We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Matt Maenpaa. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Matt below.
Matt, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. So, naming is such a challenge. How did you come up with the name of your brand?
What’s in a name, right? It’s a short story, but also kind of an elaborate one. There’s this cliché that when you try to make art – whether its painting, writing, design, photography – as a whole living, people ask when you’re going to get a real job. Our culture, though we are quick to consume creative products, has a habit of denouncing art as a “real job.”
I’ve had variations of the “real job,” done a lot of time in the service industry and explored my options, but I really wanted to do something that I love. I love writing, I love creating, I love photography especially, and all the different ways those crafts can be combined and applied to benefit other people. I wanted that to be my real job, creativity in service to others.
When my wife first started publishing romance novels, we needed a business name that could carry us into the future. Something creative and a little clever, with a nice ring to it.
“How about Foolish Endeavors?”
That was pretty much it. We all have these desires, these passions that others have told us won’t work out, won’t make us money. I think that’s a load of bullshit, to be frank. I wanted the name of my business to tease that idea, that we should all pursue our foolish endeavors and I’d be right there to help, whether it was creative consultations, photography, writing or editing.
Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.
My name is Matt, owner of Foolish Endeavors Photography. I’ve been something of a jack of all trades and experienced generalist for most of my life. I love to dig into things, to understand them, celebrate them and share that knowledge. That’s taken me through every conceivable job in the restaurant business, and out into the world of journalism, copywriting, editing and photography.
My biggest passion (and the most clients) is in photography. I started in high school (before the year 2000), studying on film and learning in dark rooms. The passion has stuck with me for the last quarter century, from capturing nature and landscapes to portraiture, event capture and photojournalism.
A trip to Seattle almost 10 years ago really reinvigorated my love of photography, hiking through the surreal green forests with a friend’s borrowed Nikon. I dove deep back into it when I got back to Colorado, taking product photos for the bars and restaurants I worked at, picking up freelance photojournalist assignments. Practiced portraiture on my wife and daughter, along with our friends and family. And of course, took my camera with me on every hike, drive and camping trip.
The bulk of my work now is doing portraiture, ranging from art projects, family portraits and headshots to boudoir. I think everyone is tremendous and wonderfully photogenic, if you take the time to get them comfortable.
I believe that is one of my greatest strengths as a photographer: helping folks feel comfortable in front of the camera, no matter their level of experience. Having your photo taken shouldn’t be a nerve-wracking or harrowing experience, and if you aren’t enjoying the experience, it will show in the final result.
I think it should be a playful experience, and I can really empathize. I don’t necessarily love having my picture taken, not knowing what the final result will be. Composing a shot is more than just the frame, the lighting, the background or posing, but developing a connection with the subject. No matter the type of photography I’m hired for, I bring that same level of compassion and attention to detail to every shoot.
For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?
Taking a concept, whether one of my own or a client’s, and taking it from a thought into something tangible. Getting to see the end result of a concept shoot someone brings to me, either digital or a physical print. It really feels like magic.
While at a flea market, I found some old antler sheds – the kind that fall off naturally every season. These were old, calcified… almost fossilized. They sat on a bookshelf in my office for a long time while I thought about what to do with them, and then it struck me. I wanted to make a crown.
I had only the faintest idea of how to make that happen, but I did a lot of research, borrowed a friend’s workshop and made it happen. Then pitched it to a model, who had a wonderful idea to go along with this weird antler crown. We made it happen, and got some truly stunning images from the shoot. Plus I have this weird, cool antler crown sitting in my office waiting for another concept.
Given time and interest, and some creative partnership, I love taking a concept from a half-formed thought into full-blown creative reality. Sharing that feeling with friends, partners and clients is some very big magic.
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?
It isn’t all confidence. The work is actual, hard work and it doesn’t spring forth fully-formed like Athena from Zeus’s head. The struggle with insecurity and imposter syndrome is a constant companion.
Second-guessing yourself is something I think most adults do (or should do more often maybe?), but choosing to make a living in something that isn’t always reliable or is seen as a luxury can be stressful. Will repeat clients come back? Can book enough new ones? What do I do in a lean month?
That’s another reason I kept the name Foolish Endeavors for my business, a tongue-in-cheek reminder to myself that I’m a little crazy but its okay, we’ll keep going.
I’m lucky to have some of the best clients and working opportunities, it makes the bad days a lot more manageable. I’m really proud of my portfolio, so I try and quiet the voice and just keep moving forward.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://foolishendeavors.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/foolishafterdark/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/foolish.endeavors
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/matt-maenpaa-98b74328/
Image Credits
All image rights Foolish Endeavors, LLC