- LIFE, ART & SURFING WITH MATT O'BRIEN: Photographers

LIFE, ART & SURFING WITH MATT O'BRIEN [16.09.2009]Industry

"MATT O'BRIEN LIFE, ART & SURFING"

If you haven't heard of Matt O'brien or seen any of his work, then you will be soon. Winner of the recent Little Weeds Photographer competition, the kid has amazing talent and shoots some amazing pictures. We found Matt when chatting with the creative Riley Blakeway and thought we'd better snag a chat with him before he becomes too big to talk with a dude like me.

Matt's images capture the world of surf in a very artistic way that you can easily see from the shots we've run in this article. With a super creative eye this kid is going places and we have no doubt he'll be pushing his skills to new heights over the coming years. We got to catch up with the kid behind the lens before he packed up his gear and took off to L.A with the STAB crew...

So Matty, where's your standard stalking grounds?
The beautiful Sunshine Coast in QLD.

And what are your weapons of choice?
I'm pretty well loaded in the gear department, carrying a Canon XHA1, Canon 1D Mark II, EF 70-200mm, EF 100-400mm with a EF 1.4x Extender, EF 15mm f/2.8 Fisheye & my trusty old Manfrotto 501HDV

You're a walking camera house dude! So how many years have you been shooting?
I've been swapping between filming and photography since 2005, so I'd say about 4 years.

What got you started in the world of still shots mate?
It all started from when I first saw the release of 7 days 7 slaves on VHS. I would watch ozzies section 10 times a day after school and pretend to take photos buy pressing the pause button on my remote! hahahaha I actually didn't start photographing surfing until 2006, but it was this film that got the hype happening.

Got any rad inspirations that you want to put a shout out to?
For me, music and film would have to be my biggest inspiration to get behind a lens. I find that when I'm listing to artists like M83 & Royksopp or watching movies like Donnie Darko & Pans Labyrinth creativity comes a lot easier. I don't really aspire to any photographers as such, but more film makers like Guillermo Del Toro, Richard Kelly & Tim Burton. I get off on amazing cinematography and try add that element into my work. ?

Donnie Darko...epic film. Dark and loose but freakin' awesome. So mate where can we find some of your amazing work? Has anyone picked up on your mad skillz yet?
I'm fairly new to the surf photography game so I haven't really sold that much work...yet. I've a few shots on the stab site (at time of publishing) and I sold a few of Chippa Wilson's shots in the new Kustom footwear catalogue but that's about it. Most of my work is available to view on my little weeds page that you can check out here >Matt Obrien

Sleek shots bro, a nice and fresh look at the world of surf. So how was the little weeds journey mate?
The Little Weeds comp has been incredibly productive for me. I've just picked up some work with Billabong and Kustom footwear and I've been shooting all over the east coast meeting new people, I've hardly been home in the last month. It's been a great learning experience for me.

Tough competition with some amazing talent, and to get numero uno is no easy feat. Congrats on the win bro.
Thanks mate.

Is there a particular surf trip that you've been shooting on that has you frothing every time you think about it?
Norfolk Island, 2007. I was over there filming for Australia's Surfing Life and the girls over there were insane haha! They would rock up to our house at 1am and just hang around. haha It got a bit strange after a few days but none the less good times for all if you get my drift. I also turned 21 when I was over there and the locals threw me the biggest party. It was off the hook and the best trip by far!! Also Sheildsy was the photographer on that trip and he taught me heaps about the industry and stuff. The only down side about the trip was the broken tripod I was filming off.

Sounds sweet bro. 21 and chasing tail, or in this case being chased by tail...even better! Now you're on your way to the big time, it'll prob happen more often eh?
That's the plan.

So mate, if you had the opportunity to take any 4 surfers to any location around the world who would they and be and where would you go?
I'd take Dane Reynolds, Julian Wilson, Oska Wright & Mitch Coleborn to a 3-5 foot cold punchy beach break in a bay with huge industrial buildings going all the way down to the sand in the background. I'd be shooting crazy on sunset or sunrise depending on the coast i guess. I reckon it would make for great shots.

Sounds dope. Any particular reason why that would make for good shots?
Fuck, imagine the punts that would be going down! Shit would be insane. They'd all be pushing each other super hard and besides, I've never seen any shots with a dirty big industrial complex in the back ground...probably because of the heavily polluted water and shit, but if I'm making up this spot then I can make the water clean can't I?

For sure dude. How bout we throw in some topless mermaids cruising through the lineup to really get the boys amped and excited.
So Matty, got a favourite shot bro?
Old Man Tokyo seems to be a favorite to most people and I must agree there's just something about the expression on his face that I can't figure out. I think that's why i like it so much.

And mate, how can random punters or crew who think they 'got it' get in your cross hairs?
Easy. Pack your bags and head for the North Shore this winter and if you can get a few bombs out at pipe/backdoor whilst respecting the locals and not dropping in, then I'm sure something good will come of it. OR if your strapped for cash hit up the goldy drop me a line and if your a steezy dude I'll think about it!

Easy and steezy...nice. Mate, whats on the cards for down the track?
Ahhh the future...hopefully one day i will be working as a photographer and or cameraman for National Geographic!! But at the moment I'm just concentrating on finishing film school, shooting as much as possible and building my profile. I've just won the little weeds comp so we'll see where that takes me. Heading to the US for a shoot very shortly.

Saweet bro. Anything else you want to throw out there, you know tell us what you really think about the world that is?
I can't stand Kevin Fuckin Rudd! I met him while doing work experience for a TV station a few months back and he was a dick! Also to the person that stole my XHA-1 out of my car last year...karma's coming for you! And he's one big dude that packs heat.

hahahahaha. Thanks for your time Matty. Shots are awesome mate, lovin' the style, look and feel. Keep up the good work and we'll catch up again soon and see how the future's panning out.
Sweet. Look forward to it.

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