I’ll start this off by saying this is a total personal blog post. Part of the reason I started this blog was so I could post personal things too. So if you’re after Photoshop, Lightroom or photography stuff then skip this one 🙂
So…last week I had my yearly physical, but I went to a new doctor. The nurse came in first to take my weight, blood pressure and all that, and then went over my medical history. Something came up that happened 10 years ago, and she asked how old I was when it happened. I said 30. Then she looked at my birthdate and said “Look at you… you’ve got a big birthday coming up in a few days”. That day is today.
She then proceeded to tell me that she was 33 and that her 30th birthday seemed so far gone. She asked whether or not 30 felt like it was a long time ago for me. I told her no. That I could remember exactly what I did for my 30th birthday. I remember exactly who I was with, where we went, where we ate, what we did after. I remember that my wife was 7 months pregnant with my 2nd son, and that she volunteered to be the designated driver with a group of friends, should we decide to partake in various spirits throughout the night. While she did indeed drive as we embarked on a fun evening out, she called it a night around 1am and encouraged me to to stay out with my friends a while longer. My mother always told me never to argue with a pregnant woman so I didn’t 🙂
Anyway, it got me thinking about the last 10 years and how things have changed. I think, because what I teach is such a personal passion to so many people, I get plenty of personal questions in addition to the usual Photoshop and photography ones. So I just thought it would be cool to share the last 10 years of my life (something I’ve never done). Hopefully you’ll find it mildly interesting and maybe even helpful
Here Goes Nuthin’:
• First and foremost, I’m most proud of raising two young amazing sons to 10-ish years old (one is 11 and the other is 9). They’re the most amazing boys a dad could ever wish for. I’m incredibly proud of each of them, and it’s been one crazy ride watching them grow up so far. I can only imagine what the future will hold. But right now, Dad seems to be their hero and I love the ages they’re at, so I’m not rushing it.
• Back in 2003, when I turned 30 I was seriously trying to write a book (I had been for years before that). It was always a dream of mine to be a writer, and I was submitting my Photoshop book proposals to anyone that would accept. I’d been rejected many times by that point. But a few months after turning 30, I got my first book deal (on an Illustrator book oddly enough).
• Since turning 30, I’ve now authored or co-authored over 15 books (new books as well as new editions). Several have even been best-sellers and my Photoshop Compositing book actually made it to the Amazon Editors Top 10 Picks of the year for 2011. Many of the books you probably never heard of, and it wasn’t until the last 4-5 books I’ve written that I actually started hearing people say “I have your book!”. Even better, “I have your book and it’s helped me tremendously!”. It took a while, but what a rewarding thing to hear.
• My books have been translated into over 12 languages around the world.
• Years ago, I remember watching my kids at a Taekwondo martial arts class. I’d always wanted to practice martial arts and hopefully get my black belt one day. It was at that moment I realized I should just do it. So I did. I joined a school and have practiced Taekwondo 4-5 times per week since then. I earned my 1st degree black belt back in October of 2011, and am currently working on my 2nd degree.
• Being an (extremely) competitive person, I wasn’t able to get into Taekwondo without getting into competitions. I’m very proud to report that in 2012 I won the Florida State Champion title in all 3 categories that it’s availble (Sparring, Forms, and Weapons – the triple crown as they call it), for the 30-39 age group.
• I’m equally happy to have made it to the World Championship tournament last June for the sparring competition. That’s where the top 10 men in my 30-39 age group (in the world) are put together to compete. I made it to the final round against the only guy who had ever beaten me to date. We had a great fight and it could have gone either way. He was an excellent fighter though, and pulled ahead to win by a point. I’m usually very competitive, and 2nd place might as well be 100th place to me. But this is a 2nd place medal that I hang proudly in my office at home.
• I ran two 26 mile marathons in my 30’s. I’d even go as far to say that I’m now in better shape today, than when I was 20.
