Maker Spotlight: Matthew Waring Photography

Photo by Christopher Honeywell

I am so fortunate to be able to share this interview with you all today. I'm lucky to say that Matthew Waring is my oldest friend (I'm talking 20 years here folks). His work is a constant inspiration + it has been incredible to watch his style evolve over the last decade. As with all of our interviews so far, I appreciate the candor of Matt's answers, the struggle, the pay off, the inspiration, the journey. I'm excited for you all to get a glimpse into the amazing talent behind the lens.

Friendship aside, Matt's work moves me. He's documented some pretty special moments among our friends - cottage weekends, late night bonfires, quiet nights at our parents' homes, our creative endeavors - so in a way, Matt's work are my memories. But his work outside of those moments is also special. One for capturing the quiet, forgotten seconds that pass us by Matt is a respectful observer of life, in all it's grimy, awkward, angry, beautiful, loving, natural ways. While his main love is film you will see the other talents he possesses if you visit his website, "photography, video, woodwork, essays" each invite you onto a different creative path that you won't want to miss.

*All photos taken by Matthew Waring unless otherwise noted

1. When did you first learn about your trade?

In my parent’s generation, they always had their photos printed - every single good + bad one. Since I was little I would enjoy just looking through all of the photo albums + piles of prints. It was really interested trying to think about what led up to + after that moment - it would bring me different feelings. You could make up your own stories if you wanted, which was fun to do. Kind of like those vibes when you hear a song that brings you back to the nostalgic place you first heard it, you know. That’s what peaked my interested when I was young, then one year I got a little film camera for Christmas, and I just kept clickin’ that button at interesting stuff around me. I can’t really even say why but it just never gets dull. When I look back through past pictures it brings me back just like the music does. It has been one of the few constants throughout all the changes in my life.

2. What do you love about Orillia?

Since I grew up in Orillia I mostly have nostalgia for the place. Whenever I go back I see it through the memories I had in that space, which were all good. More generally though it has a nice waterfront, close to infinite lakes + a fun ski hill (MSLM)!

3. Why is it important to you to buy, support + shop locally?

I just think it’s great to support people doing cool things in a community. It’s surely harder these days with social media/technology, as the whole world has interesting stuff available right at your fingertips. I still think it’s important to have places like Harold + Ferne where people can come + interact with artists + get to see their work in real life, the way it’s intended to be seen!

4. When has a moment of 'failure' led to an opportunity for you?

Probably when I dropped out of photography school. I was living in Barrie + trying to figure out my life a bit after returning home from living in Whistler, BC. Something about that time/place just completely drained me, I was not happy with where I was at. Not long after that whole situation dissolved I packed up pretty short notice + just left for Vancouver to live with a friend of a friend who was renting a room. It was a great opportunity for me because I met so many influential + lifelong friends that inspired me + helped me grow as a person. I wound up living in a really cool house with a bunch of people doing creatively inspiring stuff, which definitely contributed to my photography style. These friends just opened up a new world of experiences for me + I look back on it as some of the best of days!

5. If you create your product on the side, what is your day job? How do you juggle them?

Mainly carpentry/construction. You just have to stay motivated. Work drains me mentally + physically so some days it can be harder than others. Photography is really relaxing for me to do, so it’s a good release after a long day. You can just walk out the door with an open mind + focus on looking at your reality in a contrasting way to how you did earlier in the day. I don’t practice meditation but I feel like it strikes a similar chord.

6. Are you hoping to make your side project a full time job?

Ideally! It would be pretty unreal to make a living out of what I am passionate about, that sounds so cool - though I am cautious about some aspects of monetizing photography. I love to do it as work as long as it’s an idea or someone I support, that’s fun for me. I'm down. I suppose I’m kind of particular on what I shoot as a job - I’m not rushing to get a wedding photo job or anything. I respect photography as art + I love the art too much to sell-out my passion for something I’m not fully into, kinda ruins it for me! I don’t do it because there might be a pay cheque - but yes, I would love to make a living doing what I love…who wouldn’t!!

7. How did you get to where you are? What has your journey been like?

I still have no idea where I am – just trying to be creative + make images/art as I attempt to navigate this life, through the many ups + downs. The journey has been a huge learning experience, life in general. Mostly it has been about supporting myself to do what I love, whether it be skateboarding, skiing, photography, videography. Lately, I have been realizing how fast its been going. This song is what came to mind when I read your question. I've been thinking about it lately when I think about how fast the journey really is. It makes me think about how short a life is, it's over in a blink! Many of the people in the pictures I used to make up stories about as a kid don’t even exist anymore.

8. What has been your biggest challenge so far?

Specifically in photography it would be self-promotion – it’s not something I’m good at or into doing, which is somewhat important I guess these days with the relevance of social media. Working/surviving jobs that I hate waking up for to support what I love to do is another. My outlook has always just been to get through the workday + not think too much about the next. Mostly I'm just daydreaming while I'm there, spacing out about stuff I would rather do – if I'm being honest here. I can’t really complain though, I’m pretty fortunate to be living in a place like Canada + even have a job to dislike. Have to pay the bills somehow! The challenges are small. It's all good.

9. Where or how would you recommend someone interested in your trade start?

Everyone is basically a cyborg with a camera nowadays with cell phones. And they have amazing cameras in them. Just point your lens at whatever interests you + have fun! Easy.

10. What resources did or do you find helpful?

Starting out it was the darkroom – working with film in general. I think it forces you to focus more attention to light/composition. That’s not always the most practical in this day + age as darkroom equipment gets harder to find. I had a teacher once who had us cover our digital viewfinders for an entire day while shooting, to force us to focus on the principals of photography like we would with film – I thought it was fun.These days it’s my dog, she forces me to go on daily adventures to new places or she gets bummed on me, which is always interesting/challenging.

11. What are 3 things you wish people knew about your photography?

1. 100% grain fed organic, no pesticides, free range

2. No animals were harmed in the creation of any product

3. Not edible

Thank you again Matt for sharing part of your story with us. If you want to receive a daily dose of beauty be sure to follow Matt's Instagram + if you haven't already, go watch the short documentary Matt put together about the shop :)

#Artist #Artisan #SupportLocal #Series #Photography