About Stormlight Photography

• – BIO
• – Christian View
• – Time and Place

Bio

Born in Paddington Sydney, the family soon moved to the NSW coastal town of Wyong. Early years were characterised by a loving family with a strong Christian faith and a childhood full of natural wonders. A lot of time was spent hopping over the back fence exploring the ever fascinating grassy woodlands near home. At the age of five he became a ‘born again’ Christian after witnessing his brother’s baptism, where his Mother explained that having Jesus Christ as your personal saviour is like turning the light on in a dark room. These were the beginnings of a personal relationship with the natural world and its creator that would eventually blossom in later years.

Entirely self taught in photography, first experiences were with a kodak instamatic. It wasn’t till later on, when a job in the government saw a colleague introduce him to some night photography shots that his earlier interest gained momentum. The purchase of a 35mm system, saw a creative style become defined and refined through practice and an ever growing library of reference books. During this learning process his images were winning competitions in photo labs and being published in photography magazines.

A side ways move into Information Technology led Matt to moonlight as photographer for a Sydney based office, documenting office life and projects for internal publications. Moving to Crows Nest, Sydney, saw a change in his vision and photography, of the need for wild places, and the urban landscape that never sleeps. He received his first commission documenting 100 years of ministry in North Sydney for Northside Baptist Church.

Now living in the Illawarra with his wife Megan, they both enjoy the diversity this region has to offer. In between the occasional commercial project, Matt exhibits locally and is represented by Beach Art Gallery Thirroul. His images have also been represented in various local and international photography magazines, The Wilderness Society and Bureau of Meteorology publications, Salvation Army and for various editorial use including a local website featuring the Illawarra’s Sea Cliff Bridge at dusk.

If not in the default position waiting for the ‘right’ light somewhere in the Illawarra, Matt can be found immersed in one of Australia’s wild places.

Christian View

God created the world not that we glorify in it but rather, that we should see it and glorify him (Romans 1:19–20). Nature shows us a God of might, intelligence, and intricate detail. A God of order and beauty, who controls powerful forces, who gave us stewardship over all his creation (Psalm 8). Although Its perfection is distorted by the fall, the curse of sin upon the whole of creation (Genesis 3:17–19), the beauty of God is still reflected, and stands as a testimony awaiting his return and it’s restoration (Revelation 21:1–5).

I believe in an Earth and universe created in 6 literal days as stated in Genesis 1 – 2:3, created by God, the Lord Jesus Christ who is the Word (John 1:1), the Alpha and Omega (Revelation 1:8), and our salvation (John 3:16,36). I do not believe in evolution, nor an earth with life or universe created by chance (Ephesians 4:14). The bible is the truth (John 17:17), the mind of Christ (1 Corinthians 2:16), so if we doubt any piece or section of it then how can we truelly say we believe in the work of the Lord Jesus Christ or any other part of the bible. If I am to trust God for my salvation from sin to eternal life, then I need to trust all of his word not just the parts that fit my view point.

Time and Place

Another aspect of my vision is architecture, the urban and rural environment in time and place. Although nature and architecture differ, one being random and chaotic the other structured and manicured, both are similar with architectural concepts often borrowed from the natural world. The vision though is always the same, to reveal the spirit of place or object.

We design our world to integrate with or reflect the natural world. A modified artificial form of nature driven by fashion, necessity and technology, trying to keep pure that, which nature never rests to dissolve. In this context there lies a different kind of beauty, of nostalgic memories, of old and new. it brings to mind our strengths and mortality, and also of the force of nature, be it subtle or powerful. It brings to mind that there is truelly only one constant, God, the same yesterday, today and tomorrow (Hebrews 13:6).