• 10 years ago you couldn’t find a saw in my garage. Today, my wife and I have proudly installed 2 wood floors and crown molding throughout our house (the first wood floor got flooded by the washing machine so we had to install another one) 😉
• All of the photos in my photography portfolio have been taken in while I was in my 30’s.
• I’ve had the wonderful opportunity to travel to nearly all 50 states (there’s only 6 I haven’t been to) and many international trips as well. Even better I’ve gotten to bring my family to some of these places and show my kids that there’s more to the world than beaches and palm trees (even though we love our beaches and palm trees) 🙂
• 10 years ago I was writing code in ASP, C++, Visual Basic, and SQL Server, as well as developing interfaces for web applications. I was doing all of my photography and Photoshop work/writing/teaching on the side at night and on my own time. 9 years ago I got a call from the HR person at Kelby Media Group. The next day I was in an interview with Scott. The day after that I got a job offer for the job of my dreams. I had no idea what I’d really be doing, or where it would lead, but I jumped at it and it’s been the most rewarding career I could have ever dreamed of.
• I now have some uncountable number of online courses, articles, training DVDs and even have my own Lightroom seminar tour that travels around the country. I never thought I’d have the opportunities to share my training with people like I have.
• 10 years ago I was an attendee at Photoshop World. Today I’m an instructor and will teach at my 17th Photoshop World this April.
• I got to be a part of one of the first ever and most successful Photoshop training webcasts out there (Photoshop TV). To give you an idea, when I started 9 years ago, we had something called Photoshop Radio and it was an audio only podcast. Pretty crazy to even think that we used to teach Photoshop without actually showing Photoshop. Now, years later we’re still doing Photoshop TV and I still get to be a part of it.
• And finally, I’ve had the extreme pleasure of meeting and working with some of the finest people in the industry. People that 10 years ago I could have only dreamed to meet and work with. What a wild ride it’s been.
What’s Next?
So what’s next? I’m not really sure. Of course, family is first. I’m pretty sure some of the hardest years are ahead of me with my kids, so I’ll of course concentrate on that. I plan to continue writing books and making training videos. I’d love to travel more and continue to shoot beautiful landscapes around the world. My goal is to do what I can to get into some more remote places, and bring some truly unique photos to the world. I’d love to run a marathon in under 4-hours but I’m not sure I’m going to take running up again, so I may have to pass on that goal. I’ll continue with Taekwondo as long as I can. This will probably be my last competition year, as I have some hip problems (mostly hereditary), that can only be corrected with surgery. When I don’t train and compete at a high level, they don’t tend to bother me as much. So I may have to pull back to avoid a surgery, that doesn’t even have a guarantee of making me that much better. It’ll alleviate some of the pain I have, but that’s it and I’m not sure it’s all worth it. We’ll see. But man would I love to take home that World Championship this year.
Thank You!
As I mentioned earlier, 10 years ago I would have NEVER thought that I’d have these chances to share my training with people. Seriously, not in a million years. It’s crazy to see where just 10 quick years has taken me. And I owe it to all of you that are reading this, for giving me that opportunity. As much as I love photography and I love hearing people say they like one of my photos, there is absolutely nothing as rewarding as hearing some one tell me that my training has helped them achieve their photography and Photoshop visions and abilities. It is hands-down the best compliment anyone has ever given me.
Thanks for stopping by and, well, just thank you! 🙂
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I love teaching and photography... In that order. I feel that enjoying photography, and photo editing can get WAY too complicated. So my personal mission (and favorite thing to do), is to create education that simplifies the process of taking great photos, and how to edit them to get the results you’ve always wanted.
This is really inspiring. Thanks.
Sorry for being so late coming to the “party”. Happy 40th and best wishes for 40 + more.
Started listening, reading, and watching the PS guys at the beginning of your career just as I was ending my 2nd life (work as an Engineer) and entering my 3rd (a grampy).
Thank you for sharing your knowledge and bringing my photography to a whole new level.
