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Lifestyle Architecture: Matt Horspool, Australian photographer and filmmaker

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Multi-award winning photographer Matt Horspool is merging his passion and his work as an adventure-travel photographer, and inspiring people along the way. Here he sits down with FONZ to tell us what he does and how he does it.

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Q/ You have carved out an incredible career merging your passion with your work? How long did it take you to get established?

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These days, making a name for yourself as a photographer and videographer is no easy feat. I was lucky to start being noticed for my travel photography and passion for remote cultures before the 'algorithm' was even a thing. 2009 I bought my first point-and-shoot camera and set off on multiple treks throughout South America. It was here that my passion for photography was born. It wasn't until 2014, when I decided to upgrade my camera to something that could actually capture content worthy of being paid for, that things started to change. Being a qualified teacher doesn't typically lend itself to adventure photography. Still, I was super fortunate to have a principal who allowed me to jet off for months at a time to pursue passion projects. In 2017, I completed a one-month self-drive through remote Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan for Olympus Australia, which really set the wheels in motion for the rest of my career and where I am today.

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Q/ People can immediately identify you for your dramatic landscapes, stunning use of light, and underwater work? How did you formulate your style / how long did it take you to formulate it?

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I've never really been one to follow trends, and actually, I'm a tad obsessive about doing the exact opposite. Sure, I draw inspiration from other photographers and creatives worldwide. Still, I think my 'style,' if you can call it that, has developed organically from my thirst for shooting all different photography and video styles. While many creatives focus on their one genre or niche, I firmly believe that stepping out of your comfort zone and capturing other things like weddings, events, underwater, and portraits makes you a far better photographer. And as a result, I'm having more fun because I'm never bored with one shooting style and can employ stylistic techniques across every project I work on.

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Q/ When and how did your passion for motorbikes begin?

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Growing up, my dad was always into motorbikes and had various bikes in the shed, and come high school, I had my heart set on racing them. However, I was steered in the direction of go-karting, which only lasted a year or so before I got my learner's license and purchased a DRZ 250, which was a ton of fun. Since then, I've owned a little KTM Duke, which was a great way to zip around the city and scout photography locations, but I was constantly yearning for a bit more power. I've always been quite risk-averse, and the thrill of riding a motorcycle around excites me. I'm sure you can agree. Just you and this little rocket between your legs. It wasn't until social media boomed that I started to see incredible photographs appearing of incredibly dynamic and creative motorcycle images featuring pro riders and models alike. This was when I knew that combining photography and riding was a must.

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Q/ Tell us about your FONZ NKD ride. How did you design it / what are you using it for?

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My NKD X was a long time in the making. It was the ultimate toy I could have rushed to complete, but I wanted it to be perfect before delivery. The premise behind this build wasn't just for something that looked good but with the goal of the bike serving as a camera bike with full gimbal mounts for small cinema cameras and, ultimately, a small crew operating it. I would then rent it out to film productions in Australia. The NKD is a perfect fit for this type of role, as it has a low centre of gravity, dual sport capability, naked frame design, and operates silently. The bike would need to be matte black to minimize reflections on shiny surfaces like cars, with a touch of tan to break up the darkness. After all, you have to look cool while you work.

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In the meantime, while I continue to build out and test the camera operations, I use the bike to scout new shoot locations and ride to small jobs in the city where parking is a nightmare. Really though, I find any excuse to ride!

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Q/ Where is your next adventure?

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With a recent house purchase and a second baby on the way, my big overseas adventures are on hold for a little while. However, there are some potential options in Hong Kong late this year and another expedition guiding role in Costa Rica mid-next year.

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_{You can view Matt's work on Instagram etchd and etchdphotography.com/}