Matt Martinez shared their story and experiences with us recently and you can find our conversation below.
Hi Matt, thank you so much for joining us today. We’re thrilled to learn more about your journey, values and what you are currently working on. Let’s start with an ice breaker: What is something outside of work that is bringing you joy lately?
Love. I have found myself in a new relationship, and I am completely swept up in this person. Her name is Laura, and I’ve found myself laughing, giggling, and finding joy in the most random things again because of the light she shines on me. We have the most fun times together just being ourselves, and its helped bring a smile back to even the slowest parts of my day.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
My name is Matt Martinez, and I am a concert photographer known as Red Hare Images. I have been doing this for nine years now, finding myself in front of the biggest metal and rock bands in the world, capturing the granduer of their shows. As well as in the dingiest of dive bars sometimes, capturing the bands of the future before they catch their big break.
Amazing, so let’s take a moment to go back in time. Who were you before the world told you who you had to be?
Before photography found me, I personally thought that I wasn’t really anything. I found myself going to work, then coming home and sitting on the couch to watch movies. Which, in and of itself is not a bad thing, but I had no motivation to try and do much more.
I would go out with friends every so often, and if it wasn’t for my friend Brandon McCarthy learning I owned a camera, and inviting me to come help photograph a concert on a random Monday night, my life would not have taken the turn it did to be the person I am now.
What’s something you changed your mind about after failing hard?
Shortly before getting into photography, I first attempted stand up comedy. This was one of the hardest things I have ever tried to do, and I believe one of the hardest things to do. When learning to paint, sing, dance, play sports, you can practice and learn by copying the professionals. You can not do this with stand up comedy.
When you get on stage to perform, the material must be 100% authentic to you, and not someone elses. You also don’t know if your material is truly funnny until you’ve performed it for strangers. This is one of the most nerve racking experiences I have ever had.
After bombing a few times at open mic nights, I couldn’t handle the emotions that came with it, and decided to stop trying. And that I needed to find a different hobby to persue.
Next, maybe we can discuss some of your foundational philosophies and views? What important truth do very few people agree with you on?
What I won’t call you a Heathen for: Your religious beliefs, your faith.
What I will call you a Heathen for: putting pineapple on pizza!
Before we go, we’d love to hear your thoughts on some longer-run, legacy type questions. When do you feel most at peace?
At a concert. Even before becoming a concert photographer, there was no better experience then getting lost in live music. Existing in a moment with thousands of people, hearing a band play our favorite song, singing our lungs out with the band, and all just being brought together because of music. It’s always been my happy place and my peace in the chaos of a music event. Concert photography has helped me get to experience this phenomenon even more often.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.redhareimages.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/red_hareimages
- Twitter: https://x.com/RedHareImages
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RedHareImages
Image Credits
All photos should be credited to: Red Hare Images
