MATTHEW SMITH
“For me one of the most wondrous parts of any dive is the moment that the water engulfs my mask as my head slips below the surface. I think it’s the suspense of the unknown of what lies beneath, the transitional part of moving from one element to the next that feels so magical and the thought of what alien creatures I might encounter. That is what draws me to taking half over half underwater images. I try to convey to the viewer that majestic feeling in a picture format. It’s maybe the best way I can communicate to a non-diver what it’s all about, to marry a wet and unfamiliar world with a dry and more familiar one.
I view my half over half underwater images as a landscape photograph; I prefer brooding and atmospheric skies over a blue sunny midday and a composition that compliments both the above and below elements. I undertake many location scouts with my snorkel gear on. Whilst doing the scouts I will take reference pictures so I can plan how to make my final image when a suitable location has been found. A final image in my portfolio is often a well-researched and planned affair.”
Matty Smith
Capture Magazine Emerging Professional Documentary Photographer of the Year 2015
Jeff Mitchum/Epson Fine art Photography 2nd Place Award 2015
Natures Best Mag Ocean Views 3rd Place Award 2015
Australian Geographic ANZANG
Nature Photographer of the Year 2014
Ocean Geographic 2014 Pictures of the Year 1st, 2nd and 3rd Place Prize Winner
BBC Wildlife Photographer of the Year 2014 Finalist Prize Winner
Web: www.mattysmithphoto.com
Mob: +61 (0)408 413 887
FB: www.facebook.com/mattysmithphoto
Insta: @mattysmithphoto
