Interview With Matthew Tuffield from Australia

I am Matthew Tuffield, a seasoned photographer with two decades of experience in the field. My journey in photography began about 20 years ago on a family holiday to New Zealand, where I was captivated by the breathtaking scenery. Motivated to capture the stunning landscapes we encountered on our travels, I initially used a film camera, as digital technology was relatively expensive at the time. Unsure of my affinity for photography at the time, I took the plunge. Upon returning home and developing my film, I discovered a true passion for capturing those exquisite moments, realizing the potential in my photographic endeavors.

I immediately loved capturing beautiful landscapes that I and others could see and love.

While I did not pursue any formal education in photography, I did undertake a photography course as part of my multimedia degree. Beyond that, my knowledge and skills in photography have been largely self-taught. I regularly engage in independent learning by researching techniques and concepts that resonate with me. Using resources such as Instagram, Google, and YouTube, I seek information to enhance my photography skills. This self-directed approach remains vital to my ongoing efforts to stay ahead of evolving trends and further develop my skills in the field.

I aspire to advance my photography skills with the ultimate goal of establishing a gallery to showcase my work for public appreciation. The prospect of consistently selling my artwork for both artistic enjoyment and career fulfillment would represent a significant achievement. Because of my love for capturing contemporary architecture, I am constantly pursuing new and innovative structures to capture. This inclination drives my desire to travel and explore diverse cities, providing me with opportunities to photograph remarkable buildings. I am always looking for ways to travel and explore new cities to capture impressive buildings. I hope to continue to travel and capture amazing buildings worldwide.

My professional journey has been marked by notable recognitions, including being honored as Australia's Black and White Photographer of the Year in 2017, securing third place at the Budapest Photo Awards 2022 and Silver in 2023, and achieving the distinction of winning the Black and White Architecture category at the New York Photography Awards 2023. While my earlier focus on landscape photography garnered limited acclaim, I underwent a pivotal shift in perspective, driven by a desire to explore new directions in my craft.

The turning point came when the first photograph I took of a building using long exposure techniques was featured in a well-known British photography magazine. This recognition not only validated the uniqueness of this style but also affirmed my joy in capturing these moments. Encouraged by this recognition, I am committed to further honing my skills in architectural photography, a decision that has since culminated in several accolades and awards.

Earlier this year I was allowed to write an article for the Australian Photography Magazine, Australia's most prestigious photo magazine. Being given such an amazing opportunity is once again a compliment to my work, and once again inspires me to research and hone my skills to a more professional and admired artwork.

Engaging with contemporary and exceptional modern architecture involves a comprehensive understanding of the intricate processes behind its design and construction. Modern architecture is inherently an art form, and I use my artistic expression to capture its essence distinctively.

I am particularly drawn to the brilliance of architectural design, where I add a fresh perspective to an already magnificent piece of art. This stylistic approach revitalizes and accentuates architectural developments that often go unnoticed by the casual observer. As much as I derive pleasure from others appreciating my art, I also relish admiring architectural designs crafted by fellow artists.

In early 2023, I visited Perth, Western Australia, marking my first trip to this Australian city. While on holiday, I stuck to my normal practice of carrying my camera, tripod, and filters, embarking on an exploration of Perth's streets. At first, I expected basic or unremarkable architectural styles, but my perception shifted as I discovered a more modern side of Perth than I had anticipated. I spent several days photographing the buildings, capturing as much as possible within a limited time frame. Upon returning to my hometown, I invested hours in post-production editing of the photos, a process that is still ongoing due to the amount of photos I captured.

Impressed by the portfolio of photos curated during my time in Perth, I sought additional opportunities to showcase my work by researching online photography competitions. Although I usually attend the Australian Photography Awards, I inadvertently missed it this year. Nevertheless, I found a new avenue in the New York Photography Awards and submitted my work, an unfamiliar venture that yielded success. I am grateful for the recognition of my work through this platform.

Gradually, with each entry and subsequent victories in similar awards, my work gained increased recognition. My ambition to participate in the New York Photo Awards was to reach a wider audience to enjoy my work. I believed that by entering the prestigious awards, I could share my art with one of the world's leading art capitals; New York. I aspire to constantly share my work with international awards and admirers to appreciate and love my art. And in time with further wins and recognition, I can create a full-time career capturing and selling beautiful art to those who admire photography, landscapes, and modern architecture.

Thorough research is paramount in honing one's photographic skills. Identify specific areas of interest within photography and conduct comprehensive research on these genres. Also, practice different styles and techniques associated with your chosen area, and learn from other photographers who complete similar work. Never compare your work to others, but learn from them and remain committed to continuous research and practice. With every day of effort, improvement in your work will be discernible and continuous.

Enjoy and have fun in your pursuits and draw inspiration from fellow photographers. Regularly engage in research, review the achievements of other photographers, and aim to undertake similar endeavors in your unique style. Whether photography is a hobby or a profession, it requires a substantial time commitment, so make sure your passion fuels the hours dedicated to your craft. But the main thing is to have fun!