We had the good fortune of connecting with Tim Mattimore and we’ve shared our conversation below.
Hi Tim, what role has risk played in your life or career?
I think that risk is something that has to be measured. There are so many different kinds of risk we can chose to take or not to when it comes to life and our careers, all with varying degrees of impact and reward. I recently walked away from a career in the Advertising Industry to pursue my passions in Photography, and certainly considered the risks associated with departing a career that I had been a part of for 27 years.
For me, the paycheck was no longer validating the level of stress and anxiety that were such a massive part of the job – the physical and mental fatigue were things that I could no longer make excuses for. So, here I am – taking a big risk and walking away from steady paychecks and jumping into a heavily competitive photography field. But, I think that the other option of sticking around a career that might kill me we well worth taking.
Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I recently left a career in Advertising to pursue my passion in Photography, which has filled me with fear and anxiety about the future, but after 25+ years in the industry, I decided to take a leap, find better balance in my life and to continue to grow in a field that I am so excited by.
I know I’m not unique in asking the question that so many Photographers have asked themselves over the years, “Why the hell am I doing this?” Or, more specifically, “Why am I standing in the freezing cold at 5am, hoping that these clouds will lift?” “Why am I driving 16 hours to sleep in the back of my truck for the next 4 nights in below-freezing temps?”
I’ve been pondering these questions amongst many others, trying to uncover the reasons why I am diving into this extremely competitive creative industry. And although the answer may still not be fully realized, I’ve begun to understand at least one of the reasons why I am so passionate about this art form.
After a decades long struggle with addiction, I had my last drink on May 9th, 2015. As you can imagine, when you get sober, the time you spent under the influence is now freed up. I struggled with this newfound time on my hands – oceans of it – as do most folks in recovery, so I decided to get back into the arts – the thing that I had abandoned for so long.
I went back to my roots, and joined a fine art gallery in Detroit where I was living at the time. I started with life drawing, then moved into illustrating gig posters for artists like The 1975, Chevelle, David Blaine and Bleachers to name a few… I had rediscovered an outlet that had long been dormant in my life.
From there, I discovered photography in 2018. A craft that I had never really dabbled in, aside from a course or two in college – which I barely passed if memory serves me correctly.
After a trip to Iceland in late 2018, Landscape Photography began to take on a larger role in my life. I was still very much working in the Ad Industry, but spending every bit of free time learning the craft and spending as much time as possible out in the field shooting. I have been lucky enough to spend time in Iceland, Patagonia as well as many of the incredible State and National Parks that the US has to offer…
But, the larger question still remains, “Why am I doing this?”
What I’ve come to realize is that photography is not just about capturing beautiful images to share it with the world. It’s not just about sharing my own unique POV on nature and wildlife. It’s a healing process – for me at least.
It’s a way to work through some of the trauma I’ve experienced and tried unsuccessfully to medicate with drugs and alcohol for so many years.
If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I recently moved from Chicago to the Northwoods of Minnesota. A remote cabin in Superior National Forest, far from the bustling city streets of the Midwest’s largest metropolis.
If you have a love of nature, hiking and the outdoors, I would take you to so many places along the Lake Superior shoreline.
From the picturesque and historical Split Rock Lighthouse, to the gorgeous Two Step and High Falls on the Baptism River in Tettegouche State Park. I would take you to some of my favorite beaches and sea stacks along the shoreline. I would show you some of what the wonderful city of Grand Marais has to offer with its amazing food and art scene. And I would definitely take you to Betty’s Pies in Two Harbors if you’ve got a sweet tooth…
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?
I want to give this shout out to my wife, Johannah Scarlet.
My wife is not only my partner in life and someone who shares a love of the arts, nature and wildlife as well as a great true crime documentary, but someone who is an incredibly talented producer in the advertising industry as well as a gifted writer and mentor to those she works with…
She is kind and generous with her time, always. She is always there helping people who are coming up in the advertising and film industries. She generously shares her time and gives tarot readings, donating the funds to support the indigenous communities in the Northern Minnesota area.
She’s a spitfire, a genuine article, a fantastic chef, a wonderful daughter and sister and the greatest partner I could ever ask for.
Website: timmattimore.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tim_mattimore/
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/timothy-mattimore-9424546/
Image Credits
All images ©TimMattimorePhotography