Today we’d like to introduce you to Alex Matthews.
Hi Alex, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
Rhythm, melody, harmony, texture – For as long as I can remember I have loved live music. I grew up in Sacramento, California; home to one of the largest jazz festivals in the US. When I was young I watched the concerts with my family, I studied all the details of the musicians and all the technology used in the productions. I learned to tap my foot to the beat of the band and, after trying several instruments, I eventually became a drummer myself. That passion for music always influenced the other aspects of my life.
In high school, I discovered new interests like video production, photography, and visual art. I helped produce a cable access television video show with my friends called ATM and participated in the media academy at my school. This eventually led to college, and a move to San Diego to attend UC San Diego, where I earned a degree in Visual Arts. During college, I was still drawn to music, I played in local bands and helped produce music shows and concert coverage for the college television station. I also had a student job producing promotional videos for the school and taking photos. A job that luckily turned into a career that I am still doing today. While working one year at UCSD’s annual Sungod Festival, I met a fantastic concert photographer and author, Alan Hess. Sungod was where I was first really exposed to the fundamentals of concert photography. It was such a natural progression for me and ever since, I have been photographing as much live music as I can.
I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey has been a fairly smooth road?
I have been extremely fortunate to have such great experiences and to have family and friends that have supported my dreams. My road has been smoother than many other people’s. But, there have been struggles in following my passions, and I think that is what life is all about. Some projects have been unsuccessful, and I’ve made plenty of mistakes, but I’ve also learned a lot. I worked as hard as I could to get into a good college and find a career that would be artistically fulfilling. I feel so fortunate to have ended up at UC San Diego, which is incredibly challenging academically, but also incredibly rewarding. I got a student job that helped pay for school and met mentors there, like my first boss Doug Ramsey, a TV veteran who taught me so much practical knowledge of video production. Another mentor was Professor John Wooley, who shared my passion for photography and encouraged me to shoot concerts. I was also fortunate to work with many talented photographers when they were students, like Erik Jepsen and John Hanacek who are great inspirations. Without my family, friends, and mentors, I never would have made it this far. In college, I also met the love of my life Marcie. She is my best friend and partner and we support each other in our careers and at home, and I couldn’t imagine life without her.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I am a concert and live event photographer. I shoot photos and videos of all types of live music around San Diego and Southern California. From local shows at intimate venues like The Casbah and The Merrow to bigger shows at The Observatory North Park and House of Blues, all the way to the biggest venues in town: Petco Park and North Island Credit Union Amphitheatre. I have a unique perspective and passion for documenting live performances and my knowledge of music and production are what set me apart. For the past several years, I’ve worked as a journalist for local music blogs, produced video and photos for NBC 7 Sound Diego, and have been a house photographer at some of the biggest venues in town. And I am still a drummer! My local heavy metal band is called C0DE.
The crisis has affected us all in different ways. How has it affected you and any important lessons or epiphanies you can share with us?
The COVID crisis has decimated my photography business. I went from covering hundreds of events a year down to almost none. Concerts have mostly been canceled and photography contracts for conferences and conventions have dried up as well. However, I’ve been lucky that my day job has continued on, and that I have been able to work remotely. I also formed a concert photography group on Facebook to keep friendships going, to share work, and to try and alleviate some stress and loneliness.
I think the lesson I’ve learned from the Covid-19 crisis is to be incredibly thankful for what you have. I’m thankful that most of my friends and loved ones have remained safe, thankful that I am still able to provide for my family, and thankful that we are all willing to support each other in this difficult time. Others have not been as fortunate, and I feel such sadness for all the families impacted and the lives lost.
I am looking forward to concerts again, to Comic Con, to live in-person events where you can experience things together communally which is essential to life. I miss the energy of a big crowd and that feeling of goosebumps when the music kicks in.
Contact Info:
- Email: amatt63014@gmail.com
- Website: https://alexmatthews.carbonmade.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/alexdrumming/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AlexMatthewsPhotoVideo/
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/alexdrumming
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/alexmatthews
Image Credits:
Alex Matthews Copyright ©2021
