He's been called crazy, unique, fun loving, a renaissance man, and other things not fit to put in writing on a public site. Whatever you call him, when you find out he was born on the Virgo/Leo cusp, it all makes sense. Holding degrees in Legal Administration, Mass Communication, and Political Rhetoric, but continually pursuing interests in the arts including ballet, singing, acting, and poetry writing, Mathew has developed a persona that is precise and logical but quirky and sometimes over-the-top. Mathew's various talents have landed him several TV spots and commercials along with various modeling opportunities. Always one to exercise his creative gene, his interest in photography, fashion, and make-up was first sparked when he began a project combining his poetry with visual images to create a book for friends and family. Hired by Septien Entertainment Group in 2004 as Director of Artist Development, he put his unique abilities to use creating marketable images for upcoming artists. Mathew's education and experience combine to make him a photographer and stylists with a certain knack for creating unique images that capture the artistry and personality of those he photographs.

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11th March 2009

Photo

Photo shoots are always unpredictable! There are so many factors that add to the excitement and “OH! @#$%?” moments including models, make-up, hair, weather, passive aggressive swans, and egocentric peacocks.Growing up in the deep south, I am used to being around ducks and other sorts of water fowl who typically flee at the presence of any humans. I had heard various stories and have seen (I am a fan of “America’s Funniest Home Videos”) that geese and swans can be particular aggressive. Shooting this particular day at a park in Dallas offered me first hand experience with this beautiful but easily agitated creature. As I was shooting my subject (a very kind and astute author), I placed my leg over a retaining wall onto a rock in a small pond about a foot from the shore . I noticed the swan in the distance. For a moment, I entertained snapping a photo but since I didn’t have my zoom lens on the camera and I didn’t want to stop to change the lens, I continued shooting my subject with my back turned to the pond and my impending aggressor who was already on his way to introduce himself. I few clicks into the shoot, I heard my author, in a very foreboding, yet scholarly tone state, “I think you should probably remove yourself from the pond.” I turned to see the swan living up to its reputation!Its wings were slightly raised in red alert mode; Its head and beak were lowered in a very “I’m going to kick your!” manner; Its eyes were locked on the intended target, me; and, it moved with the determination of Paula Abdul going after a chemically enhanced diet coke. Before I knew it, he was only a few feet from me. I managed to snap one shot as I was throwing my leg over the retaining wall and moving as quickly as I could from the swan’s territory. I am assuming he was pleased with his accomplishment as he stopped short of exiting the pond for a full on physical confrontation. As for the picture I snapped, well, he signed a release as long as I agreed to send him a copy.Peacocks tend to live up to there reputation as well. While on another shoot at a horse stable in White Rock, this fella decided that he needed a picture of his own. I noticed him as I was walking by and continued past him figuring there was no way I would get him to fan his plumage. He, however, noticed the camera.On the way to our next shoot location, I got the strange feeling I was being followed. A very uneasy glance over my shoulder proved me right. Given my experience with the swan, my immediate thought was, “What is it with me and the fowl of the earth. Is there a conspiracy against me? Am I on a most wanted list hanging in the wise owl’s tree trunk?” Just as I was about to break into a sprint, the peacock stopped, straightened his neck, cleared his throat, turned his profile to me, and fanned his feathers. I am sure I heard him say, in a very british accent, “Dear sir, I am now ready for my portrait!”. I laughed and snapped away as he posed as if it was a common and very natural part of his life to be in front of camera. In all honesty, he was easier to shoot than most models. He followed directions incredibly well and did a fabulous job with his make-up! He signed the release and introduced me to his intended mate. It was a delightful time had by all.

Photo shoots are always unpredictable! There are so many factors that add to the excitement and “OH! @#$%?” moments including models, make-up, hair, weather, passive aggressive swans, and egocentric peacocks.

Growing up in the deep south, I am used to being around ducks and other sorts of water fowl who typically flee at the presence of any humans. I had heard various stories and have seen (I am a fan of “America’s Funniest Home Videos”) that geese and swans can be particular aggressive. Shooting this particular day at a park in Dallas offered me first hand experience with this beautiful but easily agitated creature.

As I was shooting my subject (a very kind and astute author), I placed my leg over a retaining wall onto a rock in a small pond about a foot from the shore . I noticed the swan in the distance. For a moment, I entertained snapping a photo but since I didn’t have my zoom lens on the camera and I didn’t want to stop to change the lens, I continued shooting my subject with my back turned to the pond and my impending aggressor who was already on his way to introduce himself. I few clicks into the shoot, I heard my author, in a very foreboding, yet scholarly tone state, “I think you should probably remove yourself from the pond.” I turned to see the swan living up to its reputation!

Its wings were slightly raised in red alert mode; Its head and beak were lowered in a very “I’m going to kick your!” manner; Its eyes were locked on the intended target, me; and, it moved with the determination of Paula Abdul going after a chemically enhanced diet coke. Before I knew it, he was only a few feet from me. I managed to snap one shot as I was throwing my leg over the retaining wall and moving as quickly as I could from the swan’s territory. I am assuming he was pleased with his accomplishment as he stopped short of exiting the pond for a full on physical confrontation. As for the picture I snapped, well, he signed a release as long as I agreed to send him a copy.

Peacocks tend to live up to there reputation as well. While on another shoot at a horse stable in White Rock, this fella decided that he needed a picture of his own. I noticed him as I was walking by and continued past him figuring there was no way I would get him to fan his plumage. He, however, noticed the camera.

On the way to our next shoot location, I got the strange feeling I was being followed. A very uneasy glance over my shoulder proved me right. Given my experience with the swan, my immediate thought was, “What is it with me and the fowl of the earth. Is there a conspiracy against me? Am I on a most wanted list hanging in the wise owl’s tree trunk?” Just as I was about to break into a sprint, the peacock stopped, straightened his neck, cleared his throat, turned his profile to me, and fanned his feathers. I am sure I heard him say, in a very british accent, “Dear sir, I am now ready for my portrait!”. I laughed and snapped away as he posed as if it was a common and very natural part of his life to be in front of camera. In all honesty, he was easier to shoot than most models. He followed directions incredibly well and did a fabulous job with his make-up! He signed the release and introduced me to his intended mate. It was a delightful time had by all.

Tagged: DallasPhotographyJ. Mathew Butler