On a personal note. Thanks for all you have done for me, and my work over these last few years. Between Corey and yourself, you have literally changed my life.
Happy birthday Matt, thanks for sharing, I have been following you, Scott, RC and the rest of the Kelby gang for years and I honestly believe that you all have had a huge impact on the growth and massive popularity of Photography, Photoshop and related passions, more so than you can probably imagine.
Good grief, you’ve done more in the last 10 years than most people do in a lifetime!
Matt,
I’m just catching up with stuff, so a belated happy birthday to you! And congratulations on your many accomplishments.
Last year (at 30) I had hip surgery. Good luck!
~Kristina J
Happy Birthday Matt! wonderful Blog here, loved it. I’m always referring people I know interested or have LR to watch or buy your books as have previous peeps have said here you have inspired and helped me take better photo’s cheers Bud
Thanks for sharing Matt! I’ve been following you and Scott now for about 4 years and I really enjoy your posts and LR info. 🙂 I also enjoy you guys on the Grid in the rare instance that I can catch a show!
Congrats on 10 great years, Matt. I am one of many that you have helped and inspired.
And BTW Matt I would really like to hear more about your transition from ASP, C++ to photography and design 🙂
Great post Matt, it’s inspiring to know how much you can accomplish and still make family your top priority. I’m expecting my first in a few weeks and can only hope for half the success you’ve had in your 30’s! Thanks for the time.
Matt, I am not sure if you have ever made it to West Virginia since I do not recall seeing any of your images from here. But I must tell you that West Virginia is one of the most amazing states in the union to photograph especially in the fall of the year. With hundreds of water falls, amazing colors, and untouched wilderness it is simply breath taking. I lead a group to the mountains each year called Fall Colors. Also a good friend “Randall Sanger”
that attends with me wrote the book “West Virginia Water Falls” available on Amazon.com. If you could find it in your busy schedule to work in a day or two I can promise you some locations that will allow you to create images of a lifetime. Take care, thanks for sharing. Mike Adkins – mike@mikeadkins.info
Happy birthday, Matt, from Spain! I’ve discover you a couple of months ago and i have become a big fan of you! Everyday I’m hoping to come home to watch one of your videos. I love the way you teach and i love your photos too, i mean your work, hahaha.
Thank you so much for sharing that way.
I’m also a programmer and i’ve been thinking lately i should have done what you did, to devote my life to my passion, the photography. I’m now 48, that’s too bad! Besides i realize you, guys, are so talented i don’t think i could make it!
Anyway, i’ll keep learning from you and your buddy, Scott. Don’t you, guys, ever stop doing what you do!
¡Viva NAPP, viva Kelby Media and viva la madre que te parió! (don’t get me wrong, it’s a compliment in spanish, although it’ll sound strange if translated into english, hahaha)
A full and fulfilling life.
Thanks Matt. I’m really grateful for all your work. What a great way to celebrate a birthday. Every blessing for the future.
Happy Birthday Matt! Thanks for sharing, and for all your great work!
So inspiring! Your generosity with knowledge, how often you touch others’ photography and careers, how much you cherish family and how humble you remain in light of all the good fortune and accomplishments…truly extraordinary. Can’t wait for your BD post in ten more years!!
Happy 40th Matt. You’ve accomplished a lot and I’m a very happy beneficiary of your work and teaching.
Larry
Happy Birthday and enjoyed getting to know a bit of personal stuff about you. That awesome about the Taekwondo and congrats on your achivement, bummer about the hips but it is what it is. Hope the best for you in the next ten and then some.
Great post, Matt. Happy 40th birthday. Your podcasts, books and Kelby training seminars/videos have certainly made a positive impact on my career – thank you. Wishing you continued success and prosperity.
OMG! Your story touched my heart! You are such a good person! Your books are on my desk next to my computer with lots of stickies on pages as reminders. You have taught me so much! You truly are an incredible instructor. Please don’t ever stop! I loved how you talked about your wife, your sons and it just made me think what an extraordinary person you really are.
