Interview
Matthew Portch
Australia
Matthew Portch was a dedicated illustrator as a child, often spending hours on intricate details. He studied graphic design and photography in college, leading to a successful graphic design career. The digital revolution in the early 2000s reignited his passion for photography.
1 Can you introduce yourself and talk about how you got into photography?
I grew up in the seventies in Bristol, England, in a typical middle-class suburb. Television and movies were my favourite indulgences, especially anything from the USA. The scenery was so different and exciting compared to the humdrum of the English city suburbs and countryside. As a child, I was a keen illustrator, spending hours pouring over the minutia of the subject matter. In college, I studied graphic design and photography, and I pursued a successful career in graphic design. In the millennium, the digital revolution spurred my interest in photography once more. Ironically, it was the large format film photographers of the 1960s and 1970s from North America who inspired me. I felt myself drawn to the seemingly ordinary and banal vistas they captured with fastidious detail.
2 Where did you study photography?
I studied photography at Brunel College in Bristol, UK.
3 Do you remember your first shot? What was it?
I don't think I can remember my very first shot. However, one of my first as I began to take photography more seriously must have been the one I've mostly been known for, 'The Wall Frame'. It was on a trip to a crater attraction in America. When I went through the entrance, I turned around to discover a brick wall with a rectangluar opening, revealing a barren landscape beyond it. I actually found it more alluring than the crater itself. And it was a reminder that sometimes you just need to look over your shoulder.
4 What equipment do you use?
Cambo WDS Technical Camera, Phase One P45 and IQ180 digital back, Schneider optics.
5 What compliment inspired/touched you the most?
I can't think of one in particular. But I can say that when I did have my first exhibition, it was so nice to have affirmation from anyone who viewed the work and even bought prints. I think most artists suffer from self-doubt, even if they truly believe in their own vision. When you receive praise, it's good to know there are others out there who actually relate to your work.
6 What inspires your unique storytelling?
I've had a long relationship with melancholy ever since I was a child. It wasn't until later in life that I realised this would be more commonly defined as depression. So many struggle with mental health and anxiety, and this has clearly been a big discussion point in recent times. I believe it's the reason I've chosen to spend most of my life alone. So when I travelled, photography became a purpose as well as a companion. I think those are the reasons why I've always been drawn to mournful and serene landscapes. I personally find an almost sombre, nostalgic, and aesthetic beauty in discernibly banal scenes.
7 What THREE (3) words describe your photography style?
Sombre, contemplative, curious
8 Congratulations! As the winner of the MUSE Photography Awards, what does it mean for you and your team to receive this distinction?
Since the internet began, the world has gotten smaller, and photographers are numerous. So to cut through an award is uplifting, affirming, and inspiring.
9 Can you explain a bit about the winning work you entered into the MUSE Photography Awards, and why you chose to enter this project?
I have an ongoing signature series called 'Lost America'. This shot is quite symbolic of the style throughout my series and a good demonstration of the mood I feel and like to depict in my work. It seems to me a dying symbol of a landscape and culture that's hanging on by a thread.
10 How has winning an award developed your career?
Winning an award has always helped elevate my profile.
11 Name 1-3 photographers who have inspired you.
Stephen Shore, Richard Misrach, Joel Sternfeld
12 What was the best piece of advice you were given starting out, by a mentor or your role model?
Look over your shoulder
13 What advice would you give someone who would like to become a photographer today?
If you want to compete in an oversaturated market, you really need to find your own niche. Above all, stay true to yourself and don't lose sight of your vision.
14 What is your key to success? Any parting words of wisdom?
I think success could be defined as simply enjoying what you do as a means of self-expression. Some write your thoughts down as a matter of carthartic process. I think this could also be applied to photography, painting, or whatever your creative outlet may be. So the key might be to enjoy what you do first, and if outside success comes after, then all the better.
15 How do you stay in that space of being receptive to new information and knowledge?
Practically speaking, of course, there are books and online resources for information and inspiration. I feel that just by practicing your craft, and learning from your own mistakes, you're constantly gaining knowledge and carrying that forward to your next shot or project.
16 Which THREE (3) friends/peers would you nominate to participate in the next MUSE Photography Awards?
I'm sure any peers I would be aware of would probably already have applied and won awards themselves!
17 Which THREE (3) peers, within the photography industry, would you nominate to be a judge in the next MUSE Photography Awards? (You may include yourself within, and please include the email addresses)
I've never been approached, so I think it would be fun to nominate myself. I have photographers I follow on Instagram, and two of them I can think of right now might be Chris Round @roundtheplace (chris@roundtheplace.com) and Juan Fabuel @juan_fabuel juan@juanfabuel.com, although there are many, many more.
