Matt Stuart
About
Born in 1974, Matt Stuart (https://www.mattstuart.com/) was raised in the leafy suburbs of Harrow, North West London. He admits to a less than distinguished school career, but was called upon aged 11 to play a trumpet solo in front of the Queen Mother. Her Majesty’s reaction is not recorded. A little later, in 1986, Matt discovered skateboarding after watching the film “Back to the Future”. Skating occupied his every waking moment until 1994, when he looked up from the half-pipe and noticed that girls had got a lot more interesting. He also indulged in a brief, ill-advised affair with Kung Fu. Matt’s father, keenly aware that his son would never be the next Bruce Lee, introduced him to photography, handing over books by Robert Frank & Henri Cartier-Bresson. Ever since then, photography has been Matt’s overriding passion, although he’s still quite interested in skateboards and girls. (But thankfully not Kung Fu). In 2016 Matt became a nominee member of Magnum Photos.
Gallery
LACP Interviews Matt Stuart
LACP asks Matt Stuart ten questions about his background, career in and beliefs about photography.
Los Angeles Center of Photography: What kind of photographer are you?
Matt Stuart: Extremely keen
LACP: How long have you been shooting?
MS: 20 years
LACP: Where did you get your training?
MS: Three + years assisting a commercial photographer in London and 20 years shooting on the streets
LACP: When did you know you wanted to devote your life to photography?
MS: Not yet
LACP: Did you ever come close to giving up?
MS: Not yet
LACP: Have you sacrificed anything by being a photographer?
MS: Marriage
LACP: What have you gained by being a photographer?
MS: Freedom x 10
LACP: What classes do you teach at LACP?
MS: Street photography
LACP: What do you love most about teaching?
MS: Being in a group of enthusiastic people
LACP: What advice would you give someone who is thinking about making a career in photography?
MS: Make it an obsession