Matthiew is from a well-known wine family but decided to connect his life with black and white photography. He will tell about his path, aspirations, why his soul chose black and white photos, and a little about photography in general.
Long story short – I come from a very well-known wine family in Burgundy, and I studied wine and wanted to follow in my family’s footsteps. But when I first arrived in New York, everybody referred to me as a reference to my family – saying “the great-grandson of….” and never as Matthieu. Through photography, I have the opportunity to accomplish something independently, under my name.
Why did you go from being a sommelier to being a photographer?
I had always felt that I wanted to do something artistic: tried music, drawing, painting… But these things did not speak to my soul, to my spirit. And later, I found that through photography, I can express my vision to the world.
What is the formula for being a good photographer?
I don’t feel that there is a specific formula for being a good photographer. But I would suggest being very hardworking, learning from your mentors, and most importantly – to be in love with the photos you create.
Why black and white photography?
Black and white photography is my way to express my vision. I feel very connected with my models because there is no distraction by color. It is a pure connection, a moment of the soul to soul.
I love how photojournalist Ted Grant has said: “When you photograph people in color, you photograph their clothes. But when you photograph people in Black and White, you photograph their souls!”
What work or shoot are you most proud of?
I am proud of every picture I have shot since the beginning of my career, from even my very first photoshoot until my latest. But mostly, I am proud of my first cover. I think – it is something very important in my career because it unlocked confidence in me. I didn’t feel it before. To see my pictures on the cover of a magazine, I cannot describe the feeling, but it was so empowering.
Which of the world’s photographers would you consider idols?
I have many photographers that I consider as an idol, a mentor, a teacher. But if I were to choose one – I’d say, Mark Seliger. He is a genius of his art, inspiring.
How do you see the future of photography?
Well, I see the future going more and more into the digital world: so much is computerized now. But I feel we will always need photography in the physical world around us. There is nothing better than to see an amazing picture on an epic scale on a billboard.
What are 3 events that interest you as a photographer?
New York Fashion Week, Paris Fashion Week, New York’s Met Gala.
What do you strive for in the art of photography?
Becoming a teacher, a mentor to the next generation.
Name taboos in photography. What would you never shoot?
I would never shoot any kind of family portrait. What about taboos… Well, I have too many too.
