We recently connected with Matt Montalvo and have shared our conversation below.

Matt, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Alright, let’s jump into one of the most exciting parts of starting a new venture – how did you get your first client who was not a friend or family?

Back in 2007 my best friend received a camera for Christmas. He then had the idea of becoming a wedding photographer! He always had lots of big ideas and dreams so I didn’t think much of it. Two weeks later he came to me and said he booked a wedding! I was amazed that someone would hire him since he had never shot a wedding and was only 2 weeks in with his first camera. He went on to tell me how his co-worker was engaged and he told her he was a professional wedding photographer and that he could shoot her wedding. Without seeing any of his wedding portfolio (he didn’t have one) she paid him to shoot the wedding with two photographers. My buddy then informed me, I was going to be the second shooter!!

I knew my way around photoshop and knew the basic workings of the camera but I didn’t even own a DSLR. He gave me the wedding deposit and told me to go get a camera and we had 4 months to learn how to use them. The rest is history!

Matt, 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?

Since day one I have been in control of every aspect of my business. As companies in my industry grow, most begin to outsource parts of their business such as editing, album creation, or client communications. Maybe it is the perfectionist/ control freak in me but after doing this for over 15 years, I still refuse to outsource and handle every aspect of my business.

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

I always strive to be client focused. It is easy to get tired of shooting the same things and try to focus on new aspects of the wedding. I feel I should always keep focus on the core of the wedding which is the couple and the energy of their day.

Can you share your view on NFTs? (Note: this is for education/entertainment purposes only, readers should not construe this as advice)

Not interested.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.MattMontalvo.com
• Instagram: /mattmontalvophoto
• Facebook: /MattMontalvoPhoto
• Twitter: /mattmontalvoatx

Image Credits
Matt Montalvo