Meet Matt Gaydos | Photographer

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

Hi Matt, why did you pursue a creative career?
I didn’t originally pursue a creative or artistic career, at least in college, but it became pretty clear early on that it was going to be impossible not to go that route. You grow up in a household with photography, drawing, painting, music, etc., and eventually that creative bug wins over.

It’s a bit of an unknown, but for me that’s what’s also the exciting part. You have people hiring you and wanting to work with you to put your vision and your ideas to whatever medium it may be. For me, that’s photography. Everyone’s creative process is different, and it can be challenging at times, but starting with a blank canvas each time keeps me going.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
Wedding photography, and the wedding industry as a whole, is a people business first. Of course you have to have complete command and knowledge of your equipment, but without being able to work with people, you’re done in this industry. I’ve been able to continue this for almost twenty years, and with minimal to no marketing aside from happy people spreading the word, and that means everything to me.

Growing up I never was one to be overly outgoing, so it’s hard for me to believe sometimes that now I walk into a room with 25 people I’ve never met, in a city I’ve never been to, and have them look at me and say, “ok, now what?”. Basically every wedding is the same. You get ready, you get married, you take photos, you have a party. But every week, and every season, the people change, and working with different personalities in different locations is my favorite part.

It’s been an adventure. I’ve had destination weddings be full washouts, I’ve had lenses freeze up while the bride was walking down the aisle, a pandemic that required me to drive to Texas from Pittsburgh, Valentine’s Day blizzards, and so many things that may make you second guess this career that basically requires perfection no matter the circumstances. But being able to take it all on with a genuine joy and desire to continually improve as a creative is how I’ll always present myself to my clients, and what they can expect.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
My favorite things to do are outside of the city. But if I had a week, I’d split the difference. In and around downtown Pittsburgh for a few days you can’t have a visitor from out of town and not spend time in Point State Park or up on Mt. Washington. To check off the rest of the complete PITTSBURGH list, you need a trip to the strip district, grab a sandwich at the original Primanti’s, and catch a Steelers or Pirates game, depending on the season. Definitely catch a concert at one of the many venues around, Mr. Smalls, Club Cafe, Stage AE, or Star Lake depending on what type of show you’re in the mood for.

The rest of the time we’re headed out away from town to enjoy the scenery in Ohiopyle State Park, where I spend most of my off time in the summer. Kayaking, fishing, and lunches and dinners at Falls City Pub and Ohiopyle House Cafe,

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Aside from all of the many wonderful people in my life, family and friends who have supported and continue to support me along the way, this nearly twenty year adventure in wedding photography doesn’t happen without one person in particular, one of my closest friends, Josh.

Way back around 2005, when I was working as a graphic designer and only into photography as a hobby, he asked if I’d shoot a wedding. At this time my portfolio consisted of photos of sunsets, ducks, and airplanes. After some back and forth I agreed to shoot the wedding for free, because curiosity and the challenge was too strong.

I spent the next several months studying, using what personal credit lines I had to properly gear up, and eventually shot the wedding. By the end of the night I knew this is what I wanted to do, and have done so for hundreds and hundreds of weddings since then. So Josh, thanks. That commission check’s coming.

Website: www.mattgaydos.com

Instagram: www.instagram.com/magaydos