Welcome to the 10th episode of the Slices of Time Street Photography podcast! A huge thank you to all of you who have been listening, and especially to those who have shared their feedback. I truly appreciate it, and I’m excited to have reached this milestone. Let’s hope this journey continues to grow!

Today, I’m thrilled to have Matt Hall, also known as the13thsecond, on the show. Matt is a talented street photographer based in the UK, and his work has always stood out to me because of its vibrant colors and ability to capture people in a way that is both intimate and anonymous.

Matt Hall: From Architecture to Street Photography

Matt has been a street photographer for nearly a decade and has evolved his style over time. Initially, his focus was more on architecture, but as he began incorporating people into his photos, he discovered a new passion for street photography. This shift wasn’t necessarily planned but happened naturally as he walked around his hometown of Cambridge, appreciating the city from a new perspective.

His journey into photography began when he started documenting his children’s growth. He found himself walking the streets with a camera, and what started as a personal project grew into something much bigger. His camera, once just a tool for family moments, became an instrument for capturing the essence of his surroundings.

Matt’s decision to pursue photography full-time was a big one. After spending 25 years in the construction industry, he decided to leave that behind and focus on his creative passion. Now, street photography makes up about 80% of his work, with the rest being commercial and commission-based photography. Despite the commercial aspects, Matt ensures that his personal style and approach are always maintained.

The Evolution of Matt’s Photography

Matt’s journey from being a hobbyist to becoming a professional photographer wasn’t an overnight transition. He admits that he didn’t feel like a true photographer until he began earning from his craft. This is a common dilemma for many creatives—when does one truly step into the role of a professional? For Matt, it was when he realized that his work could support him financially.

A key turning point for Matt was when he discovered street photography as a genre. He hadn’t even realized it had a name until he stumbled upon a book by Elliott Erwitt in a bookstore. That discovery was pivotal, and it sparked his deep dive into the world of street photography.

His initial photographs were mostly of friends and family, but over time, Matt became more inspired by what he saw on the streets. Influenced by the candid work of the masters, he found himself drawn to the idea of capturing the moment without interfering with it. His approach is all about observation—waiting for the right scene to unfold.

Creativity and Challenges in Street Photography

One of the unique elements of Matt’s work is his use of color. Early on, he followed the tradition of black-and-white street photography, inspired by iconic photographers like Henri Cartier-Bresson. But as he explored more color street photography, he realized the power that color holds in storytelling. His vibrant, layered images are a testament to his belief that the world is full of color and should be captured as such.

Editing plays a minimal role in his process. Matt is a firm believer in capturing the image as he sees it through the lens, making only minor adjustments in post-processing. He uses Fujifilm’s film simulations, which allow him to keep the colors natural and true to what he sees in real life. For Matt, street photography is about getting the shot right in-camera, minimizing the need for extensive editing later on.

Shooting Styles and Techniques

Matt’s shooting style is often described as abstract and creative, focusing on layers, textures, and reflections. He enjoys adding complexity to his shots, whether by using foreground elements or finding reflections that enhance the composition. His goal is to transform everyday scenes into visually engaging photographs.

In his workshops, Matt teaches students how to see the world through a different lens. He encourages them to think about how they can elevate a simple shot. For instance, instead of capturing just a person in front of a wall, Matt suggests incorporating elements like reflections or textures to create a more dynamic image.

Matt’s approach to street photography isn’t about simply documenting what’s in front of him. It’s about creating a visually interesting image. He believes that with every shot, photographers should ask themselves, “How can I make this better? What can I add to make it more compelling?”

The Art of Teaching Photography

As part of his full-time photography career, Matt runs workshops, both one-on-one and in small groups. His workshops are designed to fast-track students’ learning by sharing the insights and techniques he’s developed over the years. The workshops are a chance for photographers to learn directly from Matt, focusing on his creative style and approach to street photography.

One of the challenges Matt faces in teaching is working with students who are already more technically advanced. He often works with people who are familiar with exposure settings, dynamic range, and other technical aspects of photography. For him, the focus isn’t so much on teaching these technical skills but on helping students see the world differently, on finding new perspectives and creative ways of capturing their surroundings.

Silhouettes and Privacy in Street Photography

A signature element of Matt’s work is the use of silhouettes. He enjoys the challenge of isolating a subject within a crowd or using light and shadow to create a striking contrast. This technique adds an element of mystery to his photos, allowing the viewer to appreciate the composition without focusing on the individual’s identity.

While silhouettes help with privacy concerns, they also enhance the artistic appeal of his work. Matt’s use of silhouettes reflects his desire to create images that are more about the scene and less about the person, making his work both visually compelling and respectful of privacy.

Conclusion

For Matt Hall, street photography is more than just taking pictures; it’s about creating art, telling stories, and constantly challenging oneself to see the world from different perspectives. His journey from architecture photography to full-time street photography has been a natural evolution, fueled by his curiosity and passion for the medium.

Through his workshops and personal work, Matt continues to inspire others to find their own voice in street photography, helping them capture the world around them in new and exciting ways.