LensListening
LensListening developed as a way to describe my connection to photography. I find photography to be a unique and artistic way of viewing the world. We all have our own “lens.” Our childhood, ancestry, culture, and experience determine through what “lens” we see and experience the world. Some seasons of life naturally bring more beauty than others. LensListening became a phrase in my life when I began to focus my passion for photography on finding beauty in the world and in people during a season where my former vocation surrounded me with less than beautiful circumstances. I now offer photography art sales and photo sessions to share the beauty I find by listening to the world through my camera lens. (Some of my personal story below.) -Matt, Owner
Matt’s Story
Photography has been a life-long passion (since I was eleven). My dad was the first one to put a camera in my hand, but it was really my two uncles who introduced me to noticing art in the world. One worked for a short time as a professional photographer. The other has lived in the Norther Rockies for almost forty years where landscape and wildlife viewing opportunities are abundant. I was always passionate about wildlife, but growing up in Atlanta didn’t offer many opportunities to watch wildlife. My love of wildlife and wild spaces eventually led me to the University of Montana were I earned a bachelor’s in Wildlife Biology. I taught Environmental Education for nonprofits for the next five years. I eventually stepped into the realm of small nonprofit leadership with a focus on social and environmental justice. As with many people, covid led to some changes. I began to focus more on family and things that bring me greater joy including science and wildlife education, writing, and supporting local organizations. I love capturing more candid or journalistic style photos of families. Combining my background of environmental research and social justice into my photography is a growing edge.
Photo by: Zoo Knoxville Staff, 2010
Approach to Different types of Photography
Wildlife Photography is my first love.
Patiently waiting for wildlife is one of my favorite types of photography. I love to spend time looking for wildlife habitats and waiting to see who might show up. I am always left with the realization of how much more there is to learn about the world… how the birds pay attention to the shifting wind and temperatures… how canids follow scent trails… and how dragonflies fervently guard their territory.
Landscape
Landscape photography often leads me to watch the skies and chase the weather. Regardless of how beautiful the landscape (mountains, coastal shoreline, or fall forest), twilight or dawn often reveal greater contrast or beauty, especially as the clouds after a storm play with the fading sun to create ever shifting vistas of light.
Family and Pet Photography Sessions
I will often do the unorthodox portrait photography thing… use a telephoto lens. This more often happens outside where I can create a little more distance between myself and the client. I find that this works well with some children and pets who are more nervous about being on camera, or perhaps so interested in the camera it is difficult to capture the more natural moments. All families and people are welcome to seek photo sessions.
Working with children.
To summarize my approach in one word. Play. My background in environmental education and outdoor education have solidified for me how important play is for children. Integrating a few moments of play into the photo shoot can result in a more natural moment of laughter or delight captured on film.
Kind Words
“I had a great experience! The calendar was of high quality, and the pictures were beautiful. The calendar arrived a day early, too. I plan to use this seller again.”
–Steed, Shop Purchase of 2022 Insect Calendar