Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Anthony Machcinski. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Anthony, appreciate you joining us today. Can you talk to us about a project that’s meant a lot to you?

About a week ago, I was capturing photos at a soccer game. One of the players who I’ve known for several years, saw me on the sidelines and ran towards my camera after scoring a goal. He grabbed his jersey, showed off the ‘Blue Jays’ across his chest, and celebrated his feat.

It might seem like nothing, but that moment is among the most powerful for me in my career.

As a photographer – especially one who specializes in photojournalism – I’m lucky enough to capture powerful moments in peoples’ lives. It’s a blessing. In many instances, it’s the only chance to capture that one perfect photograph celebrating a goal, hitting a personal record in the gym, a fun moment amongst friends or the joy on a child’s face.

Photographs move people. They have the ability to instill confidence. Every click of the shutter is a chance to make someone feel happier about themselves or the world around them.

Anthony, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

My name is Anthony Machcinski, and I’m a photographer from Montgomery County, Pennsylvania. I’m a former journalist having worked under the USA Today family of community newspapers until 2018. I transitioned into marketing full time that year, and started working as a photographer as my side hustle.

My speciality is sports photography, but my focus as a whole is capturing moments. As a photojournalist, I have years of experience pushing myself, knowing that I don’t have the ability to pause or pose a moment. You can’t tell a soccer player to stop kicking the ball so you can get in the right position. It’s about being in the right place at the right time.

I remember in high school, how my teammates and I would wait for a local photographer to finish his one photo album of our team per year, hoping we had a photo or two to be proud of. Personally, I’ve taken that feeling and transferred it to my own work. To the best of my ability, I try to capture as many people on the team as I can, because I know how good that feeling is. You may be an All-American, or a player who barely sees the field, I want my clients to come away with that same feeling.

Looking back, are there any resources you wish you knew about earlier in your creative journey?

I wish I knew about the ability to network with other photographers. It’s something I still struggle with. About a year ago, I found Philly Shutter Club on Instagram. It’s a group of models and photographers that meet once a month for free, with each group sharing the others’ work. The goal is to try new things.

My first Shutter Club, I was nervous and shy. It wasn’t easy to work with models and feel confident in my own ability to pose them. So I linked with another photographer, and just asked him if I could help him with lighting while I listened to him talk to the models.

My lesson? Don’t be afraid to ask! The photographer helped me out, gave me pointers, and even complimented my work (we were taking different approaches in lenses). Hearing him talk has given me a ton of experience now in my full-time gig in marketing.

Do you think there is something that non-creatives might struggle to understand about your journey as a creative? Maybe you can shed some light?

I think non-creatives might not realize how hard it is to find a style or a niche as a creative.

As a journalist, my best asset was my versatility. I wasn’t the best columnist, the best videographer or the best hard news writer, but my editors knew that if they needed someone to fill in, they had a dependable asset.

After I left journalism, I had a hard time trying to figure out what inspired me and what my specialty was. I liked to shoot sports, but I wanted to shoot portraits. I didn’t believe in editing my photos much (oh how that was a mistake).

It’s taken me years to figure out how much color is too much, how much contrast I like in a photo, when black and white is necessary, etc. Even now, I can see how my style has grown and evolved, even in just a handful of months.

What I think non-creatives might not realize is that this journey is just that – there’s no end. Think you’re doing great? You ALWAYS find a photographer who is better than you. It’s not a negative point, it’s an inspiration to push yourself even further.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.machcinskimedia.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/machcinskimedia
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/anthony-j-machcinski-277a9525/