Happy 40th Birthday to the best Photoshop/Lightroom writer, and instructor! Someday I hope to meet you at the World’s Photoshop as that would rock my world! Barbara
Awesome post today Matt! I’ll have my “big” birthday in a few months and I must tell you my last 10 yrs have been wildly different than yours, I was diagnosed with cancer just two weeks after I turned 30 and 3 months before our second child was born. It’s been a tough 10 yrs and I feel like my 30’s are a lost decade, but I’ve had time with my wonderful family that I wasn’t sure I would have 10 yrs ago and I found my passion for photography and all the wonderful things that goes with it, community, (online and in person) accomplishment, strength to do more than I thought I could ever do (although our basement bathroom still isn’t finished, do you do tile?) and I’m determined to not lose any more time. (just had my check up yesterday and although we’re waiting on labs it all looks good so far) Congrats on all your success it’s so very well deserved. Happy Birthday and “Thanks!” for all you’ve done for all of us in so many ways, I hope to get a chance to meet you some day and say it in person, but I have some of your books and they’ve helped me a ton!
Congrats Matt … you should be rightfully proud of what you’ve achieved 🙂
Awesome post today Matt! I’ll have my “big” birthday in a few months and I must tell you my last 10 yrs have been wildly different than yours, I was diagnosed with cancer just two weeks after I turned 30 and 3 months before our second child was born. It’s been a tough 10 yrs and I feel like my 30’s are a lost decade, but I’ve had time with my wonderful family that I wasn’t sure I would have 10 yrs ago and I found my passion for photography and all the wonderful things that goes with it, community, (online and in person) accomplishment, strength to do more than I thought I could ever do (although our basement bathroom still isn’t finished, do you do tile?) and I’m determined to not lose any more time. (just had my check up yesterday and although we’re waiting on labs it all looks good so far) Congrats on all your success it’s so very well deserved. Happy Birthday and “Thanks!” for all you’ve done for all of us in so many ways, I hope to get a chance to meet you some day and say it in person, but I have some of your books and they’ve helped me a ton!
Howard
Well done man! Is not this country great to provide us with opportunties to those that will just try. I wish you the best for the next 10 years and I will continue to follow you and the Kelby/NAPP group. All of you do make my day fun and very interesting in the world of photography.
Thanks, Jack
Happy Birthday Matt.
Awesome Blog today as always …Matt you and Kelby media have inspired me and kept me focused for my love of Photography. Happy Birthday and my wish is for you to have many more with your family and Kelby Media. Best Regards/Bob
Happy Birthday and may the next 10 years be as rewarding as the past ten. Thanks for this special blog.
Happy Birthday Matt! Very nice blog.
Your Lightroom seminar in Kansas City was terrific as is the time you spend on The Grid. We briefly talked during the KC seminar. I had just gotten back from Teton NP. I mention to you that there was quite a bit of smoke in the air but it didn’t seem to affect the image you shared with us. Anyway, have a wonderful birthday. I look forward to many more years of learning from you!
Happy Birthday Matt! We met at the LAX seminar and I have several of your books. The training you provide has truly enriched my life. I sit here at my desk and see a 30×40 canvas family portrait I took on vacation in Maui last year and your “fingerprints” are all over it! I was able to make the picture SO much better with your help (and the rest of the NAPP crew) that I had the confidence to get a large print done. So, thanks again and have a great year.
Happy Birthday and more grease to your elbows.
Happy Birthday, Matt! Thanks for sharing a quick look at your last ten years….quite amazing what you’ve experienced. It was our good luck that you said “yes” to Scott when he offered the job to you way back when! You’ve been a great teacher to all of us, whether online or in-person at your seminars.
I hope the next ten years are just as rewarding for you. We’ll be looking for an updated post when you hit 50! 🙂
–John
Loved the seminar in Atlanta last and looking forward to the Palouse workshop in June. Hope this is your best birthday ever.
