Matt Vardy
Matt Vardy (born June 4, 1987 in Grimsby, Ontario, Canada) is a young professional photographer who currently resides in Toronto, Ontario.
Matt Vardy has been shooting professionally since the age of 16 and specializes in commercial, wedding and portrait photography. He is perhaps best known for his presence in the music photography industry having worked with a number of North America's top producing pop rock bands and deejays such as illScarlett, Poison the Well, Breathe Carolina, Mobile, Nocturnal Me (formerly Cute Is What We Aim For), The All-American Rejects, MSTRKRFT and many more. He has also taken photos for a number of notable organizations like the National Ballet School of Canada, L'Oréal, University of Toronto and L'Occitane en Provence. Throughout 2008-09 Matt's work was published in a variety of media including Alternative Press, Elle (magazine), The Toronto Star, Chatelaine (magazine), The Globe and Mail, eTalk and on the home page of social networking giant MySpace.
History
A year after graduating from high school, students honored him as being a "Recent Famous Graduate" alongside Simon Chamberlain (pro snow boarder), the school also displays some of Matt's work in the Art Department corridors.
In February of 2006, Matt was hand selected by a panel of curators to exhibit landscape photographs alongside some of Ontario's top landscape photographers including Wilmot Blackhall , friend and colleague of master photographer Ansel Adams. In 2008, Matt was the official guest speaker at The Photography Club (TPC) at University of Toronto, teaching the basics of photography to aspiring photography enthusiasts.
Current
Matt has taught himself how to become an advanced digital artist, having only received formal training in film and darkroom techniques he taught himself how to adapt to today's digital world. He shares his knowledge and inspires other photographers within his own community by hosting live critiquing sessions and seminars via online streams.
Today Matt is working on further developing his commercial and wedding portfolios, as well as trying his hand at graphic design work. His work is often found in many of today's trend-setting blogs, webzines, magazines and artist websites around the globe.
Charity Involvement
Matt started a team fundraiser initiative in support of education in Africa via The Mocha Club.
He also proudly supports: Skate For Cancer, Love Everyday Clothing, and is a founding member of the Hope For the Sold campaign fighting against human trafficking for purposes of [...] exploitation.