Camper Spotlight: Matteo Golin

Matteo Golin is a talented young photographer who discovered his love for photography after attending one of our summer camps for the first time. He’s since joined us for a second summer, and although he’s still learning, his skills as a photographer have grown by leaps and bounds from when we first met him.

We recently caught up with him to find out more about how he got started, his aspirations as a photographer, and of course take a look at some of his photos!

When and how did you fall in love with photography?

I first got into photography when I signed up for a photography camp during the summer, just as something to do. There I learned the basics, and I became so in love with the concept that I received a camera for Christmas and took a GTA photography summer camp the following year. I continued to take pictures more and more often, constantly experimenting with new ideas, techniques and using inspiration from others in my work.

How would you define your photography style?

Right now, the way I would describe it is “experimental” and “abstract”. I’m still figuring out how to do certain things with my camera, and experimenting in all forms of media is helping me develop my skills.

What was your most memorable photoshoot or photograph?

My favourite photograph is one of the first good ones I took, and it was of a light on a Christmas tree. It wasn’t much, but the feeling of accomplishment from looking at that image (which turned out exactly as I had wanted) helped propel my love for photography and encouraged me to shoot more often.

Which piece of gear (lens, tripod etc.) is your favourite?

I currently have minimal gear, and I’m hoping for a new camera (the one I have has no interchangeable lens), so I’d say my favourite piece of gear is my camera, because it’s what allows me to create my art.

What’s your next photography purchase?

A camera with an interchangeable lens is definitely my next step, because different lenses will help me expand my shooting capacity and creativity.

What advice would you give to amateur photographers?

I know it sounds cliché, but just keep shooting! I’ve only been at it for two and a half years, and look at me, I’m featured by GTA photography! I also suggest starting an Instagram page and following other photographers so you can get inspiration for your own work and grow your community.

What workshops/courses have been your favourites and why?

My favourite workshop/course has been the Teen Camp 1 camp I took with GTA in 2017. It was my first real photography course, and everyone there was so helpful, encouraging, and eager to share their creativity!

Just so we can find out a bit more about the person behind the lens, could you tell us…

What’s your favourite dog breed? My favourite dog breed is the Miniature Schnauzer, but black labs are awesome too! All dogs are great anyway!

Where’s your dream vacation destination? I would love to visit Egypt someday. I have always been fascinated by the pyramids and rolling expanses of desert.

What’s your favourite movie? I can’t say I have a favourite, but I would definitely recommend Hidden Figures.

What you would do if you won the lottery? I would buy a new camera! Probably put some in savings for my education and a home (for later), and the rest would be donated to charity.

What you got for your last birthday? For my last birthday I got a bunch of books and some gift cards for Chapters.