Matt Macdonald

In Focus

Jun 14

Tell us a little about yourself, where are you based and how did you get into photography?

My name is Matt Macdonald and I am 21 years old, originally from the Northern suburbs of Perth. I started my plumbing apprenticeship in Perth when I was 17, still partying most nights and got pretty careless of my health. Three months in, I decided to change my ways and I lined up an apprenticeship in Dunsborough instead. Moving to Dunsborough has been a turning point full of opportunities, I have met my closest friends and experienced the lifestyle I never could’ve imagined to exist.

My passion for photography started when I was 15, my close friend Jonno Merkl was inspiring me constantly with his work behind the lens. I was super into bodyboarding but occasionally found myself on the sidelines due to some deep fin cuts on my feet. I had a Nikon D3100 I would use from the beach while injured and enjoyed the idea of being able to let someone relive a moment from a photo. I eventually invested in a housing from gumtree which came with a Nikon D300 and since then I haven’t looked back.

What is the most challenging part about being a photographer for you?

My biggest struggle is time management. Doing a job like plumbing full time has been good but really hard to escape for missions down the south coast or up north. Luckily covid has made everything slow down so I haven’t missed out on too much. The rest of this year is looking pretty epic, I will be getting signed off and hopefully find myself on the move for a little while.

*This photo had Santo and myself screaming in froth. A beautiful day in the North West with everything aligning, doesn’t get much better than that.*

Can you give us a rundown on what is: DENMARK IS #oursnotmine

Denmark to me is a wonder of the world, there is beauty in every corner and the coastline is absolutely breathtaking. Unfortunately it is under threat from a mining company ‘United Funds’. They have applied for an exploration license last year without running it through any of the local council so no one has had a say until now. The petition is nearly at 10000 signatures, it will then be put higher on the ranks with hope the government declines United Funds.

What would you say is your most significant achievement to date?

I don’t really feel like I have done anything significant with my photography yet. Making people happy and capturing a moment that means a lot to someone is priceless. I got a run in Carve magazine a while back from a session we had at The Left which was cool. Personally, swimming 20kms to Rotto solo is my biggest achievement so far, a real mental and physical challenge. It set me up with skills to always push towards my goals and to give my best efforts for the things that matter to me.

What have you been working on recently?

Recently I have been doing a lot of printing and framing with the help of Blue Wren Framers. As most of photographer know, seeing a photo go from computer to paper is f***cken epic. Even better getting a reaction when handing over the print, it truely is the highlights of my weeks. I have been trying to build a website which takes a lot of time, but I am looking to finish it over the next couple months.

What equipment do you shoot with currently?

Currently shooting with a Sony A7r3 and an Aquatech housing. I have only just started using Aquatech, previously I was using a dive housing that had all the fruit with the low price of $900! It really did me well, but it was time to move on, quality gear is so important and you don’t want to be using a dive housing when it gets heavy.

*Anthony Walsh wrangling a North West train. This wave is never boring, it's always fun to watch. Trying to get in with the water housing is a whole other story.*

What is your all-time favourite image and why?

I have a lot of photos that come to mind when I read this question but I would have to choose this shot from a morning in the Deep South. I could not understand what was going on, it was like two different waves that use the same reef. The lighting and colour that came with this shot was something I had never seen before and it keeps me hungry to hunt these kind of mornings.

If you could only take one camera and lens on your next job, what will be your go to set up to get the job done?

I would probably choose the same body that I run now, it doesn't let me down. I guess the new A7r4 body wouldn’t hurt , an extra 19 megapixels making a total of 61...thats crazy. My go to lens would be a G master 50mm, that is going to be my first investment when I win lotto.

Your dream project?

The dream project would be to have a couple of my best friends on a trip around the world, trying to discover new waves and new places with the best camera gear. I would really like to explore some disadvantaged countries as-well and do some volunteer work. While volunteering get a series of photos that I can expose to the world that will make a change in someones perspective on life.

Your biggest inspirations?

I find myself inspired by a lot of things, the amount of talent spread globally is crazy, I find myself on Instagram stuck on certain photos for long periods of time. Instagram is good like that, it puts a drive in me to get out and try different angles.

I read this book by Dave Goggins recently called “Cant hurt me” and it really has changed my perspective on everything. Goggins has an insane outlook on life that is contagious, he embraces everything that has happened and turns it into power for the next thing. If I can do that with pursuing a dream, no matter how much I get pushed back I believe I can get there eventually.

*Man vs Sand. Shaun Manners is a treat to shoot.*

*Yallingup on its day is pretty incredible, a wonder of the surfing world.*

What programs do you use for editing?

Adobe Lightroom and a little bit of Photoshop

Best photography advice/tip that you have been given?

Having the opportunity to work with Anj Semark was the highlight of my photography journey so far. He is an incredible photographer and being able to shoot weddings with him was really enjoyable. The way Anj explains everything is super clear and I find myself constantly remembering phrases he has said to me. The best tips I have gotten was to know my worth and to capture moments. This changed my constant trigger finger to really wait for the right time and getting as close to the subject as I had to. Pursue an idea you have got and don’t hold back, if you fail then to keep on trying.