We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Murilo Mattos da Silva. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Murilo below.

Murilo, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. What were some of the most unexpected problems you’ve faced in your business and how did you resolve those issues?

One of the most unexpected challenges I encountered in my career was the sudden loss of vision in my left eye, a setback that significantly affected both my professional ventures in photography and graphic design.

The incident occurred during a late-night photo shoot for a car client. In a rush, I left one of my lenses at home and decided to retrieve it, despite it not being my primary lens. Upon returning, I found myself locked out and attempted to catch the key my partner dropped from our third-floor balcony. Unfortunately, due to a misjudgment in positioning, the key struck my eye, resulting in the loss of vision.

This unforeseen accident forced me to step away from my graphic design business for nearly four months and my photography business for about eight months. Over time, I underwent numerous surgeries and grappled with constant pain, making it a challenging journey to regain confidence and adapt to my altered depth perception, crucial for my photography specialties in sports, cars, and outdoor shoots.

Despite the hardship, I refused to let this setback define me or hinder my passion for photography. It took years of perseverance, mental training, and a steadfast attitude to rebuild my confidence and skill set. I learned that despite the circumstances and physical challenges, one can push forward with determination and dedication.

Today, I’m a stronger, more perceptive photographer than before. Losing my eye heightened my ability to “see” photos in a more nuanced way, fostering a deeper sensitivity in my work.

Ultimately, this experience taught me the resilience and determination needed to overcome obstacles, both personally and professionally. It’s a reminder that despite adversity, we possess the power to transcend limitations and achieve our goals, reaffirming my belief in the importance of perseverance and taking charge of one’s own destiny.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

I’m a Brazilian/Australian creative force, a professional photographer, videographer, and Graphic Design degree holder. Creativity runs through my veins, sparked by the artistic endeavors of my father and grandfather, shaping my passion since childhood.

Upon completing my Graphic Design Degree in Brazil, I embarked on a transformative journey to Australia to learn English. Falling in love with the country, my dream to become an Australian Citizen was ignited. Despite a setback caused by an accident that cost me my left eyesight, my determination soared. Nearly seven years after my initial visit, fueled by unwavering perseverance, I boarded a plane back to Australia in pursuit of my dream. In 2019, I achieved Australian residency, and in 2022, I proudly became an Australian Citizen.

My career has been a vibrant blend of photography, videography, and freelance Graphic Design. Specializing in capturing the heart of cars, motorsports, and endurance sports through my lens, I’ve also held the title of Creative Director, handling diverse global client projects in Graphic Design.

My unique approach involves immersing myself in the sports I photograph or placing myself on the other side of the camera, believing it’s the only way to truly encapsulate the essence of a moment. Embracing physical challenges, I maintain peak fitness, ever-ready for the unpredictable demands of my craft, whether it’s climbing a mountain or capturing the rush inside a crashing wave.

Pride swells within me for the professional I’ve evolved into. Adaptability is my forte, thriving in any client-driven scenario thrown my way. I’m unwavering in my dedication—I don’t just create images; I breathe life into them. The love for my work remains unwavering, anchoring me to a passion I wouldn’t trade for anything else.

Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?

As highlighted earlier in this interview, my life took an unexpected turn in 2012 when I lost vision in my left eye due to an accident. This event didn’t just alter the course of my life; it continues to shape every aspect of my daily existence, both personally and professionally. However, through unwavering resilience and an unyielding determination to persevere, I’ve navigated through these challenges. It’s this resilience and refusal to succumb that have propelled me to the point where I stand today.

We often hear about learning lessons – but just as important is unlearning lessons. Have you ever had to unlearn a lesson?

The aftermath of my accident and subsequent periods of enduring stress brought about unforeseen physical repercussions, compelling me to reassess and decelerate my life and career. Historically, I’d been consumed by work, clocking in late hours and prioritizing professional commitments above all else. At the time of the accident, my career trajectory was at its peak, but in the process, I hadn’t paid adequate attention to my own well-being. Suddenly, my life went from a frantic pace of 200km/h to a sudden halt at 0km/h, revealing the stark vulnerability inherent in our existence and how swiftly life can pivot.

However, this realization wasn’t the end of the challenges. Encountering episodes of unexplained abdominal pain and palpitations a few years later, despite exhaustive medical tests, led to a diagnosis of stress. This was a pivotal moment that prompted me to reassess my lifestyle, particularly the way I approached work.

I recognized the imperative need to recalibrate my life, embracing significant changes, particularly in my work habits. It was a profound realization that underscored the necessity of prioritizing balance and well-being, prompting me to embark on a journey towards a more measured and mindful approach to life and career.

Contact Info:

• Website: murilomattos.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/murilomattoss
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/murilomattoss
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/murilomattos