We recently connected with Matea Hutsko and have shared our conversation below.
Matea, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Can you talk to us about how you learned to do what you do?
I first dipped my toes into the world of photography at only 11 years old, thanks to my older cousin who often shot film photos of my little sister and I, and the photography teacher at the school my mom taught at – who lent me my first DSLR.
These days, I think anyone can learn any technical skill they set their mind to, thanks to the many friendly internet masterminds who so graciously share helpful how-to’s. When I first started my business, I was completely lost when it came to learning lighting, shooting in manual, and adding the complexities of film to that mix. You could find me then, face buried in endless YouTube tutorials and Tiktoks… and lots of trial and error.
However, I don’t believe knowing how to use a camera is what makes a good photographer. There are many intangible aspects surrounding the client experience that will determine whether a photo is made well or not! Like stated earlier, anyone nowadays can learn a new skill – but I believe what truly makes beautiful, heart-felt, meaningful photos, is a photographers ability to make their client feel like their spending time with a friend, who genuinely loves and cares about them. The ability to create a comfortable and inviting space that allows the client to feel like they can be fully themselves. And then of course, through having an attentive ear and adding your unique creative touch, bringing their vision to life of how they desire life’s most cherished moments to be represented.
I will forever continue refining my technical skills. But what I believe to be the most crucial aspect of learning in this industry is – with every new client, starting new with a blank slate, and taking the time to dive into their world, learning about their love, hopes, dreams, passions, and life story.
Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.
I’m a (primarily) documentary wedding photographer for couples who value presence over posing, and want their wedding told like a timeless story. My work blends the warmth of lived-in moments with the elegance of fine art, creating imagery that feels both effortless and enduring. Every photograph is crafted to be as honest as the day it was taken—and as beautiful as the love it celebrates. I carry a calm yet confident presence with me as I observe and capture intimate moments, and aim to feel like a trusted friend… with great taste!
I’m fascinated with love stories, and making art feeds my soul/ fills my cup. There are so many people in the world. What a miracle it is for two people to find and choose each other, in the place and time that they exist in. I truly have such a curiosity to hear your story and what led you to where you are now, with your significant other. Beyond that, being trusted to document your love is an incredible privilege I don’t take for granted.
Life, as I’ve come to learn, is about the people we share it with— those who fill our lives with love, laughter, and meaning. I am truly honored to be a part of people’s most special moments!
At the heart of everything I do, is the belief that God make incredibly beautiful people, places, and things, and knits the most magical stories together, and all of those things are worth capturing in a way that can be both cherished and re-lived even beyond our lifetimes.
Outside of shooting weddings, I also offer sessions of any kind/ need (maternity, senior sessions, family portraits, business headshots, you name it!)
I am about to begin offering editing services to other photographers who’s queue’s are long and might be in need of an extra hand. This will look sort of like doing contract work for fellow photographers, wanting their galleries edited with the same care & intentionality as they normally would give – but maybe just don’t have the bandwidth or capacity, and don’t want to turn down more clients.
I think anyone could pick up a camera and become a photographer, but what I believe makes me stand out is the crucial peaceful presence I bring to weddings. I’ve had many clients tell me it frees them, to be fully themselves at all times, and allows them to be present with those who they love the most! On top of that, I often get feedback for my quickness to deliver galleries without ever sacrificing quality.
What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?
Beyond seeing a client glow while re-living some of the best moments of their lives flipping through their gallery, art will never not be meaningful and inspirational. As humans, we’re always looking for opportunities for connection. Photos hold stories of hardship, miracle, sacrifice, unconditional love, and so much more. It’s how we represent who we are and what we love. The feeling of creating such meaningful art, and knowing it’s lessons and inspiration lasts generations, is the most rewarding experience.
Have you ever had to pivot?
Having only a degree in Nutrition in hand and absolutely no marketing experience, my very first job out of college was leading creative and marketing for a small start-up in the Salesforce industry. I designed email templates, ran social media, and built websites for clients. It definitely wouldn’t have been my first choice, but I was so grateful for the experience I know I’d get! Long story short, after about a year and a half, the company ran out of funds and had to let everyone go.
So here I was, 20 years old, without a job, now tied to some very big-girl bills. Without having picked up a camera since high school, I thought to myself… “I’m going to start a photography business for some extra cash!” I fully did not expect to find my true passion, or the thing that I could see myself doing for the rest of my life!
From my very first session – a couple whom I met at church who graciously gave me their time, and epic modeling skills (😅), I fell DEEP. I became purely obsessed with photographing love stories. I’ve along the way found another passion in photo-editing, it’s one of those things I do for fun even when I’m not working on any current galleries. I know how rare it is for people to be able to turn true hobbies into a way to support themselves or their families financially. Grateful doesn’t cut it for how I feel, finding myself where I am now in my career!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.momentsbymatea.com/
- Instagram: @momentsbymatea
- Other: Tiktok: @momentsbymatea
Image Credits
@momentsbymatea OR Matea Hutsko from Moments by Matea