Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Matt Wollner. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Matt, looking forward to learning from your journey. You’ve got an amazing story and before we dive into that, let’s start with an important building block. Where do you get your work ethic from?
When it comes to my work ethic, I draw a lot of inspiration from my upbringing and the values instilled in me by my parents. Specifically, my dad was a big influence on me. He always stressed the importance of completing tasks and following through on commitments, no matter how difficult they may seem at the outset. I learned that hard work and persistence are key ingredients for achieving success in any endeavor.
Additionally, I strongly believe in the idea of giving everything my all. I believe that putting in a half-hearted effort is not only a disservice to myself but also to those who are counting on me. Whether it’s a personal project or a professional assignment, I strive to give it my best effort every time. This has helped me to develop a strong work ethic that I believe will serve me well in any situation.
Let’s take a small detour – maybe you can share a bit about yourself before we dive back into some of the other questions we had for you?
I work as an IT consultant full-time, where I specialize in Business Intelligence and Data Warehousing. However, photography is my true passion and I pursue it as a side job and hobby. I always carry my drone and multiple cameras with me, as I love to capture my unique perspective of the world around me. I offer my prints in various formats, such as canvas, aluminum, and acrylic, and I have found that my handmade tile coasters are a popular item at my shows. One of my biggest achievements was creating a 360-degree print of Centennial Olympic Park on a 40 x 80 aluminum canvas. Additionally, I have a small group of clients who appreciate my artistic drone shots that differ from the standard aerial photography.
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
Firstly, finding the right perspective and good lighting are crucial skills when capturing a beautiful image. This involves being aware of the surroundings, looking for unique angles, and knowing how to manipulate the lighting to create the desired effect.
Secondly, having strong photoshop skills is essential for post-processing the images. This includes enhancing the colors, removing unwanted elements, and creating a cohesive look and feel throughout the portfolio. This skill has helped me to refine my images and make them more visually appealing to potential buyers.
Lastly, I’ve learned that the art needs to have a personal connection to the buyer, especially when it comes to selling art. For example, my photos from California don’t sell very well in Atlanta because they don’t have a local connection. Therefore, I have focused on capturing unique perspectives of Atlanta and the surrounding areas through my drone photography.
For those who are early in their journey, I would advise them to take a lot of pictures and use Lightroom to narrow them down to their favorites. It’s important not to second guess yourself and just take the shot because the more pictures you take, the more you’ll learn. Additionally, focus on capturing images that have a personal connection to your audience. Keep practicing and refining your skills, and you will see improvement over time.
What was the most impactful thing your parents did for you?
The most impactful thing that my parents did for me was to encourage me to continue on, even when I lacked confidence. They instilled in me a strong work ethic and the importance of sticking with something, even when it was difficult. This has helped me to persevere through challenging times and push myself to achieve my goals.
In addition, my mother was a technology teacher at school, so she always had the latest software to play with at home on the Apple IIe. She encouraged me to explore and experiment with technology, which sparked my interest in the field. This early exposure to technology played a significant role in shaping my career path and ultimately led me to pursue a career in IT.
Additionally, my dad had a passion for photography, and he played a significant role in fostering my love for the art form. He would let me play with his cameras, show me how to adjust the settings, and even let me watch him develop film in his dark room. This early exposure to photography sparked my creativity and helped me to develop an appreciation for the art form.
Overall, the support and encouragement that my parents provided me have been instrumental in shaping who I am today. Their belief in me and willingness to provide me with opportunities to explore and grow have been invaluable, and I am forever grateful for their guidance and support.
My parents’ combined support and encouragement helped me to develop the skills and confidence to pursue my passions and reach my full potential. I am grateful for the opportunities they provided me and the lessons they taught me, which have helped me to become the person I am today.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://photosbywolly.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thephotosbywolly/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PhotosByWolly/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/matt-wollner-4900971/
