Matt Swaggart is  man with a lot of passion. Whether for his family, his church and ministry work, or his art, it all comes back to people – how they interact with each other, their surroundings, or the photographer himself. Matt has developed a unique eye and has become a highly sought after photographer, especially in his lifestyle and wedding photography business. Make sure to check out Matt’s website, follow him on Twitter, and check his upcoming show…

UPCOMING EXHIBITS

Rise My Love For Winter Shall Pass
Photography of Matt Swaggart
Friday, March 12th, 6-10pm
SHOE GYPSY, 1604 E. 15th Street, Tulsa, OK

Now for the interview…

Introducing Matt Swaggart

I grew up in the south. My whole life has been spent in the ministry whether being raised in it or working in it. Photography developed into my passion while studying abroad in Europe almost a decade ago, it’s been my creative drive ever since. This is what I’ve learned through photography: Life is not a private ordeal, what we do affects others. Every life and every decision matters. We must do our best to make others better. Let’s work together to tell the story.

Wish is Waste.

1. Tell us how you found your way into photography?

I bought my first digital camera (A 2mp Kodak DC290 Zoom) to take with me for summer school in Europe. While studying abroad I completely fell in love with two things, my future wife Joanna and photography.  As soon as I got back I dove head first into photography later getting a Fuji S1 then the Nikon D100. Friends started noticing my work and asked me to photograph them, then one thing lead to another and I started getting paid. At first I charged $25 a shoot and did weddings for free because I had no idea what I was doing.

2. How do you classify yourself as a photographer?

A wannabe fine art photographer disguised as a wedding photographer.

3. Describe to us a typical week in your life.

My weeks are so varied that this question is tough to answer. All I can say with certainty are the consistencies: God, Family, photography and design. Those elements shape my week but my weeks are never the same!

4. What is  your favorite subject matter?

Shooting on the mission field, there’s nothing like it. You have to be prepared for the long haul without being over-burdened. You have to be in tune with the culture while keeping your emotions in check. What you see on the mission field are drastic swings of horrific to awe-inspiring scenes. You see the best and worst in people. You get to make a tangible difference for the people in need by telling their story.

5. How do you approach a photo shoot?

Like most photographers I’m looking for the story to tell. What’s the story and how can I tell it in an image or series of images? This is how I communicate now give me a camera so I can start talking. Just before a shoot I like to clear my mind then imagine the day and its obstacles.

6. Can you share with us a memorable experience from your career? A special moment, or favorite shoot?

There are tons! But one shoot always stands out because it was so funny and kind of miraculous. Right in the beginning of my portrait career I was photographing a family at their house. We were in the back yard and I am in the zone, just workin’ it. I’m so focused on the family in front of me, that I have no clue that their deep hot tub is directly behind me. As my shutter finger is clicking away I step back and suddenly panic…there’s no ground for my foot! I fall straight into the hot tub and in those days I always strapped a Tamrac belt loaded with gear around my waist. Instincts kick in and my hands with the camera go straight in the air, one foot touches water and then proceeds to spring over to the other side. Now the unexplained…I fell into the middle of the hot tub which was about 4 feet deep yet only about 10 inches of my left leg was wet (I have no idea) and no equipment was harmed. The day was super cold so I just continued the shoot with a really cold left foot. Fortunately, the debacle caused the family to loosen up and some really great shots ensued.

7. Do you think being from (or working in) Oklahoma has influenced your artistic vision? If so, how?

Of Course! This is where I grew up (matured as an adult). I feel like Oklahoma is the middle, I have family in Louisiana and Minnesota. Naturally Oklahoma is right in the middle of my families but even more than that Ok seems to get a lot of culture because of the geographic location. Trends from either coast trickle in and that mixes with rural lifestyle all while the roots of rockabilly and the pentecostal movement find ways to leave its mark. Our schools also attract international attention which adds another flavor to our life here. I take all this in and it works its way into my images.

8. How have you benefited from being part of a creative community (workplace, classroom, associations, etc.)

Really it comes down to learning. I think Oklahoma has a pretty generous set of creatives which makes learning infinitely easier.

9. What is your vision of the future of the industry?

For creativity, composition and beauty to win over technique and numbers. Memorizing a technique is not creating art. I’m ready to see the “rules” of photography come to an end and the pure artistry of making a beautiful image take center stage. Everything around us is a tool for creating art-USE IT!

10. What is the vision of your future?

I want my photography to bless others. Missions Photography is where I would like see it going full time. Missions photography raises awareness and funds for those truly in need. I want to be able to use my talent for the benefit of others.

11. Can you lend some advice to young photographers?

Study yourself more than others. Challange YOUR skills rather than learning someone elses written in a book. Learning from the master’s and other photographers are a must, but you can’t walk their walk. We all have our own walk to walk, our own style to share. Be brave enough to do it your own way!