We recently connected with Matthew Lee and have shared our conversation below.

Matthew, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Do you think folks should manage their own social media or hire a professional? What do you do?

So far, it’s been successful in my opinion. When sharing creative content and my thoughts whether it be on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, etc, my communications are authentic and honest. When people engage with the content, they can rest assured that it’s the owner/creator that’s responding to them.

On another note, I also manage a social media account for a non-profit organization for my full-time job. It’s paramount that social media managers such as myself identify and understand a company’s mission and the delivery of communications.

Matthew, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

I was first introduced into the realm of photography when I enrolled at John Hopkins Middle School in their journalism classes. Since I was a child, I’ve always enjoyed drawing and using cameras. After graduating from elementary school, I talked with my mother to enroll me in a magnet middle school for the arts. Years later, after graduating from high school and St. Petersburg College with my Associates degree. I then transferred to the University of South Florida to attain my B.A. in Digital Communication and Multimedia Journalism.

When I’m not working my 9-5 on weekdays, I’m pursuing my creative endeavors for my business and passion projects. It’s been my pleasure serving my community through my craft. Whether it’s event photography, promotional videos, or logo design, I’m thankful to have the opportunity to work with talented people. To be trusted to create art and memories for those that decide to work with me is truly a privilege.

For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?

Through photography and video production specifically, I’ve had the opportunity to visit new places whether it be in the form of social networking events or professional client work. For example, photography portrait meet-ups have been a great way to connect with photographers and models of all backgrounds and skill levels. There are many connections that I’ve made that I still keep in contact even years after the event has ended.

We’d love to hear a story of resilience from your journey.

A shortcoming of mine was a few years ago when I reluctantly agreed to a food photography job. I thought to myself: “I’m experienced when it comes to photographing people, cars, and events, how could this be any different”? It turns out, I was in for a wake up call. The business owner was not satisfied with the product I delivered. After introspection and advice from my mentor in the restaurant industry, neither was I.

Fast forward a few years after that situation, I took it upon myself to practice food photography (And product photography since they share similarities with each other.). And now, while I certainly do not consider myself a master food photographer, I believe I’ve improved and now understand basic principles.

I learned through that ordeal that just because I was experienced in one aspect in photography, it didn’t necessarily follow you into another. Also, if you lack the experience in a certain field – it’s probably best that you don’t accept a paid job. Grow your knowledge and experience beforehand.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: @matthewleevisuals
• Facebook: @matthewleevisuals

Image Credits
Matthew Lee Visuals