Meet Matt Blum | Author & Photographer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Matt Blum and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Matt, other than deciding to work for yourself, what was the single most important decision you made that contributed to your success?
Honestly? Choosing to bet on myself. That might sound cliché, but it’s the truth. I stopped waiting for permission, for the “right time,” or for someone else to tell me I was good enough. I realized that no one was coming to save me or hand me a golden ticket, so I had to take risks, trust my gut, and put myself out there—failures and all. It wasn’t always pretty, but it made all the difference.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
My work has always been about connection—whether it’s through photography, writing, or both. As a photographer, I focus on creating images that feel raw, timeless, and deeply human, capturing moments that tell a story and resonate on a soul level. As a writer, I channel that same honesty into my words, whether I’m recounting personal failures in Failing Upward or diving into new creative ventures.

What sets me apart? I think it’s my willingness to lean into vulnerability. I don’t shy away from the messy, imperfect parts of life—in fact, I think those are where the magic is. My proudest moments come when someone tells me my work made them feel seen, understood, or inspired to take a leap of their own.

Getting here hasn’t been easy. My journey has been a series of wrong turns, self-doubt, and falling flat on my face more times than I care to count. But every failure taught me something valuable and shaped the person and creator I am today. Overcoming those challenges meant embracing the lessons hidden in the struggle and surrounding myself with people who believed in me when I couldn’t believe in myself.

The biggest lesson I’ve learned is that nothing worthwhile comes without risk. You have to be willing to bet on yourself, take the leap, and accept that failure is part of the process. If there’s one thing I want the world to know about my work, it’s that it’s real. It’s messy, it’s honest, and it’s driven by a relentless curiosity about what it means to be human. My brand isn’t about perfection—it’s about finding the beauty in imperfection and chasing authenticity in everything I create.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
If they’re visiting me in Dallas:
Welcome to the land where everything’s bigger, including the flavors. We’d kick off the week at El Jordan Café, a little Tex-Mex gem where breakfast is potatoes and eggs wrapped in a stack of fresh tortillas—or really, whatever Mexican favorite catches your eye. It’s simple, authentic, and the perfect start to the day. Lunch? Bubba’s in Snyder Plaza for Southern comfort food that tastes like a hug from your grandma—think fried chicken so good it could bring a tear to your eye. Just be warned: a post-lunch nap will be calling your name.

Dinner is all about barbecue, and while Dallas has no shortage of contenders, Terry Black’s in Deep Ellum takes the crown. Bring your appetite and prepare to worship at the altar of brisket. Evenings here have options depending on the vibe: cold beers and burgers at Adair’s Saloon, live music at Trees where legends are made, or, if we’re feeling fancy, cocktails at Black Swan, where Gabe Sanchez will mix you something so perfect you’ll wonder if he’s actually part wizard.

If they’re visiting me in Barcelona:
Bienvenidos to my favorite corner of the world. We’d start the week with a leisurely morning at Granja Dulcinea, savoring churros and thick, rich Spanish hot chocolate. From there, we’d stroll through the Gothic Quarter, getting lost in its labyrinthine streets before emerging at the steps of the Barcelona Cathedral. Lunch? Tapas at Euskal Etxea in El Born—order the pintxos, thank me later.

The afternoons here are sacred, so we’d siesta or hit Barceloneta Beach for tinto de verano and sun. Evenings are all about the energy. Dinner at Cerveseria Catalana for endless tapas and a few too many glasses of cava. Then, we’d head up to Bunkers del Carmel for a bottle of wine and the best view of the city at sunset. Somewhere between the laughter and the lights of the city below, you’ll realize why I fell in love with this place.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
Absolutely. No success is truly a solo journey, and I owe a massive shoutout to my wife. She’s been my rock, my sounding board, and my biggest cheerleader, even when I doubted myself. My parents also deserve credit for instilling a work ethic and the stubbornness to chase after what I want, no matter how crazy it seemed. And I can’t forget the incredible mentors I’ve had along the way—people who shared their wisdom, took chances on me, and reminded me that failing isn’t the end, it’s just part of the process. Lastly, to every single person who’s ever believed in my work, picked up one of my books, or supported my photography: thank you. You’ve been fuel for my fire.

Website: https://www.blumphotography.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/blumphotography

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/mattblumphotography

Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/blumphotography

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mattblumphotos

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/mattblum

Other: www.tiktok.com/mattblum
For the book: www.GetFailing.com