'Mini, You Take photos like no one is watching. It's like the subject doesn't even know you are there" - A friend.
Drawing inspiration from my nomadic spirit and the ethereal allure of the universe around me, my photographic endeavors are an exploration of the human experience. With an innate ability to uncover the authentic narratives hidden within any subject, I capture raw, unfiltered moments that try resonate with the universal essence of humanity.
Artistically known in the creative sphere as Abmon Photos. I am a gypsy-souled visionary whose roots trace back to the enchanting landscapes of Matamata, New Zealand. Having completed my Bachelor of Communications from Wintec in 2020, I embarked on a transformative soul journey. Initially experimenting with what I'd class as 'really bad' photos, delving into the realm of digital art, and meticulously crafted captivating digital abstract art through the intricate tools of Photoshop. It was during this period of exploration that my unwavering passion for photography was ignited, propelling me deeper into a world of visual storytelling.
"Mathew's work serves as a testament to the power of storytelling, inviting viewers to immerse themselves in a world where every image encapsulates a fragment of the human soul." - Ally Drury (Multimedia Artist)
Who is the human behind the lense?
Who have you captured? (Groups/Businesses)
I have photographed quite a few exhibitions/events on behalf of Toi Ohomai, The Incubator Creative Hub, Greerton Village, Kelsey Harding Photography, Wintec, Voodoo Lounge, Voltage (Bar), Ally Drury Artist, Astrolabe, Last Place and Nivara Lounge. This is just the tip of the iceberg - Why don't you message me and find out where I haven't captured before?
What have I been apart off?
Eww, I have to talk about my accomplishments and myself. I'd rather not too be honest but if you are interested in that kind of thing, Then, I have been a part of so much in a very short period of time. In 2023, I captured 67 different events and exhibitions. Yes! I was a very busy wee boy. I started the year as the photographer for multiple DNB collectives; Midknight, _Inside, Dataset, Peng Society, Stvnce&Friends, Faded Entertainment, and Sessions Collectives. Then, I spent a week in Hawkes Bay documenting the clean-up efforts for Zeb Jackson Live, After that, I was involved in 5 photoshoots for Rita Menu (A Drag Queen on RuPaul's Drag Race). After all of that I ended tailing Ally Drury for 5 months capturing her creative adventures whilst I ran around capturing the likes of Villafied, The Historic Village, The Incubator Hub and so much more. I pretty much spent every waking minute of 2023, living and breathing photography with my 200d as the vessel. Okay, enough feeding the ego now. I'm off to stand by a tree and breathe a little before I run off to capture more art during 2024.
What is the meaning of life?
To simply exist as you are but if you are looking for a deeper response then life's meaning is the art of being present, savoring the ephemeral, and immortalizing the poetry of existence anyway you can. Life (to me) is a fleeting, intricate composition of moments—a dance of light and shadow, laughter and tears. Life is a delicate dance between chaos and harmony, a kaleidoscope of experiences that reveal the extraordinary in the ordinary.
What got me into Photography?
Heaps of photographers probably feel this - Without my camera, I would be well past my best before date! So, I could argue the answer to this would be LIFE! like I wish I could give a straight answer to this but I honestly can't pinpoint the exact moment when I knew this is what I will spend the rest of my life chasing. I dabbled in it growing up, playing around with mum's Canon Ixus H5 but the lens completely found me during my years of study. Where I fell in love with its ability to freeze moments in time forever, its ability to shelter me from the loneliness of this world, and its ability to slow my overactive wandering mind. It's one of the few things that allow me to be at peace and this is a feeling I hope to capture until the day I die.
What equipment do you shoot with? (Currently)
Canon 90d w f1.8 50mm lens, 18mm-55mm (kit lens), Sigma 18mm to 35mm f1.8, 70mm - 300mm lens, Speedlite 430ex ii, RsMini Gimbal - I can cover all ranges of photography.
What is my workflow like?
I see a photo shoot in 4 stages. Stage one is the organizing and pre-planning, and Stage 2 is the actual photoshoot. Stage 3 is post-production (Lightroom/Photoshop) and Stage 4 is delivery within 3 days of the shoot (Pixieset) and feedback.
When I go out to shoot, do I take any essential items other than a camera and lens?
Yes. You'll have to experience me on a shoot to ever discover what they are though because I have two items I carry always for good luck and confidence. One is a childhood obsession rediscovered as an adult and another is a quirky gift from a past friend.
What would the movie title of my life be called?
I would title it “Staying Vibrant (a look inside the mind of a creative visionary) and it will follow something along the lines of this: the main character (me) could be described as a charismatic, vibrantly creative, and empathetic introverted extrovert, who strives for greatness by ensuring every little detail has its purpose. The story arc would follow something like this - A young kid is born into a world, where he feels like he just doesn't belong. No matter how hard he tries to fit in. But, when creating and crafting what he calls magic (art), that longing to belong is fulfilled. Life will throw many unexpected curveballs to test this young kid's vision and dream, causing him to get swept up in the whirlpool of capitalism and making money but through art, media, and culture. He was able to find his way back to the light of creation. Leading him up the sunlit stairs of Wintec into a 3-year degree studying Communications majoring in Moving Image. While his time at Wintec was brief he would go through self-discovery changes and delve deeper into this light of creation. Post Wintec he would wander around for a few years taking photos and building connections until one day we woke up as a photographer and decides to chase this dream.
What would I do if i won lotto?
Firstly, this question is too open because it doesn’t give the full story. How much is this lotto win? How much would I lose in tax? Am I winning off a scratch-ticket or a lotto ticket? Do people know I won the lotto? Will I be treated different if people know? Is this lotto win within my own borders or overseas? Is it big enough of a win to stop working? Can I buy a house using my winnings? So many unanswered questions, that for this question I will assume that the amount won will be enough to fulfil every dream I have, but, then that opens up more questions like – what happens when someone’s dreams are all completed? Do they feel satisfied or disappointed? Anyways, I’ll answer the question. I would keep enough to survive with no worries and then the rest will go towards bettering the live of my family, friends and others whether that be buying them all houses to funding scholarships for creative minds like myself to go study aboard where ideas and visions will flourish. I would use the money for good. However, would winning this money change my perspective and values? Would winning this money shift my ideas and beliefs? Then maybe I might just keep it all for myself? I’ve never been financially rich, so I honestly couldn’t really answer this question as I am talking about money and change from an outsiders perspectives.
What is my favourite colour?
Sky blue paired with fresh-cut grass green and lavender purple. Colour codes #76F9FA, #C12AFA, and #56FF49. Yes! I know the codes to my favourite colours.
What Period of Time would I wish I was born in?
I love 2023 for the fact that we live in a more open-minded society where we are slowly getting closer and closer to complete equality and acceptance as people as a whole. But, If I was to choose an era other than this one I would have to say it would be the late 70s and early 80s. This was the time of true and pure experimental of culture. Whether it be music, societal, and/or experimental, there was so much discovery and things that influence media today all happening during this period.
What is my favourite number?
7 - In numerology, the number 7 is often associated with spiritual awakening, intuition, and inner wisdom. It is considered a highly mystical and introspective number.
