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About

Matt Eich (b. Richmond, Virginia, 1986) (http://www.matteichphoto.com/) is a photographic essayist working on long-form projects related to memory, family, community, and the American condition. Matt’s projects have received support from an Aaron Siskind Individual Photographer’s Fellowship, a VMFA Professional Visual Arts Fellowship, and two Getty Images Grants for Editorial Photography. Eich was an artist in residence at Light Work in 2013 and is invited to a Robert Rauschenberg Residency in 2019. Matt accepts commissions and resides in Charlottesville, Virginia with his family.


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LACP Interviews Matt Eich

LACP asks Matt Eich ten questions about his background, career in and beliefs about photography.

LACP: What kind of photographer are you?

Matt Eich: I consider myself a photographic essayist. This means that while I can appreciate the singular qualities of individual photographs, I am most interested in weaving long-form narratives through the combination of many images, often made over a long period of time. My thematic focus is at the intersection of memory, family, community, and the American condition.

LACP: How long have you been shooting?

ME: While I have been making pictures since I was a kid (20+ years), I’ve been working professionally for 13 years, since I started freelancing for my local newspaper at the age of 19.

LACP: Where did you get your training?

ME: I studied photojournalism at Ohio University (2004-2008) and received an MFA in Photography from Hartford Art School’s International Limited-Residency program in 2016. In 2009 I was a student at the World Press Photo Joop Swart Masterclass.

LACP: When did you know you wanted to devote your life to photography?

ME: By the end of high school it was pretty clear that photography was the language through which I felt most comfortable expressing myself.

LACP: Did you ever come close to giving up?

ME: I still come close to giving up on a regular basis. Maybe once a week on average – every day when things are tough. The main thing that keeps me from quitting (other than masochism and stubbornness), is that I just honestly can’t imagine an alternate reality for myself.

LACP: Have you sacrificed anything by being a photographer?

ME: Seemingly all art requires some sacrifice. I haven’t given nearly what so many others have … their relationships, their lives. Still, photography has required me to sacrifice stability, many days and nights with my family and a definite toll on my physical and emotional well-being.

LACP: What have you gained by being a photographer?

ME: It is hard to quantify what I have gained as a photographer, but I’ve been allowed to be part of many intimate family and community moments that are often closed to outsiders. I’ve been given a chance to think about and unpack some of the complicated legacies that continue to impact my country. Additionally, I have gained a life where I can look, see, feel, and communicate my experience visually.

LACP: What classes do you teach at LACP?

ME: I am teaching a documentary workshop at LACP.

LACP: What do you love most about teaching?

ME: Definitely interacting with students, feeding off their energy, exchanging ideas and points of reference. I love looking at and talking about pictures.

LACP: What advice would you give someone who is thinking about making a career in photography?

ME: Don’t be in a rush – take time to develop your voice and vision, and consider your audience. What is most important to you? How can you express this visually? How can you chart a sustainable course for your work and your life?