Today we’d like to introduce you to Matt Adkins.
Hi Matt, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstories with our readers?
For years, I have lived within the world of expression; be it filmmaking, animation, or photography, I had been bitten by the bug when I was younger and have had my hands wrapped around it ever since.
For the past several years, old architecture and urban exploration seemed to sink their fangs into me more than other genres. There is something about the old-school way of construction and decor that the modern equivalence always overlooks. The old, ornate moldings, details, stonework, and facades are generally forgotten by the masses; too often the old way is demolished in order to make way for some new-age bland glass or monochromatic structure with primary focuses on compound curves, minimalism, or harsh edges. I feel that it is partially my duty to share the ‘forgotten gems’ with the masses so that they could at least be remembered long after they are turned into dust.
I started with nothing more than my iPhone, taking photos of these old buildings and factories that interested me and I started posting them online. Fast forward a few years and I now have a small arsenal of cameras and equipment that I use to capture more and more of yesterday’s forgotten relics.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
It certainly hasn’t been a smooth road and it definitely didn’t happen overnight either. Between working two jobs, trying to run my own business, and having some resemblance of a ‘personal life’, I found my photography trips becoming fewer and fewer, with long stretches of time between them as well. The act of pushing myself to work on my photo projects during my free time just meant that I was burning myself out. It took some inner reflection and a little bit of encouragement in order to get back into my groove. And on top of that, I learned how to make this project something that could be relaxing and not so stressful.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
My photography is definitely a nice change of pace that allows for more expression and experimentation. During the day, that is something that I cannot branch into. Photography is where I can take a break from photorealistic product renders that must be perfect and dive into a sense of play.
I would have to say that my principal focus is old architecture and urban exploration and while I have a habit of artistically jumping around, Black and White photography seems to hit a little harder than others.
What makes you happy?
The ability to be creative. Nothing has a better feeling than accomplishing something new that required you to go out on the edge or having complete strangers telling you how much they like something that you’ve created.
Contact Info:
- Website: http://laythromphoto.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/laythromphoto/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/laythromphoto
- Other: https://www.deviantart.com/laythromphoto
Image Credits
Laythrom Photography