Loved reading your words, Matt. And BTW…Happy Birthday. Regards/Roy.
Happy Birthday, and thanks for the encouragement you provide every day. Enjoy these next few years with your boys, even if it comes at the expense of personal accomplishment. The teen years can be so great and so rewarding, but they fly by!
HB Matt … yes, the challenges of raising children; enjoy each day!
Happy Birthday Matt! Sometimes you look back and see what life has brought to you, and then and only then you see how beautiful life can be!
Happy birthday, and congratulations on many great accomplishments.
Happy birthday and thank you for sharing this with us.
Happy Birthday and congrats on a great ten years. I hope the next ten are as unpredictable and successful as the last 10.
Happy birthday, and congratulations on many great accomplishments. It’s so refreshing to read something so positive and happy.
Happy Birthday Matt. What a great 10 years you’ve had. Here’s to another 10 more years of providing us all with knowledge and inspiration. As I approach my 78th birthday next week I will be looking forward to your books, presets, turtorials and all the other things you do for the photography community.
Happy Birthday Matt and Thank You for sharing yourself with us and for being such a good person.
Happy Birthday Matt! It was a pleasure meeting you in Austin. You have made a huge difference in my photography and I thank you for that. Kelby training was the best investment I ever made and I continue to tell everyone I know to check it out. Thanks for the advice on OnOne too, great software!
Happy Birthday Matt! Can’t wait to see what you do in the next 10 years!
I’m almost twice as old as you, but still use some of the Photoshop framing techniques you taught several years ago, thanks.
Happy Birthday… I’m a year behind you (just turned 39 last week). It is awesome to see your accomplishments. Congrats. I am always amazed at the caliber of people that Scott hires and surrounds himself with. You have helped me immensely over the years I have been in photography. Thank you for making me a better photographer and editor.
Thanks, Matt. You’ve made more difference to my photography than other writer.
Happy Birthday Matt! What a great story. It definitely re-inspires me to keep doing Photos and Videos in the hope that I too can quite writing software.
Happy birthday, Matt! You’re an inspiration in what you have accomplished in the last ten years, and how far you have come as a photographer and a person. You’re one of the reasons they say that 40 is the new 20. It’s always a joy to read your blog posts and to see you co-hosting on your KelbyTV shows. Maybe someday I’ll make it to a Photoshop World Expo to see you in person.
Cheers!
Happy Birthday Matt! That’s quite an amazing 10 years that have gone past with all the things you’ve accomplished – two great kids, 50 of 52 states, the change from coding to full time photography/instructor/writer, your black belt… An inspiring story for us all. All the best in your personal and photographic future ahead.
Have a very Happy Birthday, Matt; thank you for sharing and see you in Phoenix.
Guy Rolland
Congratulations, Matt, on a great Decade Of Your 30’s! Given that you could not have predicted at 30 all that transpired in the next 10 years, I imagine the next 10 will be just as awesome. Life can just keep getting better and better. I’m still taking on new and thrilling things in my 60’s so just think what’s on your path!
Happy Birthday Matt. All cool people have their B-day’s in February :). Amazing accomplishments, wishing you even better the second 40 years!
Happy Birthday Matt. Hope you have a wonderful day! You’ve taught me so much and helped start my journey with Lightroom. Remember version 1? Please come to Boston again soon!
Happy birthday, Matt. I can add my voice to say that not only have I bought a couple of your books, but I’ve really learned a lot from them and the other things you teach us. Thanks for sharing with us.
First off, Matt … Happy 40th Birthday, and thank you for a wonderful 6 years that you have inspired and taught me! You are an amazing young man to keep up with all that you do … I got tired just reading about what you’ve done and do! 🙂 I had to laugh that you are now celebrating 10 year stretches. I’ve done that since I turned 40. Each ten years on my Birthday I would run a mile for each 10 years, that is 4 miles for 40, 5 miles for 50. That lasted until I turn 70 … then I had to walk 7 miles instead of run … the old knees gave out. I’m glad you wrote this story today … it gives us all an insight to a Wonderful Father, Husband and fantastic Photographer and Teacher!! Thanks for all you do for me!
