We recently connected with Matina Cordell and have shared our conversation below.

Alright, Matina thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. We’d love to hear about a project that you’ve worked on that’s meant a lot to you.

The most meaningful project I have ever worked on, was my college final for my photography class.

I had been going to school at Saddleback College in Mission Viejo, CA and had been in the photography program from 2009- 2014 with the same instructor, Mr. Ryan Even. My journey into the photography program started with the last film class being taught at the school, where I was starting from scratch. It was here that I was taught the building blocks which five years later would help me in my college final, mind you I started by photographing trees and landscapes and was completely scared to photograph people.

The day our final was announced, we were told we had free rein to do whatever we wanted for the project. I told Ryan I wanted to try putting together a styled shoot. A styled shoot is a creative project where vendors collaborate together to bring a vision to life around a theme, whether it be a wedding, engagement, or creative halloween session. Ryan was completely all for the project I had wanted to focus on for my final, he just asked that I keep track of everything, contacting vendors, the process, etc, not just the final images.

I had approached multiple vendors, of different specialties, to collaborate on my “1940’s Old Hollywood” themed wedding. With the feedback and eagerness I had received from these vendors, my one styled shoot turned into three over the course of a month; I photographed them on back to back weeks.

When the final was due, not only did I surprise Ryan and the class with three different themed shoots, but also three sets of vendors, and all of the follow up and paperwork to go with it. I ended up with a “1940’s Old Hollywood” Wedding, a “Romantic Gypsy Bohemian” Engagement, and a “Nautical Steampunk” wedding.

The reason this project was so meaningful to me is it let me have creative freedom to collaborate and bring others and their specialties to light. It made me fall in love with styled shoots to the point where this past January I launched my business Love at First Site Styled Shoots. This venture focuses on creating styled shoots for creatives to be able to add to their portfolio and let their creative juices flow. Even though I started it only in January, the most recent shoot I put together in August has been published in a few bridal blogs.

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.

Hi! I’m Matina Cordell, a natural light photographer who loves love! My photography usually focuses around couples, weddings, engagements, and boudoir.

In high school, I was the equestrian girl that had friends who had horses, but I did not. I remember bringing a camera and taking photos of them and their horses, just messing around as you do at that age. I didn’t fall in love with the craft until my first photography class in college, which also happened to be the last film class they were offering.

Matina Cordell Photography kicked off in 2011. A few years later, I was introduced to boudoir and fell in love with the genre and added Belle Dame Boudoir to my business. This past January, I launched my styled shoot business so Love at First Site Styled Shoots joined the Matina Cordell Photography family.

I provide photography and wedding coordinating to my clients. Products I offer can range from prints to playing cards to metal prints, almost anything you can imagine. Creative works I provide come in the form of styled shoots or personal sessions. I try to keep my creative juices flowing.

I try my hardest to be a one stop shop for my clients. Whether it’s providing hair and make up styling as well as a client wardrobe for my boudoir girls or providing any products and knowledge of vendors my couples may need.

I’m most proud of the fact that those who have worked with me in the past continue to come back. I want people to know that you don’t just have a photographer you’re hiring, but you’re also making a new friend who is there to capture all of life’s magical moments.

How can we best help foster a strong, supportive environment for artists and creatives?

I think the best thing society can do to support artists and other creatives is to give them a chance. With it now being the digital age, anybody can pick up a camera and say they’re a photographer. It takes years and all creatives work hard to hone their craft.

It’s also really important to appreciate the artist for who they are and what they provide. If someone has a certain style, that’s going to be what they want to be known for and will continue to work on it. Don’t try to change the creative to fit your needs, find the person who fits what you’re looking for. There is always going to be someone out there.

Last but not least, we need to get in the habit of respecting “you get what you pay for.” If you want something done correctly the first time, you’ll pay for it to be done correctly. Trying to look for the budget creative might not always work.

Is there a particular goal or mission driving your creative journey?

My mission in my creative journey is to be true to myself and my clients. I don’t ever want someone to feel like they can’t be themselves or showcase who they are. It means a lot for me to connect with all of my clients on a level like that and make everyone feel like they are part of the family.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.matinacordellphotography.com
• Instagram: @matinacordellphoto
• Other: www.belledameboudoir.com
  @belledameboudoir

  www.loveatfirstsitestyledshoots.com
  @loveatfirstsitestyledshoots

Image Credits

Matina Cordell of Matina Cordell Photography, Belle Dame Boudoir, and Love at First Site Styled Shoots.