Che at Manhattan Square Park [Photo: Matthew McArdle]
You’ve met several Che Holloway several times. An aspiring and successful actor, Che is deeply immersed in the Rochester cultural scene. So much so, we’ve named him Che of The Town!
Che from Rochester works for Che Holloway
Exclusively for Talker, Che has solicited and is conducting interviews from about 50 Rochestarians working in a diversity of creative fields.
So far, he interviewed Britton Bradford, a professional basketball player, visual artist and occasional actor and model who graduated from the School of the Arts, Josh Pies, a local cinematographer and Executive Producer, Creative Director and Head Writer at C47 Film Associates and Tom Tubiolo, a local artist.
All photos provided by Matthew McArdle
Today Che profiles Matthew McArdle, a freelance photographer based in downtown Rochester.
Matthew is well known for his ability to spot and capture tender, natural moments as well as his well received Body Positivity Campaign. The Body Positivity Campaign is a platform where you get to open up and share situations that you went through and overcame, in order to uplift and empower people who encountered or endured a similar situation.
Matthew McArdle; A Photographer inspiring and creating through Body Positivity
Q. Tell us a little about yourself! Where did you grow up? What school did you attend?
I grew up in Pittsford, NY, graduating from Pittsford Mendon in 2010. In May, I will receive a degree in Business Management from Nazareth College.
Q. How did you begin your endeavors in being a photographer? When was the moment you knew Photography is what you wanted to do?
I started in the photography world in front of the camera. Modeling quickly became a non-fulfilling experience but I enjoyed creating an artistic piece with the photographer shooting me. Before I knew it, I was asking technical photography questions and requesting more input during projects. Eventually, I wanted to create the images and no longer be in them.
Q. Talk about a time where you have faced adversity and triumphed.
Overcoming sexual assault at a young age and an eating disorder that manifested later in life inspire my photography. My pieces usually accompany the story of my subject sharing how they have overcome diversity.
Q. Do you have any other interests or hobbies you would like to share?
I love music, dogs, tattoos and sharing new experiences with those I care about.”
Q. What are you working on currently?
I am currently working on expanding my body positivity series to include other types of stories such as cancer survival etc.
Q. Where would you like to see yourself in 5 years?
I would like to see myself continuing photography in a non professional way. It is a source of joy for me and I can’t see myself working for someone else taking photos. These types of series are things I will be working on for the rest of my life.
Q. What advice can you give to aspiring photographers trying to make a name for themselves?
If you are an aspiring photographer thinking about entering the industry to make a living, please keep in mind that the business side of things may not be what you think. When someone is paying you for a job, their vision is what matters, not yours. It is your responsibility to please your client which may mean giving up parts of photography that inspired you to get into the industry in the first place.
Q. How can we follow along in your journey? Any social media links?
I post on facebook and instagram frequently. (Matthew McArdle/@matthewjamesmcardle). My portfolio is also housed at Matthewjamesmcardle.com
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