Dennis
Happy Birthday Matt! Thank you for all that you do.
Have a wonderful and happy birthday Matt. It is really our time to THANK YOU! And we do Thank You for all the wonderful and extremely informative years. Looking forward to many more.
Happy B-Day Matt and many more, Thanks for all the great acrticles.
Happy Birthday Matt! Enjoyed your post a lot.
Happy, Happy Birthday Matt. I am one of the ones you have helped so much in your last 10 years. I can’t WAIT to see what you have in store for us for the next 10 years!
Being able to relate honestly and clearly with people is a gift, thank you for sharing all that you do with all of us. Happy birthday
Great post! Happy Birthday Matt. Here’s to another 10 great years, can’t wait to read your blog then.
Happy Birthay Matt and thanks for sharing your thoughts on your 30s.
I’m in my early 30s right now, a programmer like you have been and passionate about photography. I still try to figure out what to do with that passion.
Your posts are a great inspiration and I love that you share your experience on a real personal level. I also like how you share your thoughts on the things that went wrong while shooting. It helps a lot.
Not to forget your LR presets. The HDR-presets you posted last are my most used presets so far and they are a great way to start with. I mostly use it and tweak the settings until it’s right.
Enjoy your birthday and the years to come.
Thomas
Happy birthday Matt and may all that comes supersede what has past.
I must say that finding your Lightroom tips changed my photography. And now you’re blog is the first page I open every morning after I check my e-mails.
Happy Birthday to you mate!!!
Reading over this post, your 30’s were quite something but hey take it from me…a 40 something (only just I hasten to add)…it gets better 🙂
Have a great day and here’s wishing you continued success in all areas of life for the next 10 years and beyond!
Cheers and see you soon,
Glyn
Happy birthday and I really love the work you are doing. It helped me to grow in my skills and passion so please continue 🙂
Even very interesting to read something personal from you. Hope you and your family will go very well, enjoy those moments because they are the fuel for the rest you (can) do!!!
Cheers Stefan
Matt, congratulations on your 40th Birthday and all the best for what is next! I think you deserve every bit of what has come to you over the past 10 years. Your sharing of knowledge and teaching is so wonderful that I read and watch as much as I can get of it. I really like what you are doing … continue the good work! See, my dream is to once in my life attend a Photoshop World and then I would wnat to walk up to and meet you in person /no Teakwondo then please 😉 And let me share one of my experiances with you. I’m 53 years old now and the years after 40 have been some of the best in my entire life, so you might have some great things in store for you as well. Enjoy every minute of it and continue the great work!
Remy, Switzerland
Happy 40th Matt! Enjoy your boys, they will grow up very quickly. I throughly enjoy your blogs and thanks to your LR seminar, I had my best photo weekend in Yosemite! Keep up the great work Matt!
Happy birthday! You’ve done a lot for 30. Thank you for sharing your photo experience with us all.
Happy birthday Matt, may God continue to richly bless you in the next 10 years. Charles Smith (Cape Town)
Matt, a very inspiring blog post here my friend! Congrats on a fantastic and productive 10 years! I enjoyed reading more about the man behind the face and voice I see on Kelby Training. Your life is an impressive resume’ that’s for sure. Keep up the good work buddy and I look forward to your LR seminar next month in Phoenix! Cheers.
Thank you so much for sharing that, Matt. Your story is a true inspiration to me, a photographer who is just getting his feet wet in commercial photography and has so many goals yet to be achieved. I hope you occasionally stop and realize how many people you have helped…not only people you have successfully taught the intricacies of Photoshop and Lightroom, but also provided inspiration to keep chugging along in what is an extremely competitive commercial industry. Keep up your amazing work!!