Meet Matthew Simmons, a full-time photographer with a passion for creating cinematic and expressive portraits. With nine years of professional experience, Matthew’s work captures moments that feel like they’re straight out of a movie, using his mastery of lighting and composition. From commercial projects to artistic collaborations, his focus is always on crafting clean and compelling imagery.
In this Q&A, Matthew shares the story behind his creative process, the inspiration he finds in beautiful light, and a fun fact about his unexpected start as a child hand model for Hot Wheels. Whether he’s exploring other creative outlets like guitar and mixed media or collaborating with fellow artists, Matthew’s dedication to his craft shines through in everything he does.
Discover how Matthew stays inspired, why he chose Ampersand Studios as his creative workspace, and how you can connect with him to see more of his incredible work!
Who are you and what do you do?
My name is Matthew Simmons. I’m an artist and a commercial photographer. I like to capture a lot of different subjects but my focus is portraits. I’ve been working as a full time photographer for 9 years. My style is clean and expressive. I like to use lighting and composition to capture moments that feel like movies.
What is something we don’t know about you?
When I was a kid I filled in as a child hand model for Hot Wheels. That led to several more toy related photoshoots. Somewhere out there there’s a Hot Wheels box with my hands on it.
What inspires or motivates you?
I get inspired when I see unique, beautiful or interesting light. The lighting side of photography and film making is my favorite part of the process, so I find myself often seeking out beautiful light to get the ball rolling creatively. I build out my image from there… placing my subject, choosing the composition, dialing in the right expression/pose.
What is one thing you can’t live without?
My cat Georgie. I adopted him as a kitten during the pandemic and now he goes with me pretty much everywhere. He came with me to Los Angeles on a plane for the first time recently.
Where do your brightest ideas come from?
My best ideas come when I am actively collaborating with others. I thrive off the creativity and energy of other artists. What I do is a collaborative art form by nature, anyway. I make the best art when I have the right combination of talented people helping me bring the vision to life.
How do you spark your creativity when you’re feeling in a rut?
I usually dive into other interests for a while. I play guitar so sometimes I’ll write songs, or I also love to draw and create mixed media projects. I try to build some distance between me and photography in hopes that I might start to miss it and want to create again.
Where is your favorite place to decompress & unwind?
My bed. I would never leave if I didn’t absolutely have to.
When do you feel your best, and what do you do to stay in good vibrations?
I feel my best when I am actively creating, working towards a goal, and in a flow. There is a very specific feeling I get when things are vibing the way I like them to.
Why did you choose Ampersand Studios as your workspace?
I chose Ampersand for so many reasons. The studio is the main draw for me. It’s a great space to create in. Also the community. I love the people I’ve met here and everyone is so nice. I’d recommend Ampersand to anyone out there looking for a place to work.
Where can our community connect with you?
My website is www.matthewsimmonsphoto.com
My Instagram is @matthewsimmonsphoto
