating media.

That passion led me to Emerson College, where I studied film and television. While I was there, I ended up taking a photography class and got hooked – especially after spending time in the darkroom. There was something about watching images come to life by hand that really clicked with me. I started photographing my classmates, mostly portraits, and I quickly knew this was something I wanted to pursue seriously.

After graduating, I moved out to LA and began building my photography career. I started with fashion and creative portraits, eventually falling into the comedy scene through friends—shooting shows, promos, and portraits for comedians. I’ve worked with clubs and shows such as The Laugh Factory, The Comedy Store, and A Comedy Show LA, collaborating with comics including Nick Kroll, Bert Kreischer, and Iliza Shlesinger. Over time, I’ve developed a style that blends personality, polish, and a little bit of edge.

These days, I’m very focused on creative portrait work, whether it’s comedians, creatives, or even beloved pets. I capture people in a way that feels elevated but still true to the subject.

I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
It definitely hasn’t been a smooth road — but it’s been an exciting one. I’ve always been multi-passionate, and figuring out how to blend all my interests into a clear creative path took time. It’s been a constant balancing act between feeding my own creative drive and delivering high-quality work for commercial clients.

One of the biggest challenges has been finding and refining my voice as a creative director. When you’re juggling different projects and wearing a lot of hats, it’s easy to lose sight of what makes your perspective unique. But over time, I’ve learned to trust my instincts more, lean into the things that light me up, and bring that energy into everything I create – whether it’s a personal portrait session or a full-scale campaign shoot.

Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I’m a portrait photographer who blends classic technique with a creative edge. My work is grounded in strong lighting and composition, but I always try to add a conceptual twist – something unexpected that makes the image stand out. I like surprising people with portraits that feel both timeless and unique.

My shoots are known for being relaxed, fun, and easygoing. I create an environment where people feel comfortable, which leads to more natural, authentic photos. That same approach works whether I’m photographing a comedian, an artist, or someone’s pet. I love capturing and celebrating unique personalities.

I’m especially proud of my work in the comedy world — like the portrait I shot of Dean Delray for The Comedy Store Wall of Fame, or my image of Dan Toomey that was chosen as a winner in this year’s American Photography 41 competition. Whether it’s a personal project or a professional shoot, I’m always looking for ways to create something that feels honest, vibrant, and a little bit unexpected.

Can you tell us more about what you were like growing up?
Growing up, I was a curious, playful kid who was always diving into something creative. I loved trying new things – whether it was drawing, building, filming, or just figuring out how something worked. I’ve always had this drive to understand the process behind things and get really good at them – maybe a little competitive, in the best way.

I was also super into sports and pop culture. I could spend hours analyzing my favorite teams or obsessing over movies, TV, and music. That mix of creativity, curiosity, and a deep love of storytelling has definitely stuck with me and shaped the way I approach my work today.

Contact Info:

• Website: http://www.mattcphoto.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mattcoughlinstudio/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MattCoughlinPhotography/
• Other: https://g.co/kgs/bKMwKR8

Image Credits
Matt Coughlin