Name: Matt Leasegang
Trading Name/s: Mattographer / Realty Photos

Photography Genres: Anything Really. I've shot across a broad range.

Intro:
Matt Leasegang is a young Brisbane photographer in his early 20s. He first started shooting for fun, then realised he wanted to make it his business to be in the photography business. In his first year entering the Australian Professional Photography Awards (APPA 2008), Matt took out a Gold Disctinction, Silver Distinction and a Silver Award in the Landscape Non-Composite Categories. Just recently Matt has taken out another 2 Silver Awards in APPA 2009. His enthusiam and elegant post processing techniques and his eagerness to improve really makes him stand out - keep an eye out for this guy!


What inspires your work?
Other Photographers and the realisation that anything can be shot beautifully, it's finding the correct light for the subject.

Do you act on your own imagination?
95% of the time yes. Though sometimes you need a creative spark from someone else

What do you enjoy shooting the most and why?
I enjoy the final product, showing people what hours of work have created

What are your future aspirations in photography?
To be able to live off my business and not rely on someone else. I enjoy being my own boss

What do you know now that you really, REALLY wished you knew when you started?
That Post Production, Levels etc... is not cheating, it's part of the process. That held me back for a LONG long time

What was the best advice ever given to you?
Join the AIPP (Australian Institute of Professional Photography). I've mad a few very good friends, namely Longshots and made connections that have helped me develop my Business.

Advice for novices?
Shoot, Shoot, shoot some more and ask for critique, It may not always be good, but you learn faster.

Boundaries to your shooting (morally/ethically)?
The AIPP Code of ethics sums it all up for me. (http://www.aipp.com.au/aipphome.php?ID=50&cat=Resources&A=)

Funniest photography moment?
Sharing a bed in Melbourne with another Photographer... Cosy!

Where do they think the market for photography is headed?
Hopefully up, but if trends follow, we're in for an interesting ride

What/who would you like to shoot and why?
Hmmm, I've always wanted to shoot a bunch of seasoned professionals, but I guess Miranda Kerr would be my dream subject. I've always wanted to shoot the Aussie Angel.

Which Spice Girl would you like to be and why?
Ginger Spice. It's the red hair...

This is Matt's favourite photo because... it's mysterious and It's from the early days when I didn't have a clue what I was doing


How did you get started in the business?
Bought a 20D + 24-85 Lens, Met Pat (Site Admin) and he helped me take the first steps! Thanks.

What was your first big break?
Shooting with Pat one night for experience, then the next day, going to a job FOR him. That was a big confidence booster

Do you still take pictures for pleasure/art/just the fun of it?
Yes. I think when you run out of fun, you're probably going to get sloppy in your work as you're not enjoying it as much

Do you have Public Liability Insurance?
Yes. Twenty Million AUD. AIS Insurance

Is your photographic gear insured?
Most Certainly. AIS Insurance

Do you quote for a job, or do you set your price. Or do you expect the client to suggest what they will pay?
I Quote on a Job to Job Basis. Though if a Client has a budget and a compromise can be made that benefits both parties, then sure, I'll work to a budget

Do you always put all of your work agreements in writing?
Yes. Can't say this enough. ALWAYS HAVE IT IN WRITING.


Matt Leasegang
Ph: 0416 619 395

Website/s:
http://www.mattographer.com
http://www.realtyphotos.com.au

All images are copyright 2009 to Matt Leasegang. Content is copyrighted 2009 to Matt Leasegang and BrisbanePhotography.com. No content may be used without the prior written consent of both parties.

Brisbane Photography has now (finally) started the Photographer of the Month. Some of you may have already recieved a PM/Email from me to get your answers in.
Basicallly the first in, first published.

Though... I'm pondering "Photographer Profiles" instead of POTM, as it might take awhile to get through everyone. Will see....

If you would like to recieve the questions, shoot me a PM and I'll fwd it onto you.

Thanks Matt for being the first.

"Profiles" would be better IMHO.

I tend to agree, but I think a monthly highlight might be a good way to encourage people to do it.
Set up the photographers directory again and have something like this. It's a great way to get to know more about people on the forum

This is an awesome idea although it took me a while to figure out what POTM meant

I like that idea too, help us know more of each other. Just checked out your website Matt and can I just say you may urban/architectural photos look like fun! its not one of my areas of interest, but yours are spectacular have not seen anything like them, some have an abstract quality about them, and ordinary placed you make them look like space stations, the unknown, out of this world.....brilliant work and post production as well. But my favs of your works are your Urban, really mind blowing....as I said before very impressive and unique.

Thank Katriena.

Funny enough, most of my urban works are less than 5 mins PP each. Nearly all of it shot on camera. A few have gone that extra step, but as a whole, I enjoy shooting them naturally.

Glad you like. Thank you.

I think this is a great idea, and I really enjoyed reading your answers, Matt. Thanks for sharing