Today we’d like to introduce you to Matt Sexton
Matt, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
Soon after I finished college I moved to Hong Kong and ended up living there for 10 years. In that time I was able to travel extensively throughout Asia and the South Pacific. Traveling to new places and experiencing new cultures was truly inspiring and really broadened my view of the world. Beyond that, it helped me gain a whole new perspective both personally and professionally.
I moved back to my hometown Cleveland, OH in 2017 to start a family. It wasn’t until 2020 during the pandemic that I purchased my first real camera. What began as a hobby to help get out of the house during the periods of social distancing, quickly became a passion.
Exploring Cleveland and Northeast Ohio and capturing its beauty became a daily activity. It was during this period that I was able to really learn the technical details of photography, from the camera itself to the principles of composition, depth, color, etc. More importantly, it helped me develop my personal style and learn what types of scenes really moved me.
Now my focus is really on drawing from, and further cultivating, my own unique perspective. Finding scenes that highlight this different perspective, that evoke emotion and that convey my own form of personal expression. And, of course, show of the spirit and beauty of my hometown.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Considering that it all began during a once in 100 year pandemic, it definitely was not a smooth road. Due to social distancing, my photography journey began very much as a solo endeavor. And mostly relegated to outdoor landscape and cityscape photography.
While it did help me to really hone my skills in that realm, I did not get much exposure to, or practice in portrait photography. In the last few years, I’ve really challenged myself to learn that side of things. To collaborate more with other photographers and take on studio-style portrait shoots, which I still find much more difficult to this day.
Beyond that, it is always a difficult road to stand out as a photographer, particularly here in Cleveland where there are so many incredible, talented creatives. At the same rate, I would not be where I am without the drive and inspiration I get from seeing their work.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
By day, I work as the Digital Director in the Marketing Department at Stark Enterprises, a real estate development company in Cleveland. In that role, I direct all the digital marketing efforts for the company’s portfolio of properties, including managing their websites and social media pages, overseeing search engine and social media marketing, managing on-site digital billboards and kiosks, and of course handling all the in-house photography and videography.
My biggest strength comes from my experience. Being open-minded and willing to try new things has allowed me to explore so many places and learn so many things. My unique perspective has not only fostered confidence in my ability to come up with creative solutions to any situation, but to execute my vision in a clear and impactful way.
What are your plans for the future?
As I mentioned, I’m challenging myself to keep learning things that are outside my comfort zone. I learned and get certified as a remote pilot, have shot several proposals/engagements, have taken corporate headshots, and am in the process of learning how to elevate my videography skills.
Future plans include doing an art gallery show and doing a pop-up shop in a local market.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://matthewsexton.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thatsexton
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thatsexton
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/thatsexton/
