Hi, I’m Matt Badenoch, the creator of ‘Street with Matt’, which brings together my passions for Street Photography, travel and teaching. During my workshops, I always enjoy learning about people’s stories and what makes them tick. So I thought I’d share some of my story.
My interest in travel began at a young age. From 5-12 years old I attended an international school in Paris. Each week, we’d celebrated pupils’ holidays (Eid, Diwali, Thanksgiving, Hanukkah etc) with tasty cultural treats and stories, creating in me an excitement of experiencing different cultures.
Teaching and sharing knowledge gives me a buzz. That moment where knowledge clicks is very rewarding. Everyone learns differently and I’ve found the key is to make the content both relevant and engaging to the individual. This is one of the reasons I limit my workshops to a small group, allowing plenty of 1-2-1 time.
Beyond a passion that I’m lucky enough to share with my wife, my life has benefited greatly from Street Photography. More on that below.
On days off, you can find me hanging out with my 2 weirdo cats, awesome wife Cori and latest addition to the family – our boy Danny, re-watching episodes of Always Sunny or enjoying a curry down the local Indian.
How I Found a Love for Photography in West Africa
My photography journey started in my early 20s in Freetown, Sierra Leone. I spend 7 months in the West African nation, building a mapping tool for medical centres for an NGO.
Shortly after arriving, I became frustrated with views from back home like “are you safe there?” “isn’t there a war going on?” (the war had ended 10 years prior). I wanted to show people the side of Sierra Leone that I was experiencing, so I picked up my first camera and hit the streets. At the time I had never heard of street photography, and it would be several years until I realised that was what I had been doing.
I quickly fell in love with the camera’s ability to capture characters, stories, moments and how playful photography could be. Since then street photography has grown to be an ever more important part of my life.
Sierra Leone was also where I was first paid for a photo, opening the idea of photography as a potential livelihood (something they failed to tell me at school). I received a surprising call on my last day in Sierra Leone, from the News Agency Routers, offering me a job as their cameraman in Freetown; which I narrowly passed up.
Back in London, I only lasted 2 years in the corporate world, before quitting my job and becoming a full-time photographer. My main income came from weddings which, despite the rep, I thoroughly enjoyed. Weddings, while having some pressures, are a playground for photography and a great opportunity to practice your craft and train your eye to see more. I also got to work with super fun couples all over the world, who trusted me to do my thing my way.
Why I Do Street Photography
Street Photography has made my life a lot richer. Here are some of the ways how.
SEE MORE
Exploring the streets with your camera trains your eye to see and notice more of the world around you. This makes a simple walk to work or bus ride a more interesting experience (even without your camera). It’s like seeing in colour for the first time.
CONNECT MORE
The camera is a great icebreaker for starting conversations with strangers (something I am far from a natural at). I’ve enjoyed many fascinating exchanges with people that usually I would not interacted with. Everyone has a story and the level of hospitality I have experienced at times has been inspiring.
CREATIVE FREEDOM
The streets are filled with characters, stories, colours, light and so much more. It is a true playground for creativity with your camera. Plus it’s a great opportunity to practice new techniques, play with a range of subjects and take your photography skills to whole new levels.
MENTAL HEALTH
Being out with my camera and following my senses, allows me to truly be in the moment (something I struggle with). It is an amazingly peaceful and playful state to be in and helps my mind recharge. I’ve also learnt a lot about myself by reflecting on the images I am drawn to.
Why I Created Street with Matt
I have gained so much from Street Photography over the years and I wanted to create more opportunities for people to learn about Street Photography and to experience how it allows you to explore places in more depth. An additional goal is that you leave with a love for the country we have just visited, so expect to sample the best local restaurants, coffee shops and bars in town.
I believe respecting people in any community is important, especially so when you are a guest in someone else’s country. A respectful approach is also beneficial for street photography as it gives you more access and opportunities to connect. Launching Street with Matt was also an opportunity to share my values and approach with others, on how photography trips can be done respectfully and without participating in poverty tourism.
Two exciting initiatives I run on my longer workshops that I am proud of: 1) booking a local street photographer to give a talk (an opportunity for attendees to connect/learn from a photographer with a local perspective), 2) donating 10% of sales to a local charity for workshops in developing countries.
In addition to the workshops, I have spoken at conferences and camera clubs, been interviewed on podcasts and run online workshops for membership groups. My images and several articles have been featured in a number of publications (online and in print).
I also have to give a shout-out to my incredible wife Corina, without whom I wouldn’t be where I am today. A talented photographer herself, she sometimes blesses us with her presence on my workshops.
“Matt’s depth of knowledge and passion for street photography makes him a ridiculously inspiring & talented educator. His morals & ethics also shine through in his street teachings.”
– Kevin Kheffache –
“Matt creates a great feel-good atmosphere with his patient and humorous manner, which makes learning easier and his honest criticism was constructive at all times.”
– Nadine Lotze –
“Matt is a skilled street photographer, a very emphatic and kind human being. Getting a glimpse into Matt’s mind and how he visualises the world before creating the picture is fascinating. I RECOMMEND Matt’s workshop for your next up-skilling / adventure / personal growth - you definitely will experience all of it.”
– Carla Banc –
“I felt pushed out of my comfort zone but only enough to test the waters and not feel completely out of my depth!”
– Anja Poehlmann –
You can learn more about my story by listening to my interview on the This is Reportage Podcast.
